"Project-Alliance Strapping Materials" fights for delegated act in the new EU packaging regulation

The Packaging and Packaging Waste RegulationPPWR) regulates the handling of packaging within the European Union and obliges EU member states to reduce their_{CO2 emissions} from packaging. The overarching goal is to minimize the use of plastics for packaging and to move from a linear use of crude oil - such as in the incineration of plastic waste - to a recycling cycle. This also includes Article 29, which defines strict requirements and quotas for the reuse of transport securing materials such as stretch films, pallet covers and strapping - and is the focus of the Alliance's efforts. "In principle, we support and welcome the PPWR, as it is in line with our philosophy and our goals for a more sustainable future and is committed to building a circular economy for strapping materials," says Dr. Martin Bussmann, Deputy Chairman of the Project Alliance Strapping and Head of Material Innovation at Mosca. "Nevertheless, we see an urgent need for action on Article 29 to ensure the safety of product transportation and to safeguard supply chains."

If the article remains unchanged, this could have a significant impact on established and safe logistics solutions from August 2026 - with serious consequences for safety and global supply chains, as Bussmann emphasizes: "The reuse of strapping bands poses considerable safety risks, as material fatigue weakens the stability of the transport packaging, which can cause pallets or parcels to slip or be damaged. Especially in dynamic applications such as emergency braking, this can be dangerous for both goods and people." To prevent this, Mosca has founded the strapping project alliance together with other companies such as Teufelberger, Fromm Plastics, Messersi, Sekisui Jushi, Embalcer, cpdesign and Green Tech.

Fact-based audits as the key to exemption approval

With the help of a comprehensive, scientifically sound position paper, the Alliance aims to demonstrate that strapping poses a significant safety risk when used repeatedly and is nevertheless more sustainable than alternative packaging solutions such as metal boxes - which is why an exemption for this type of transport securing is essential. "Only with independent research and pooled expertise can we create an evidence-based foundation that supports the political decision-making process in Brussels," says Dr. Bussmann.

The position paper is based on comprehensive, independent tests carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (IMWS), among others. The research team is examining various materials at a molecular level and analyzing how the material properties of the tapes change under stress during use and multiple use. "The initial results confirm our theory that reuse leads to material weaknesses and no longer guarantees the safety of the transport packaging. This is a key aspect that speaks for the exemption in order to guarantee safety at the end of a supply chain worldwide," explains Dr. Martin Bussmann.

A comparison of the sustainability of strapping

Another focus of the position paper is the sustainability balance of strapping. In a comprehensive life cycle analysis, strapping bands are compared with alternatives such as metal boxes or foldable transport crates. "The results so far show that strapping has a better_{carbon footprint} than heavier, reusable packaging solutions despite being used once," says Bussmann. "It is important to us to show in a measurable and scientifically sound way that our straps are not only safe, but also minimal packaging that is sustainable - even when compared to alternative solutions."

Once the tests and analyses have been completed in early 2025, the results will be reviewed by a European university to ensure their scientific validity. "The additional external review strengthens the credibility of our results and ensures transparency in our approach," says Bussmann.

The Alliance plans to present the position paper to political representatives in Brussels in mid-2025. "We hope to convince decision-makers of the need for a delegated act that recognizes strapping and wrapping materials as a safe and sustainable packaging solution and thus ensures the long-term use of strapping in transport packaging," summarizes Bussmann.