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The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) fundamentally changes the requirements for packaging across Europe. Businesses are facing new obligations relating to compliance, documentation, recyclability and reuse.
On this page, you will find up-to-date information, practical guidance and actionable recommendations to help you implement the PPWR requirements.
The Regulation has two main objectives:
| Aspect | Article 11 – Reusable packaging | Article 29(1) – Reuse targets |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Introduction of functioning reusable and return systems | Increase in the share of reusable packaging across all packaging sectors |
| Application | From 12 August 2026 | Phased in up to 2040 (depending on packaging type) |
| Obligations for companies | Packaging must be capable of multiple uses, returnable and repairable | Reuse quotas must be achieved progressively and demonstrated |
| Verification & monitoring | Participation in a reuse system, documentation and labelling (digital from 2028) | National monitoring of target achievement by Member States |
| Delegated acts | Determination of minimum numbers of rotations by February 2027 | Definition of specific quotas and transitional periods |
| Practical implications | Establishing or connecting to reusable systems, reviewing existing packaging for reusability | Strategic planning to comply with future reuse quotas and adapt packaging portfolios |
The European Commission has explicitly ruled out a formal postponement of the PPWR. At the same time, the Commission announced that it would examine pragmatic corrective mechanisms within the existing legal framework. The aim is to make implementation in 2026 practicable and to mitigate questions of responsibility between the obligated parties.
Preparing for the new requirements:
✓ Keep the packaging inventory up to date
✓ Obtain material and substance information from suppliers
✓ Define roles and responsibilities
✓ Review documentation requirements
✓ Take transitional periods into account
✓ Structure evidence of conformity
✓ Assess the potential for digital container monitoring and fleet management
Reusability, durability and recyclability are becoming increasingly important under the PPWR.
Stainless steel IBCs and KEGs provide important prerequisites in this regard:
Their long-term usability helps businesses develop packaging systems that are both sustainable and future-proof.
Durable reusable packaging forms the physical basis of a functioning container cycle. Digital solutions can make this cycle even more transparent and easier to manage efficiently.
Depending on the application, our Smart IBC solutions can record relevant container data such as pressure, fill level, temperature and location. Automatic alerts enable a rapid response to deviations. Integration with ERP systems also allows the data to be evaluated centrally and incorporated into existing business processes.
Digital container monitoring offers businesses a range of benefits, including:
Smart IBCs can provide an additional data basis for tracking container movements, conditions and processes more transparently. The Smart IBC solutions from SCHÄFER Container Systems are designed for a range of applications in the food industry as well as in chemical and hazardous goods logistics.
The regulatory framework is in place and forms the basis for the upcoming requirements for packaging systems.
Reusable, returnable and repairable packaging solutions become a mandatory field of action.
Delegated act on minimum rotation numbers for reusable packaging; HORECA must allow the filling of customers’ own containers.
EU guidelines for design for recycling and harmonised labelling; New requirement: reusable option for takeaway.
Reusable packaging requires the label „reusable“, including a QR code; deposit and return systems with a 90 % collection rate.
Start of reusable packaging and recycled content quotas, first bans and a reduced volume of waste of minus 5 %.
The reuse obligation is not a short-term project, but requires early planning. This includes assessing existing packaging, setting up or integrating with reusable systems, and preparing for digital proof of compliance.
We can help you understand the PPWR requirements and develop viable solutions for your specific container systems.
