Preparing for the EU’s PPWR Regulation
11 February 2025The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is set to bring changes to the way businesses handle packaging, driving sustainability, circular economy practices, and waste reduction.
In this post, we will break down what the PPWR means for pallet pooling, the key steps company should take and how embracing sustainable practices can give you the edge when it comes to competition. These new rules present both challenges and opportunities that you should be ready to nurture.
What is PPWR?
The PPWR is a European regulation with the objective to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainability, with specific requirements for waste reduction, recyclability, and the use of recycled materials. It will be applicable in all EU member states and focuses on:
- Reducing packaging waste by setting targets for reuse, recycling and waste reduction
- Promoting eco-friendly packaging by using recyclable and biodegradable materials
- Enhancing the recycling process to ensure higher recovery rates by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling systems
The PPWR will apply to all relevant packaging products, including consumer and industrial packaging. The PPWR aims to regulate the entire life cycle of packaging products – from design and production to end-of-life.
The PPWR came into force on 11 February 2025 and although many of its obligations will not apply until 18 months later (August 11th 2026), stakeholders throughout the supply chain need to start preparing now for the PPWR now!
How does PPWR affect IPP?
The nature of our business is sustainable and contributes to the circular economy by re-using load carriers such as pallets and boxes through our closed pool system. Therefore, we are already well-positioned for the PPWR legislation and can help any new customers to comply with the regulation.
40% of all transport packaging to be reusable by 2030, 70% by 2040
The PPWR calls for 40% of all transport packaging material to be reusable by 2030, which is the responsibility of the entire supply chain. This means that packaging producers must produce compliant packaging, which must be used by manufacturers of goods and finally the end user must ensure that the packaging is returned to the loop. By 2040 the reuse rate must be at 70%. There will be some exemptions for packaging used for dangerous goods, packaging in direct contact with food or packaging used for the transport of large machinery, equipment and goods for which packaging is custom-designed to meet individual requirements.
Andy Maddock, regional managing director for IPP UK&I, said: “The new PPWR legislation signals major change for every business within the supply chain, and makes packaging the responsibility of all parties.
“This means packaging producers must produce compliant packaging to be used by manufacturers of goods, but also the end-user will need to be able to return the packaging to close the loop and reduce waste.
“Businesses need to be aware that these changes will take significant time to implement and means stakeholders throughout the supply chain need to start preparing now for PPWR, if they are to meet the deadline.
“At IPP, the nature of our business is sustainable and contributes to the circular economy, so our customers can rely on our products and services to be PPWR proof when it comes to their load-carrier needs.”
Are you still using non-reusable load carrier?
In case you are still using non-reusable load carriers, such as one-way pallets, this is the moment to switch to the pooling services of IPP! Not just to be ready for PPWR, but also for all other advantages pallet pooling offers. Contact us to learn more or you can also use our CO2 calculator to gain an impression of the footprint reduction our pooling solutions offer, compared to one-way and other market alternatives.