The European Commission has published a delegated act granting an exemption for pallet wrap and straps from the 100% reuse obligation under the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). This was formalised in the decision of 25 February 2026.
What has changed?
Under Article 29 of the PPWR, reuse targets will apply from 1 January 2030 to transport packaging and certain sales packaging. Two levels are relevant:
1. General reuse target (Article 29(1))
From 2030, at least 40% of all transport and sales packaging combined must be reusable within a reuse system.
This 40% target applies collectively to, among others:
- Pallets
- Crates
- Foldable boxes
- IBCs
- Drums, jerrycans and buckets
- Including pallet wrap and straps as part of the total mix
2. 100% reuse obligation (Article 29(2) and (3))
For transport within the same company, between affiliated companies, or within a single Member State, a 100% reuse obligation applied to these types of packaging.
What has now been amended?
With the new delegated act, pallet wrap and straps are exempted from the 100% reuse obligation under Article 29(2) and (3).
The reasoning: the European Commission concluded that a full and immediate transition to 100% reusable wrap and straps would lead to disproportionately high investment costs and disruption of logistical processes.
What does this mean in practice for companies?
- Pallet wrap and straps no longer need to be reused on a one-to-one basis in internal or national B2B transport flows.
- The obligation to achieve at least 40% reusable transport and sales packaging from 1 January 2030 remains unchanged.
- Pallet wrap and straps still count towards the overall packaging mix under the 40% target.
In other words: pressure on full reusability for these specific packaging streams is reduced, but the structural transition towards reuse systems remains firmly in place.
Impact on plastics and circularity
This amendment may mean that certain films and straps will transition more slowly to fully reusable alternatives. At the same time, the broader reuse obligations for pallets, crates, IBCs and other transport packaging remain unchanged.
As a result, the strategic question for companies shifts from:
“Do we need to make everything reusable?”
to:
“How do we achieve the 40% reusable mix efficiently and cost-effectively?”
This is precisely where value chain collaboration becomes essential.
At CPA, we closely monitor these developments and support our members with:
- Interpretation of PPWR obligations
- Strategic decision-making around reuse systems
- Chain-wide collaboration and scalable solutions
The PPWR remains a strong driver for circularity. The rules are being refined, but the direction is clear.
Take the step towards sustainability.
Would you like to discuss the impact of this change on your organisation? Feel free to contact us.
