EU Pellet Loss Regulation Brings New Compliance Considerations for Adhesive Tape Manufacturers

A new European Union regulation aimed at preventing plastic pellet losses is beginning to affect manufacturers and suppliers across the adhesive tape value chain, prompting Afera, the European Adhesive Tape Association, to assess how the requirements may apply to tape production.

Regulation (EU) 2025/2365 on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution was adopted in November 2025. The regulation applies to economic operators managing EU installations that handle five tonnes or more of plastic pellets annually, including manufacturers, recyclers, converters, stockists and other pellet handlers. It also covers companies transporting pellets within the EU and by sea.

Under the regulation, operators must take measures to prevent, contain and clean up pellet spills and losses and establish risk-management plans appropriate to their operations. Companies must also report relevant installations to competent authorities and maintain annual records of pellet quantities handled and estimated losses. Operators handling more than 1,500 tonnes annually are subject to certification or permitting requirements, while smaller operators and microenterprises generally follow a self-declaration process.

Although the legislation was developed as a measure to reduce microplastic pollution, its implications extend into manufacturing sectors that use polymer pellets as raw materials.

For the adhesive tape industry, Afera has identified potential relevance to manufacturing processes including extrusion and film forming. These operations may involve polymer materials used to manufacture tape backings, films and other components within adhesive tape constructions.

Afera’s Regulatory Affairs Working Group has been reviewing the legislation and discussing how its requirements should be interpreted across the tape value chain. The association has indicated that practical guidance will be needed to help manufacturers understand where the regulation applies and what operational measures may be required.

The Pellet Loss Regulation is now listed among Afera’s key regulatory priorities, alongside issues including the REACH microplastics restriction, Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and other EU sustainability and chemicals legislation affecting tape producers and suppliers.

As implementation advances, adhesive tape manufacturers that handle polymer pellets may need to evaluate material flows, storage and handling practices, spill-prevention procedures, recordkeeping and other operational controls to determine their obligations under the new rules.

Source: European Commission / Afera