PPWR for stretch film: what changes when palletising
What the PPWR means for stretch film is now mandatory. Since 12 August 2026, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging applies across the EU with no national transposition, and film counts as transport packaging for anyone who makes, distributes or uses it.
Aerix Packaging · Technical team
The first good news for anyone who palletises arrived in May. Delegated Decision (EU) 2026/429, published on 6 May and in force since the 26th, exempts pallet wrap and straps from the 100% reuse target planned for shipments within a country or between sites of the same company or linked companies. In those flows the film will not have to be replaced by reusable systems, although it remains within the general target of 40% reusable transport packaging from 2030.
What does not change is the recycled-content timetable in article 7. Non-contact-sensitive plastic packaging, such as stretch film, must contain at least 35% post-consumer recycled plastic from 2030 and 65% in 2040. Film will also have to be recyclable, and since August every packaging item needs its declaration of conformity.
- 35%
- minimum post-consumer recycled plastic in stretch film from 2030
- 65%
- minimum required from 2040
For companies that palletise, 2030 is just around the corner in purchasing terms. It is worth testing films with recycled content now and checking on your own line that they keep the load stable, rather than waiting for the last quarter of 2029.
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