On 25 February 2026, the European Commission published a delegated act supplementing Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR). This act exempts economic operators using pallet wrappings and straps from the 100% reuse obligation that would apply from 2030 to transport between establishments of the same company or within the same Member State.

The PPWR provides for binding reuse targets for various transport packaging from 1 January 2030. In addition to a general target of 40% reusable packaging, an obligation for complete reuse was introduced for certain transport flows. Pallet wrappings and straps were also covered by this regulation. In practice, however, it became apparent that a switch to exclusively reusable systems would require considerable investment, including in adapted or double packaging lines, automation, IT and training. Moreover, the market for such reusable solutions is currently insufficiently developed to guarantee a broad and efficient roll-out.

According to the Commission's analysis, hundreds of thousands of logistics and industrial companies would face high adjustment costs. In order to avoid disproportionate economic consequences and possible disruptions in the supply chain, it was therefore decided to exempt pallet wrappings and straps from the 100% reuse obligation in Article 29(2) and (3) of the Regulation.

The exemption will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Other reuse targets within the PPWR remain unaffected. For companies, this means greater legal certainty and breathing space towards 2030, without compromising the broader European ambition on waste prevention and the circular economy.

IBE BVI members can obtain on simple request this delegated decision: click here.