PPWR exception for stretch film: sustainability meets practicality
PPWR stretch films, reusable packaging, EU Packaging Directive
What is the PPWR and why is it relevant for packaging?
We fully support the objectives of the PPWR and actively promote the further development of a circular economy and the consistent use of recycled materials. The PPWR represents a key milestone for Europe: reducing packaging waste, increasing recycling rates and establishing a future-proof circular economy in line with the EU Green Deal. Ultimately, it is about lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
These are precisely the topics DUO PLAST AG has been working on for many years – because for us, films are designed to have more than one life.
Why we actively support the PPWR
The PPWR sets clear incentives for waste reduction and closed material loops. This is exactly where modern PE stretch films make a decisive contribution – outperforming any other widely used transport securing system currently on the market.
Our objective is clear: the solution that is both ecologically superior and operationally practical should prevail.
Why we actively engaged in the PPWR process – and specifically opposed Article 29(2) and (3).
In parallel, we were deeply involved in the European PPWR legislative process and played a key role in supporting the scientific evidence base. Together with the European association EuPC, we accompanied two independent studies that objectively compared single-use and reusable packaging systems.
The life cycle assessments (LCAs) we supported covered the entire value chain and explicitly considered load unit stability. Their findings are unequivocal: stretch films and stretch hoods offer substantial environmental advantages over reusable transport systems.
This fact-based work was instrumental in restoring planning certainty for our customers and in convincing the European Commission, through a delegated act, to exempt stretch films and stretch hoods from the 100% reuse requirement under Article 29(2) and (3).
You can also rely on us when it comes to shaping the remaining 40% reuse target under Article 29(1). We are already working closely with the industry and the Commission on a practical, low-bureaucracy implementation – ensuring maximum environmental benefit with minimal effort for our customers.
Our mission is to provide solutions that enable you, as a responsible company, to make a maximum contribution to circularity and CO₂ reduction with minimal operational complexity.
Scientific evidence: What do independent studies show?
DUO PLAST connects regulation, ecology and economic efficiency.
To substantiate our position, we commissioned an ISO-compliant life cycle assessment together with partners from our network and IFEU Heidelberg, conducted according to the highest scientific standards. The study was peer-reviewed and developed in full compliance with transport safety requirements in accordance with EUMOS 40509.
The entire life cycle (“cradle to grave”) was assessed – including raw materials, production, transport, end-of-life treatment and recycling.
The result:
Stretch film is the most environmentally friendly solution for transport securing – particularly when compared with paper-based stretch solutions and reusable transport boxes.
Theory vs. practice: Why less material often means more sustainability
CO₂ comparison per 1,000 kg of goods transported
- Reusable transport boxes already generate very high CO₂ emissions during production and cause additional emissions through return transport, cleaning and reverse logistics.
- Paper-based solutions require significantly more material to achieve the same level of load stability as recyclable stretch film – and more material inevitably results in higher CO₂ emissions.
- At present, paper stretch solutions cannot be produced using recycled material. Stretch film, by contrast, can – a decisive advantage in terms of circular economy performance.
The conclusion is clear:
Stretch film causes less than 10% of the emissions of reusable systems, even when end-of-life and disposal are taken into account.
Thanks to their precise adaptability to load dimensions, stretch films and stretch hoods also improve space utilisation within trucks. Lightweight single-use packaging enables higher payload efficiency compared to heavier reusable systems, thereby reducing transport-related emissions and costs.
Circular economy implementation – directly applicable in your company
PE stretch film is fully recyclable and already collected and recycled at scale. The resulting recyclate is of high material quality and is used to produce new stretch films – a functioning material loop that is already established in practice.
DUO PLAST already offers films containing 35% and 65% post-consumer recycled content (PCR). This enables you to achieve:
- a significant reduction of Scope 3 CO₂ emissions
- key prerequisite for meeting PPWR requirements
- a circular solution without changing your packaging system
Less material. Less weight. Fewer emissions.
Just a few grams of stretch film are sufficient to secure a pallet. A few kilograms stabilise an entire truckload.
- Extremely low material consumption
- Minimal transport emissions due to low weight
- Maximum payload utilisation through form-fitting load stabilisation
- Fewer transport damages and avoided re-shipments
- 100% recyclable and already available with PPWR-compliant PCR content
No other transport securing solution achieves this combination of material efficiency, carbon performance and safety.
Conclusion: Stretch film as a PPWR-compliant packaging solution
The European Commission has now confirmed that pallets secured with stretch films, stretch hoods and strapping are exempt from the reuse obligation. This applies to transports within a country as well as between affiliated companies within the EU.
This represents an important political signal. It confirms the scientifically proven advantages of stretch film and protects companies from an ecologically inferior, operationally unrealistic and costly mandatory conversion.
We will continue to actively advocate that the planned 40% reuse requirement under Article 29(1) only applies where it is environmentally sound, practically feasible and economically viable.
Our commitment to you
We support you in achieving PPWR compliance simply and without unnecessary bureaucracy:
- Sustainable solutions with measurable impact
- PPWR compliance without system change
- Scientifically validated, practice-oriented decision-making
- Support through expertise, data and experience
Together, we are shaping the transition towards a sustainable packaging future – efficiently, innovatively and responsibly.
Are you looking for a sustainable option?
we offer you a large selection of sustainable films in the usual DUO PLAST- quality with up to 65% post-consumer recyclate.
Do you have questions?
Please feel free to contact us. We will take care of your request at any time.
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