return2sender develops PPWR-proof alternative to pallet wraps with support from Flemish government 

The new European PPWR regulations present companies with major packaging challenges. The European start-up return2sender, with support from VLAIO, is developing a reusable pallet wrap that offers a circular alternative to traditional wrapping film - one of the bottlenecks within the new legislation. 

The revision of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) also puts pressure on tertiary packaging such as pallet wrappers for the first time. Companies are increasingly expected to implement reusable solutions, but a workable alternative is often lacking. 

return2sender, a young Belgian company, is now working on a circular innovation: a reusable, industrial pallet wrapper designed for logistics processes with uniform pallet loads. The project - called CLiP (Closed-Loop Innovative Pallet wrapping) - was recently selected for VLAIO's Innovative Startups support. This support brings return2sender one step closer in their mission to make logistics packaging more sustainable, reusable and circular. 

"For many companies, wrapping film is a blind spot in their circular strategy. But just here, reuse offers a viable route," says CEO Willem Walravens. "Our solution is designed to meet the reuse targets under preparation within the PPWR as well as to offer load security according to the EUMOS 40509 standardization." 

Return2sender's reusable wrap targets a CO₂ reduction of more than 95% compared to classic stretch film. Moreover, the system contributes to the elimination of tons of plastic waste per year in B2B logistics. In addition to the physical wrap, the solution includes a return system, recovery service and optional tracking. This solution is fully in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, which is committed to a circular economy and drastically reducing the environmental impact of packaging in Europe. 

The start-up is working with Sirris and a network of social workshops and local manufacturing partners to make the system scalable and affordable. 

"return2sender was eligible for the Innovative Start-up grant thanks to a strongly substantiated project proposal, in which circularity is not approached as a later optimization, but is an integral part of the design and business model. We are delighted that 

this project was approved and wish the team every success in its further rollout," said Karl Verhelst, Business Development & Innovation manager at Sirris. 

"Return to sender, address unknown..." - Elvis Presley
But our packaging? Those always return cleanly. Circular, as they should be.