EC PROPOSES EXEMPTING PLASTIC WRAPPING FROM REUSE TARGETS
On 10 December, the Commission launched a four-week public feedback period on a draft Delegated Decision proposing to exempt economic operators from the 100% reuse requirements for pallet wrappings and straps, as outlined in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This consultation, which closes on 9 January 2026 offers stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the exemption, which aims to address the disproportionate economic and operational challenges businesses face in meeting the strict reuse targets.
CLECAT welcomes the draft, as it provides much-needed relief for an industry grappling with the high costs and practical difficulties of transitioning to fully reusable packaging by 2030. We consider that mandating 100% reusable pallet wrappings and straps by 2030 would impose excessive financial and logistical burdens on businesses, particularly SMEs. The Commission estimates that around 600,000 EU businesses could incur adaptation costs exceeding €610 million, primarily due to investments in new automated packaging systems, IT infrastructure, and staff training. CLECAT highlights that these costs, combined with potential supply chain disruptions, risk undermining the competitiveness of logistics providers.