PPWR: what does the new European packaging legislation mean for your business?

European regulations on packaging are undergoing radical change. With the introduction of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Europe is taking a significant step towards a circular economy, less packaging waste and more easily recyclable packaging. The new rules will affect virtually all businesses that place packaged products on the European market.

At Servibox, we are closely monitoring these developments. We help our customers to comply with the new requirements in good time and provide them with the necessary information and documentation.

What is the PPWR and why is it important for you?

PPWR stands for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This European regulation replaces the former Packaging Waste Directive and introduces harmonised rules for all packaging within the European Union.

The aim of the PPWR is to:

Reduce packaging waste.
Encourage the use of recyclable materials.
Combat excessive packaging.
Increase the proportion of recycled raw materials.
Strengthen the circular economy within Europe.

For businesses, this means that packaging no longer serves solely a logistical or commercial purpose. The composition, recyclability and documentation of your packaging are becoming increasingly important in demonstrating legal compliance.

Recyclability is just one aspect of PPWR compliance. Design requirements, material information, technical documentation and future labelling requirements also play an important role.

What is your role under the PPWR? The PPWR imposes responsibilities on various parties within the packaging supply chain. Which obligations apply to you depends on your role.

Packaging supplier A packaging supplier, such as Servibox, supplies packaging to companies that place products on the market (manufacturers). The supplier supports customers with product specifications, material information and relevant documentation to demonstrate compliance.

Packaging manufacturer A manufacturer produces packaging or packaging materials that are placed on the European market. Manufacturers must be able to demonstrate that their packaging complies with the applicable legal requirements and make the necessary technical information available.

Importer Importers place packaged products from outside the European Union onto the European market. They must ensure that both the product and the packaging comply with the PPWR requirements.

Distributor Distributors make products available on the market without manufacturing or importing them themselves. They have a supervisory role and must be able to reasonably ascertain that the packaging is compliant.

Brand owner or product owner The brand owner is often the party that places the packaged product on the market under its own name. In practice, this party usually bears ultimate responsibility for the conformity of the packaging used and the accompanying documentation.

Where does Servibox fit in?

Within the supply chain, Servibox acts as a packaging supplier and adviser. We support customers by providing the necessary information about our corrugated cardboard packaging, assist with gathering relevant technical documentation, and guide you on any questions regarding the impact of the PPWR on your packaging choices.

Our corrugated cardboard packaging is recyclable, contains no intentionally added PFAS and complies with the applicable European standards on heavy metals. The necessary technical documentation and product specifications are available on request and support customers with their compliance dossier. You can download our FSC certificate and PPWR declaration here.

This enables you, as a brand owner, manufacturer, importer or distributor, to comply with the new European regulations with greater confidence.

What are the key deadlines?

The PPWR was officially published in January 2025 and came into force on 11 February 2025. Most provisions will apply from 12 August 2026.

12 August 2026 From this date, the PPWR will apply across the European Union. From then on, businesses must take the new obligations and requirements into account.
2028 Certain labelling and information obligations, as well as additional reduction requirements, will be phased in. The exact details will be further specified through implementing measures and technical guidelines.
2030 Various additional requirements regarding recyclability and recycled content will be phased in. From that date onwards, certain packaging that does not meet the specified recyclability criteria may no longer be placed on the market.
2038 The recyclability requirements will be further tightened, meaning that only packaging with higher recyclability scores will still be eligible.

Although the PPWR is now finalised, various technical implementing measures, delegated acts and harmonised standards will be further developed over the coming years. It therefore remains important to monitor regulatory developments closely. Servibox keeps a close eye on these developments and keeps customers informed of any relevant changes.

How can Servibox help you?

As a specialist in corrugated cardboard packaging, Servibox supports businesses in their preparations for the PPWR.

We can help you with:

Advice and guidance We’ll inform you about the impact of the PPWR on your packaging and help you make forward-looking choices.
Technical information We provide the relevant product specifications, material information and technical data required for your compliance dossiers.
Supporting documentation Where available, we provide guidance on drawing up the necessary declarations, certificates and documentation to support your legal obligations.
Packaging optimisation Together, we’ll explore how your packaging can contribute to improved recyclability, reduced material consumption and a strong sustainable positioning.
A reliable partner PPWR brings new challenges, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. Servibox closely monitors developments and supports you with clear information, practical advice and the right documents at the right time.

Do you have any questions about PPWR?

Would you like to know what impact PPWR has on your packaging or what documentation you need? Please get in touch with our team. We’d be happy to help you with a practical and forward-looking approach.