PPWR Stretch-wrap Guidance Exposes Contradictions Over When Film Becomes Packaging

Conflicting interpretations of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) have created uncertainty over when stretch wrap reaches its final form as packaging and which company is responsible for it. The European Commission’s latest PPWR frequently asked questions document, published on 3 August, says: “Stretch wrap for stabilization of packaged products on pallets should be considered packaging when it is sold on a roll, even if it is subsequently cut to wrap pallet loads.” The Commission published the FAQs less than two weeks before the general application of the PPWR on 12 August. Under that interpretation, which is not legally binding, cutting the film and wrapping a pallet amounts to using a finished packaging product. This is as opposed to the process of cutting and wrapping the film being the step required in completing its manufacture.

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