Legislation is increasingly driving sustainability in logistics and manufacturing. For businesses using plastic packaging, a major change is the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax revision effective from 1 April 2027.
Although many organisations know plastic packaging must contain at least 30 per cent recycled content, the rules are changing. Only post-consumer recycled (PCR) material will count toward the threshold, while pre-industrial recycled content (PIR) will no longer qualify. This change gives packaging users an opportunity to review materials and prepare in advance of the deadline.
What This Means for Strapping Users
Plastic strapping is an effective method for securing palletised loads and protecting goods throughout the supply chain. Meeting sustainability requirements while maintaining load security is now a growing priority for manufacturers, logistics providers, and distributors.
Businesses that do not meet the recycled content threshold may incur additional Plastic Packaging Tax costs. Buyers are therefore seeking packaging solutions that assure compliance without sacrificing operational performance.
Looking Beyond the Minimum Requirement
To support customer preparation, Mosca has introduced a new grey polypropylene strap with at least 35 per cent PCR content. By exceeding the 30 per cent threshold, the new strap helps businesses prepare for future tax requirements and conforms to anticipated European legislation.
The proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is expected to require a minimum of 35 per cent PCR content for transport packaging. For organisations operating in both UK and European markets, adopting a solution that already goes beyond current requirements can simplify future compliance planning.
Why Is the Strap Grey?
PCR material is produced from consumer waste streams containing colour pigments, labels, and printing inks, rendering it difficult to consistently produce light-coloured recycled plastics. The grey colour of Mosca’s new PCR strap visibly indicates recycled content while maintaining the performance required for demanding transit packaging applications.
Sustainability Without Undermining Performance
Environmental improvements should not compromise load security. Mosca’s PCR PP strap delivers the reliability, consistency, and performance expected from modern strapping solutions. It is designed and tested for seamless operation on Mosca equipment, ensuring machine compatibility and long-term performance.
The strap is suitable for a wide range of automatic and semi-automatic strapping machines, making it a practical upgrade for businesses pursuing improved sustainability without new equipment investment. In addition to the new PP range, Mosca’s PET strapping portfolio already includes high levels of PCR content, providing sustainable solutions for heavier-duty applications.
Preparing for 2027 Starts Today
The transition from PIR to PCR is more than a regulatory change. It constitutes a major change in how transport packaging is specified, purchased, and evaluated across the supply chain. Mosca’s new 35 per cent PCR PP strap enables businesses to stay ahead of legislation, reduce potential tax exposure, and support wider sustainability goals while continuing operational efficiency.
The new strap will be available from this Autumn. Businesses interested in evaluating the product can sign up for an early trial programme. As with all Mosca strapping products, stock will be held at the facility in Nottingham, with same-day despatch to ensure supply continuity as demand increases.
