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 , 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 . <EOS>