PPWR: The Future of Packaging Under Review
Less packaging material, clear recycling requirements and new labelling obligations – the new PPWR regulation brings fundamental changes to the packaging sector. As Senior Logistics and Factory Planner, Mareike Bredemeier shows how companies can master the balancing act between brand impact and strict regulation and why the pressure to act is greater than many people think.
What is PPWR?
With the new EU Regulation 2025/40 the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the European Union is creating standardised regulations for all member states and is pursuing a clear goal: Significantly reduce packaging waste, increase recycling rates and strengthen the circular economy. Depending on the role of the company (producer, manufacturer, supplier, importer, distributor), specific requirements must be met in future. These range from reduced packaging materials and the obligation to provide evidence of ingredients to the documentation of justified deviations. In addition, the requirements for the reuse and labelling of recyclable materials will be increased. The measures will come into force in stages from 2026 and will primarily affect industry, retail and e-commerce. Clearly defining your own role within the packaging chain is a decisive step towards implementing the PPWR. The PPWR self-check provided by LOGSOL helps you to determine your own position, eliminate possible ambiguities and identify existing obligations.
Influence of the regulation on brand impact and processes
In the B2C and e-commerce sectors in particular, many companies rely on branded, customised packaging to create a special unboxing experience and stand out from the competition. On the other hand, there are the strict PPWR requirements: less material, more standardisation, greater reusability.
The PPWR requires rethinking packaging not only in terms of the end customer, but also in the B2B sector or in internal transport. Reusable packaging and its integration into existing processes, as well as the reduction of packaging to a minimum, should be examined.
These challenging areas require clever solutions, both in brand communication and in logistics. LOGSOL creates the necessary framework conditions in the packaging sector and provides orientation in the jungle of technical terms: from the “empty space ratio” to “placing on the market” to choosing the right pictogram.
Approaching change strategically
- Which types of packaging and materials are PPWR-compliant
- Where can reusable container cycles be integrated and how can they be controlled?
- Do systems or processes need to be adapted?
- Where is automation worthwhile?
- What data needs to be collected, stored, and tracked?
The goal is to comply with regulatory requirements without sacrificing efficiency or brand identity. LOGSOL provides support at an early stage: from selecting suitable packaging solutions to demensioning new processes and technologies to training the departments involved. In addition, efficient management of packaging solutions can make a decisive contribution to meeting PPWR requirements. Software such as BinMan® help to track packaging flows transparently, document reuse, and identify potential for optimization based on data.
Conclusion – Act now and take the PPWR self-check!
The PPWR is more than just a regulatory obligation. It is an impetus for transformation. Those who plan in good time and combine packaging strategy with logistics planning not only secure compliance and cost advantages, but also a clear competitive edge.