The disclosure relates to an electronic component packing reel for a tape and reel packaging system and the electronic components are supported in pockets of a carrier tape wound around the reel, the packing reel includes: a central hub; two wall elements attached on both sides of the centrale hub defining a retaining space for retaining the carrier tape wound around the central hub; a hub insert arranged for placement of the hub insert over the central hub, the hub insert having an outer rim diameter for increasing a diameter of the central hub, and the hub insert includes at least two sections having mating locking means for interlocking the sections upon placement of the hub insert over the central hub.