The umbrella organisation for European plastics converters cites studies showing that single-use packaging has ecological and economic advantages over reusable packaging.

In a statement, European Plastics Converters (EuPC) calls on policymakers to reconsider the binding reuse targets for pallet packaging under Article 29 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Independent studies would have shown that reuse targets for plastic transport packaging could be counterproductive. EuPC commissioned two independent studies for the impact assessment: a comparative life cycle analysis by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU) and a study by the Brussels-based consulting institute RDC Environment on the economic impact. According to the information provided, the study examined eight critical sectors: agriculture, dairy, water, glass, cement, construction, retail and plastics. According to these two independent studies, the reusable packaging requirements under Article 29 of the PPWR could increase CO? emissions by up to 1,700 per cent and annual costs in the eight key sectors examined by 4.9 billion euros. The overall impact across the EU would be even greater, as these sectors represent only a fraction of the industries that rely on palletised goods, the report continues. Furthermore, according to the study's authors, most companies currently lack the infrastructure and logistics required for effective reuse systems. EuPC advocates excluding pallet wrap and strapping from Article 29 and instead mandating proven recyclable single-use solutions.

 

The full studies are available for download on the EuPC website and can be accessed via this link: Understanding the Impacts of Switching to Reusable Pallet Packaging

Sources:

• EuPC press release (9.7.2025)
• Photo: © Manh Le, unsplash.com (symbolic image)