EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) Software
About This Compliance Framework
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) enforces mandatory recycled content targets, minimizes empty space in shipping, and bans certain single-use plastics across the EU.
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has shifted Europe's approach to packaging from fragmented national directives into a strict, unified regulation. Impacting virtually every physical product sold online or in-store, the PPWR sets aggressive timelines to eliminate packaging waste. Crucial requirements include mandatory Design for Recycling (DfR) grading, aggressive minimum targets for Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic content, and strict bans on shipping "air"—e-commerce and transport packaging is now legally capped at a 50% empty space ratio. Furthermore, the regulation bans PFAS chemicals in food contact packaging.
The administrative burden for brands is vast. It is no longer enough to simply pay Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees based on weight. You must now prove the *composition* of your packaging. If your plastic bottles or shrink-wrap do not meet the minimum PCR percentages, they cannot be sold. If a customs authority inspects your transport boxes and finds 60% void space filled with bubble wrap, you face penalties. Gathering this granular data from diverse global packaging suppliers requires rigorous traceability.
Sustalium helps you build a data-driven packaging profile for every SKU. The platform captures packaging weights, material types, and supplier certifications for recycled content in one centralized dashboard. It validates your e-commerce void space ratios against the 50% legal limit and tracks your EPR registration numbers across all 27 Member States. By consolidating your packaging data, Sustalium generates the mandatory PPWR Declarations of Conformity required by market surveillance authorities, ensuring your products keep flowing freely across European borders.
Why It Matters
Recyclability Mandate
All packaging must be recyclable by design by 2030
Recycled Content
Strict minimum thresholds for post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic
Empty Space Limits
Maximum 50% empty space ratio for e-commerce and transport packaging
Material Bans
Bans on specific single-use plastics and "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in food packaging
Applicable Markets
- European Union (EU): Mandatory under the PPWR for anyone putting packaged goods on the EU market.
What You'll Include
- Packaging material composition breakdown
- Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content certificates
- Design for Recycling (DfR) performance grades (A-C)
- Empty space ratio calculations
- EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) registration IDs
Who It's For
Consumer brands, e-commerce shippers, logistics providers, and packaging manufacturers operating in Europe.
Typical Inputs
- Packaging Bill of Materials (weights and material types)
- Supplier certificates for recycled plastic content
- Box dimensions vs. product dimensions (void space calculations)
- PFAS-free declarations for food contact materials
- National EPR scheme registration numbers (e.g., LUCID)
How We Help
- Centralized tracking of PCR content percentages
- Empty space ratio validation
- EPR registration multi-country tracking
- PPWR Conformity Declaration generation
Implementation Steps
Audit Materials
Log the exact weights and materials of your primary and secondary packaging
Verify PCR
Upload supplier proofs of Post-Consumer Recycled plastic content
Check Void Space
Calculate transport packaging empty space ratios
Generate Declaration
Export PPWR conformity documentation for EU market access
Ready to Get Certified?
Future-proof your packaging supply chain and guarantee compliance with EU PPWR mandates.