Panel discussion and interpack 2026 review

As part of our live panel discussions during interpack, we engaged in in-depth conversations together with industry experts and visitors. The key takeaway: Circular solutions are no longer a promise for the future. They are technically feasible and already available – when materials, systems, and strong partnerships work together.

Panel discussion with seven business professionals seated on stools, engaging in a conversation at a trade show booth.

interpack recap video

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Circular Economy in Strapping: From Vision to Reality

At interpack 2026, Teufelberger Strapping Solutions brought together industry experts to discuss one of the most pressing topics in packaging today: how to make circular economy a practical reality. The panel clearly showed that circularity in strapping is no longer a future ambition – it is already being implemented. From recyclable materials to take-back concepts and closed-loop approaches, concrete solutions exist today. The discussion highlighted how these solutions can be scaled and further integrated into industrial processes, enabling real impact across the value chain.

A key driver in this transformation is the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). While the panelists agreed that it provides important direction and momentum towards greater resource efficiency, they also emphasized the need for further refinement to ensure practical and scalable implementation.

“In Article 29, we identified a real issue: pallet strapping is not designed for reuse as required. This is something we need to address, because compliance cannot be achieved if the regulation requires what is not feasible in practice.

Stephan Rösgen

At the same time, one message stood out: sustainability alone is not enough. In industrial applications, reliable performance remains crucial. Safe load stability, efficient processes, and consistent quality are essential requirements that must go hand in hand with circular material use. Only solutions that combine sustainability with proven system performance will succeed in the market. The discussion also underlined the importance of collaboration. Closing material loops and scaling circular solutions requires close cooperation across the entire value chain – from material producers and recyclers to system suppliers and end users.

“Intelligent end-of-line packaging systems and holistic circular concepts must go hand in hand to ensure both high performance and sustainability.”

Martin Müller, TOSA Group

The conclusion is clear

The solutions for a circular economy in strapping already exist. The next step is to bring them to scale – together.

Download Panel PDF

PDFPanel Diskussion interpack infosheet

Our Speakers

Moderator Thomas Schmitt
Brings industry expertise, guides the discussion, and asks the questions that truly matter.
“Circular economy in the packaging industry is not a question of ambition, but of execution. It requires a clear understanding of materials, processes and responsibilities across the entire value chain. Regulation like the PPWR can be an important driver – but only if it aligns with industrial reality and enables scalable solutions. The real challenge lies in moving from isolated initiatives to collaborative, industry-wide approaches that turn waste into valuable resources again.”
Inside Packaging
Stephan Rösgen
Insight into joint industry initiatives, material innovations, and system solutions.
“To make a good piece of law still a bit better. That’s the aim of our project alliance pallet-strapping. In Art.29 para 1 we identified a real „bug“, as pallet straps is not open for reuse. That is what we need to change, because we cannot be compliant when the law requires something impossible”
Project Alliance Strapping
Matthias Schäfer
Expert in high-quality recycling and the processing of industrial materials.
“Greater sustainability is increasingly required—by regulators (PPWR and other upcoming rules) as well as by society and consumers. Studies indicate that by 2030 Germany alone could face a shortage of more than 800,000 tonnes of plastic recyclates per year, while significant potential remains untapped in mixed commercial waste. Plastic strapping is part of this stream: a high-quality resource, but demanding in terms of collection and recycling. At re-strap, we are committed to systematically unlocking this material flow and making it available to industry as a high-quality recyclate.”
re-strap
Martin C. Müller
Intelligent End-of-Line Packaging Solutions
“Beyond recycling: intelligent end-of-line packaging systems and holistic circular concepts stand for high performance and sustainability. Providing a user-friendly material handling concept for regional and supra-regional flows, to and from the customer.”
TOSA Group
Jürgen Scheiblehner | CEO, Teufelberger Strapping Solutions
Strategic perspectives, economic implications of the PPWR, and the future of industrial recycling.
“The future of plastic packaging will be shaped by circular economy principles, evolving regulations, and economic realities. With frameworks such as the PPWR and increasing recycled content requirements, sustainability is no longer optional but a strategic necessity. At the same time, companies must ensure that circular solutions remain economically viable and competitive. Balancing compliance, innovation, and profitability is one of the key challenges facing our industry today.”
Thomas Neidl | Head of Sales, Teufelberger Strapping Solution
Market insights, customer requirements, and practical, real-world solutions.
“As the shift toward a circular economy accelerates, our customers face new regulatory expectations while still needing packaging solutions that perform reliably. Our goal is to provide solutions that combine sustainability, technical performance, and economic value — turning circularity into a real competitive advantage through innovation and close collaboration.”

interpack recap video

Circular Economy in Strapping: From Vision to Reality

The conclusion is clear

Download Panel PDF

Our Speakers

Brings industry expertise, guides the discussion, and asks the questions that truly matter.

Insight into joint industry initiatives, material innovations, and system solutions.

Expert in high-quality recycling and the processing of industrial materials.

Intelligent End-of-Line Packaging Solutions

Strategic perspectives, economic implications of the PPWR, and the future of industrial recycling.

Market insights, customer requirements, and practical, real-world solutions.