An apparatus for producing bundles with carrying handles, the apparatus comprising a transport path for conveying article groups, a film wrapping module for wrapping the article groups at least partly or in some sections in a stretchable and/or heat-shrinkable film, which is fed from a film supply, in order to form film bundles, the film whereof is provided with cut-outs on at least two oppositely located lateral surfaces of the bundles, and with an application device for applying carrying handles by securing, by means of adhesive bonds and/or sealing bonds (72, 74), the carrying-handle ends to the shell surfaces of the articles in the area of the cut-outs by way of penetrating the shrinkable film and/or by way of producing an adhesive connection to the shrinkable film, wherein a controllable cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device is arranged between the film supply and the film wrapping module for the purpose of making the cut-outs in the film, which is conveyed to the film wrapping module, the apparatus characterised in that - a receptacle device and/or collector device for seizing, receiving, and/or for collecting cut-out film sections is assigned to the controllable cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device, wherein the receptacle device and/or collector device has a suction device for seizing and conveying the cut-out film sections, which suction device is assigned to the controllable cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device, - the controllable cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device is formed by an arched blade, which is movable approximately transverse to the transport direction and/or feed direction of the film, and which cuts out film sections when making the cut-outs, and - an outlet opening of a suction hose is arranged in transport direction or, as applicable, in feed direction of the film immediately after the movable cutting blade of the cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device, such that all cut-out film sections can be reliably suctioned and received by the receptacle device and/or collector device and separated from the conveyed film. - a receptacle device and/or collector device for seizing, receiving, and/or for collecting cut-out film sections is assigned to the controllable cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device, wherein the receptacle device and/or collector device has a suction device for seizing and conveying the cut-out film sections, which suction device is assigned to the controllable cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device, - the controllable cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device is formed by an arched blade, which is movable approximately transverse to the transport direction and/or feed direction of the film, and which cuts out film sections when making the cut-outs, and - an outlet opening of a suction hose is arranged in transport direction or, as applicable, in feed direction of the film immediately after the movable cutting blade of the cutting device, die-cutter device, and/or punch hole device, such that all cut-out film sections can be reliably suctioned and received by the receptacle device and/or collector device and separated from the conveyed film.