EPAL supports the partial exemption of pallet wrappings and pallet straps from the provisions of the EU Packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR)

The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) applies to all types of packaging. This includes EPAL pallets as transport packaging, as well as pallet wrappings and pallet straps used to stabilise goods on pallets. The EU Commission has now proposed to partially exempt these pallet wrappings and pallet straps from the application of the PPWR because reusable alternative products are not available in sufficient quantities and at reasonable costs. EPAL supports this proposal.

Pallet wrappings and pallet straps are important components of pallet logistics. They are used to stabilise stacked boxes and other goods on pallets. This prevents goods from falling off and therefore serves to protect people and goods and avoid disruptions in automated logistics processes.

As with pallets, ambitious targets for the use of reusable packaging will also apply to pallet wrappings and pallet straps from 2030 onwards. According to Article 29(1) PPWR, a reuse rate of 40% applies to all supply chains. For supply chains between companies within a single enterprise (Article 29(2) PPWR) and within an EU Member State (Article 29(3) PPWR), a reuse rate of 100% even applies.

These targets can be easily achieved by using EPAL pallets. EPAL pallets can easily replace single-use pallets or plastic pallets that do not meet the requirements of the PPWR. The situation is different for pallet wrappings and pallet straps, however. 
There are currently few alternative solutions for pallet wrappings and pallet straps and no reuse system that corresponds, for example, to the organisation of the EPAL pallet pool. The European Commission therefore conducted a scientific study in 2025 to determine whether the 100% reuse target can be achieved for pallet wrappings and pallet straps.

As a member of the EU Commission's PPWR expert group, EPAL was also involved in this study and recommended an exemption for pallet wrappings and pallet straps in a detailed statement. This position has also been supported by numerous other industry associations. 
Following completion of the scientific study, the European Commission has now proposed that pallet wrappings and pallet straps be exempted from the 100% reuse target. However, the general target of a 40% reuse rate will continue to apply to pallet wrappings and pallet straps.
On 9 January 2026, EPAL issued a further statement to the European Commission in support of the proposed exemption for pallet wrappings and pallet straps. Instead of the 100% reuse target, the collection and recycling of pallet wrappings and pallet straps and the production of pallet wrappings and pallet straps from recycled material should be intensified.

 

Bernd Dörre, CEO of EPAL:

„Pallet wrappings and pallet straps are currently made predominantly from plastic and are only used once. It is therefore right to develop and promote alternative solutions. However, as long as there are no reusable pallet wrappings and pallet straps with identical properties, the use of conventional pallet wrappings and pallet straps must continue to be permitted. While reusable EPAL pallets can be used and reused without any problems instead of plastic pallets and disposable pallets, there is still no such alternative for pallet wrappings and pallet straps. Therefore, the reuse of pallet wrappings and pallet straps in the recycling sector must be improved. Used pallet wrappings and pallet straps must be collected and recycled, and the production of new pallet wrappings and pallet straps must be made from recycled material as much as possible."

 

Read the EPAL statement from 9 January 2026 here: