The European PPWR clarified the regulatory status of industrial process films
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which aims to strengthen the circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of packaging, clarified the regulatory status of industrial process films by differentiating them from packaging.
The official communication of the European Commission
30th March 2026, the European Commission published in the Official Journal of the European Union :
“As regards adhesive films used in the production processes of goods, they can be packaging or not depending on their function. Adhesive process films can be designed to enable or facilitate the transformation of raw or intermediate materials. If such films remain on the semi-finished products until their transformation and/or assemblage into subsequent semi-finished products or final products, and act as enablers of the manufacturing cycle and address distinct technical needs of such processes, they are not packaging under Article 3 (1) point ( 1) of PPWR.”
Novacel is the only industrial player, supported by the AFERA professional association, that has held discussions with the European Commission to remove any ambiguity regarding the regulatory status of industrial process films.
We therefore have demonstrated that:
• Process films play a decisive role in the environmental and economic optimisation of our customers’ industrial processes and those of their customers.
• Process films significantly reduce industrial waste. They therefore help reduce waste, consumption of resources, and the energy required for production, and consequently greenhouse gas emissions.
A significant step forward for our industries
The clarification provided by the European Commission is a significant step forward for our respective industries.
It is now up to all players in the sector to adopt appropriate terminology in the naming of their products and in their communications, both technical and commercial, to align with that of the European Commission.
To help our customers select the terminology appropriate to European regulations, we have labelled each of our films, papers, and adhesive tapes according to the uses for which they were designed:
• Industrial Process items (films, tapes, papers), which are NOT packaging
• OR Protective items (films, tapes, papers), which are packaging
Novacel 's commitments
We believe it is our responsibility, as a committed manufacturer, to actively contribute to the development of fair, operational regulatory frameworks adapted to industrial realities.
That is why Novacel is proud to have initiated these discussions with the European Commission and to have participated in this regulatory evolution.
Beyond this regulatory contribution, Novacel continues to work alongside its partners to meet the challenges of a responsible industrial transition in line with our CSR commitments: developing solutions that incorporate recycled or renewable materials, reducing our environmental footprint, ensuring people's safety, and establishing a sustainable regional presence.
Thanks to your trust and loyalty, as well as those of our partners, we are collectively moving towards a more responsible, more sustainable, and more resilient industry.
