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Across Europe’s airports, a long‑established ritual may soon disappear: the sight of suitcases being tightly wrapped in layers of plastic film just moments before check‑in. For years, travelers have paid a few extra euros to have their luggage sealed—promising protection from scratches, dirt, rain, broken zippers, and even tampering. But this service is now on the brink of being phased out.
Airports Begin Warning Passengers
Several European airports have already started informing passengers that plastic luggage wrapping no longer complies with new EU regulations. While the machines are still operating in many terminals, the direction is clear: the practice is heading toward a full stop.
Why Wrapping Became So Popular
“Luggage wrapping” gained traction among frequent flyers and owners of delicate suitcases. The idea was simple—add a protective layer to keep bags intact and secure during the often‑rough handling process behind the scenes. For some, it offered peace of mind; for others, it was a practical safeguard.
The Environmental Problem Behind the Plastic
Despite its popularity, the material used is a single‑use plastic film. And that comes with significant downsides.
Anyone who has tried to remove the wrap after landing knows the struggle: the film tears, sticks, crumbles, and often leaves residue. In theory, it belongs in the recycling bin. In practice, many airports lack proper waste‑sorting systems. As a result, the plastic frequently ends up in general waste and is incinerated—contributing to higher CO₂ emissions, increased resource consumption, and unnecessary plastic pollution. A lot of waste for a very short‑lived purpose.
What the EU Is Changing
The upcoming ban is rooted in the EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), agreed upon by the European Parliament and member states in 2024. The regulation aims to drastically reduce single‑use packaging across the bloc.
Under the new rules, various types of disposable plastic packaging used at airports will be phased out—including the plastic films currently used for luggage wrapping. The transition will be gradual, but by January 1, 2030, the ban is set to be fully enforced.
What This Means for Travelers
In the short term, passengers will still encounter wrapping stations at many airports. But over the next few years, they will steadily disappear.
Travelers may need to rethink how they protect their luggage. More durable suitcases, reusable protective covers, built‑in straps, locks, or textile sleeves are likely to become the preferred alternatives—offering protection without the environmental cost.
- source: oe24.at/picture: Image by katyveldhorst from Pixabay
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