In light of recent developments – including calls from a coalition of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and industry groups to exempt pallet wraps and straps from the reuse targets set out in Article 29 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – Reusable Packaging Europe (RPE) wishes to emphasise that such exemptions should not create a misleading perception regarding the availability and effectiveness of reusable alternatives in other packaging applications, namely reusable transport packaging.
While RPE acknowledges the ongoing debate around pallet wraps and straps, we caution against introducing exemptions based on broad or unsubstantiated claims that overlook existing solutions and proven best practices. Any decision must remain aligned with the PPWR’s core objectives: reducing packaging waste, conserving resources, and advancing a circular, competitive European economy.
In this context, RPE wishes to address a recurring argument within the coalition claiming that transport packaging is unsuitable for reuse simply because it comes into contact with food or other contents. This is false. Reusable transport packaging (RTP) is already widely and successfully used across the food and logistics sectors. In fact, reusable containers and crates have long been standard practice across many supply chains, including for fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat, baked goods, and other fresh produce. These solutions demonstrate that reuse is technically feasible and proven safe, efficient, and scalable.
Building on this, RPE believes that the reuse targets set out in Article 29(1) are not ambitious enough. Rather than rolling them back, the priority should be to support harmonised implementation across the EU and assist businesses in transitioning through innovation, investment, and clear technical guidance. The transition from single-use to RTP systems is not only viable – it is necessary to deliver measurable environmental benefits. A study[1] found that reusable plastic crates can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 88% and have 57% less energy consumption than single-use cardboard boxes. Similarly, the study stated that reusable wooden pallets use up to 70% less timber and emit 40–50% less CO₂ compared to non-reusable alternatives.
RTP also delivers long-term cost savings by reducing packaging purchases, extending the lifespan of products and minimising product damage. According to another study[2], damage rates in warehouses are 10–20% with single-use packaging versus 5–10% with reusable options. In stores, product loss can reach 20-30% with single-use packaging, while reusable options had a 5-10% rate, resulting in annual product loss costs of €95.45 million versus just €1.73 million. Overall, the great majority of scientific studies (76%) point to reusable packaging as the most environmentally friendly option compared to single-use, based on an analysis of life cycle assessments[3].
It is therefore crucial to recognise that RTP systems have a long-established and successful track record in Europe. These systems, which feature high return rates and robust operational efficiencies, have been integral to key European supply chains for decades. They exemplify the potential of circular economy principles in action, and their continued support is essential for meeting broader sustainability goals and improving the efficiency of supply chains across the region.
RPE strongly believes that the reuse targets for transport packaging should remain intact, particularly for RTP systems. The exemption of specific product categories like pallet wraps and straps must not undermine the broader goal of driving a more circular, sustainable packaging economy.
[1] Abejón, R., Bala, A., Vázquez-Rowe, I., Aldaco, R., & Fullana-i-Palmer, P. (2020). When plastic packaging should be preferred: Life cycle analysis of packages for fruit and vegetable distribution in the Spanish peninsular market. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 155, Article 104666. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104666
[2] Grammel, M.(2025). Determining the breakage rate of single-use and reusable crates in the fruit and vegetable range. Fraunhofer-Institute for Materialflow and Logistics.
[3] Zero Waste Europe (2020). Reusable vs single-use packaging a review of environmental impact.