The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) marks a real turning point for the packaging industry and all companies that place packaging on the market.
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 replaces the previous rules of Directive 94/62/EC with a directly applicable European regulatory framework. The Regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025, but the key obligations will apply from 12 August 2026 and aim to reduce packaging volumes by 15 per cent by 2040 compared to the reference year 2018.
For companies, this means that not only are legal frameworks changing, but above all, marking, traceability and data management along the entire supply chain need to be rethought.
PPWR tightens marking, traceability and manufacturer obligations
At the heart of the new requirements is a much stronger focus on marking and traceability of packaging. Whereas marking has often been voluntary and varied greatly from country to country, harmonised mandatory information will be introduced across the EU, including identity markings and standardised pictograms, which will become mandatory from 2028. Each piece of packaging must be clearly traceable to a manufacturer and will be assigned type, batch or serial numbers, which must be available directly on the packaging or in an accompanying document. In some cases, static printing with fixed layouts is no longer sufficient; variable data printing for IDs, manufacturer information, EPR registration numbers and, where applicable, QR codes are becoming standard, with high legibility and durability of the codes being a legal requirement.
At the same time, the PPWR extends responsibility beyond traditional manufacturers to distributors, importers and fulfilment providers, who will in future have to ensure that registration and marking are implemented correctly.
Systematically plan PPWR implementation and adapt processes at an early stage
A structured approach is required in order to meet these requirements in good time. Companies should first analyse how they are affected and systematically record which packaging is used in which markets and which new marking and documentation requirements apply to it.
Building on this, technical documentation and EU declarations of conformity must be prepared, and a robust database for packaging specifications (material, weight, recycled content) must be established and linked to existing ERP or MES systems. Meaningful steps include, in particular: checking the current packaging portfolios for compliance, setting up or expanding a central packaging database, defining and introducing standardised labelling concepts including QR codes, adapting quality assurance agreements with suppliers to PPWR standards, and technical planning for variable data printing and traceability in production. Addressing these issues at an early stage reduces compliance risks and creates the basis for more efficient processes and greater transparency throughout the entire life cycle of your packaging.
Free webinar on PPWR on 26 March 2026 (9 am)
Röltgen will be happy to inform you about the new requirements in connection with the entry into force of the PPWR.
On 26 March 2026 at 9 am, we will be holding a webinar (45 minutes, registration via our website or by email to info@roeltgen.de) on this topic, explaining the new regulations and possible procedural models for rapid and cost-effective implementation.
Please feel free to register:
The webinar will be held in German.
