The reuse targets for pallet packaging under Article 29 of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) risk undermining the very goals they aim to achieve.
NEWS
Independent studies commissioned by the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) show that switching from recyclable single-use solutions to mandatory reuse systems could increase CO₂ emissions by up to 1700%. As a member of the EuPC, Trioworld encourages policymakers to exclude pallet wrap and straps from Article 29 and support scalable, recyclable single-use solutions already delivering results.
"The European industry needs the exemption of pallet packaging and straps from the reuse targets in the PPWR. The findings from the two reports clearly shows dramatic negative effects on cost and the environment. And I want to emphasize the fact that most companies lack the infrastructure and reverse logistics to make reuse viable, while exporters would face the burden of operating two separate packaging systems: one for the EU, and another for non-EU markets. It just does not make sense", says Andreas Malmberg, CEO of Trioworld Group.
Mandatory reuse targets for pallet packaging under Article 29 of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) risk undermining the very goals they aim to achieve. Independent studies commissioned by the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) reveal that switching from recyclable single-use solutions to mandatory reuse systems could increase CO₂ emissions by up to 1700% and impose €4.9 billion in additional annual costs on just eight key sectors — including retail and glass.
These figures likely underestimate the full impact, as many other sectors using palletized transport were not included. Most companies lack the infrastructure and reverse logistics to make reuse viable, while exporters would face the burden of operating two separate packaging systems: one for the EU, and another for non-EU markets.
EuPC therefore calls for the exclusion of pallet wrap and straps from Article 29, using the flexibility provided under Articles 29(18a) and 29(18c), and urges support for proven, recyclable single-use solutions aligned with circular economy objectives.
Read the EuPC comment and the reports on the EuPC webpage
The PPWR introduced reuse targets for packaging used for different applications, such as for transport and beverages, from 1 January 2030 and 2040.
EuPC represents 28 national associations and 18 sectoral organisations, forming a voice for the European plastics converters industry. The organization is located in Brussels.
The aim is to contribute to an open and fair trading environment for plastics converters in Europe, focusing on market development, regulation, issue management and trade.
Read more at the EuPC web page
The shift from single-use to mandatory reuse systems is expected to lead to a long-term increase in production costs, with impacts varying by product category.
According to the economic analysis, eight key industrial sectors — including retail, agriculture, cement, and glass — could face up to €4.9 billion in additional annual costs as a result of such systems. Some sectors would be particularly affected:
And these figures apply only to the eight sectors analysed, highlighting that the total cost across the entire economy would likely be significantly higher.
Source: EuPC