{"id":279822,"date":"2025-08-13T14:00:47","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T12:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grown.bio\/?p=279822"},"modified":"2025-08-19T15:44:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T13:44:37","slug":"prepare-for-the-ppwr-now-a-comprehensive-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grown.bio\/de\/blog\/prepare-for-the-ppwr-now-a-comprehensive-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare for the PPWR \u2014 a comprehensive guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With only 18 months to transition until the PPWR<\/a> becomes mandatory on August 12. 2026, there\u2019s pressure to ensure compliance. New regulations may seem complex and confusing. Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re tempted to wait for clear instructions \u2014 don\u2019t. Companies that start preparing for changes now will enjoy competitive advantages regarding sustainability, profitability, and attention, and won\u2019t have to rush (or even worse: risk penalties) when it comes to the crunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve prepared a list of things you CAN do, starting now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Strategic steps<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t started preparing yet, there\u2019s no reason to panic. Before you jump into the practicality of things, it makes sense to complete some basic steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Map your packaging materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t manage what you don\u2019t measure. Mapping your current packaging portfolio helps identify where change might be needed and where to focus R&D or supplier discussions. Key targets<\/a> have already been published and the PPWR clearly identifies recyclable and reusable packaging as central solutions, which can help guide your efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Start conversations about sustainable materials<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you don\u2019t plan on making changes any time soon, engaging existing suppliers and contacting new ones early helps you understand what innovations and lead times they offer. This can help you understand the timeline (prototyping and trialling new packaging alternatives can take months), costs involved and gives you the advantage of securing sustainable materials before demand increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Acquire packaging data<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s for recyclability claims, reuse targets, or EPR reporting, data will be critical under the PPWR. Make sure to thoroughly complete the database of all your packaging materials. Openly communicate with partners about packaging specifications, such as composition, recyclability, and labelling status. Involve relevant teams (purchasing, logistics, product, sustainability etc.) to standardize packaging data capture. You can start with basic figures like weight, material, recyclability, supplier, and origin and expand from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Designate a responsible person<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re reading this article, likelihood is that you are responsible for ensuring compliance with the PPWR. If not, assigning this task to a team or single person will streamline effort and minimize confusion among employees. Make sure this person has the knowledge and skills to deal with your packaging and any changes that must be made. They should also be connected to a broad internal network, since packaging decisions often involve design, sustainability, purchasing, product management, innovation, and marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tactical steps<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve completed your basic preparation, you might feel confident to start making some changes. Besides preparing for compliance with regulations, these actions will make your entire packaging process more efficient, saving you resources, time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By 2030, all packaging must follow strict recyclability criteria under the PPWR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Start small<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tackling your entire portfolio might feel too overwhelming in the beginning. Instead, start prototyping and trial your packaging changes on a niche product line or campaign. It builds internal experience, identifies pain points early, and creates a case study for wider rollout. It makes sense to start with products that have fewer supply chain constraints or simpler packaging needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Redesign your packaging<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Redesigning your packaging can have multiple benefits for meeting regulations, connecting with consumers and efficiency. We have listed some questions that can guide your process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Meet regulations<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Key targets on recyclability and reusability have already been published. Find out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Is your packaging recyclable? If so, does it meet the highest recyclability standards? Consider whether the material streams can be separated, how much surface is printed and the quality of the ink. Bear in mind that composting (at home or industrially) is also a form of recycling, opening the door to biobased materials, such as carbon negative Myzel Verpackung<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 How can you design packaging that works better within existing recycling systems?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Connect with consumers<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Packaging is an essential part of the customer experience, so think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 What are you trying to communicate with your packaging?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Does it support your brand message?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Does it align with your consumers\u2019 expectations?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 How easy is it for your customer to unpack and dispose of or return your packaging?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Increase efficiency<\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Finally, smart packaging can save costs on all levels, including materials costs, transport and storage costs, and lower EPR fees. Ask the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Can we use less material? How much material can we remove before its protective function is lost?

\u2705 Is our packaging taking up more space than it needs to in storage and transit? Can we remove empty space?

\u2705 Could a redesign help speed up the packing and unpacking process?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Consider your company\u2019s sustainability goals<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 What sustainability targets do you need to reach and when?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Look into reuse<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reusing is the first step to extending a packaging\u2019s lifecycle. Through pick-up or return systems, packaging can be used multiple times, thus limiting the amount of packaging produced and removing the burden of disposal from end-consumers. Explore collaborations across the supply chain to set up reuse systems and secure the appropriate infrastructure to handle these changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Consider recyclability (including composting)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recyclability and composting are key factors in closing the loop. As you make changes, always question how your packaging will be handled at its end of life. Which type of recycling can it undergo? Does it meet recycling standards? Can it be recycled in a variety of regions or markets?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re looking for a truly sustainable packaging and compliant solution, consider bio-based packaging that can be returned to the earth, such as compostable Mycelium Packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the properties of Mycelium Packaging<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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With only 18 months to transition until the PPWR becomes mandatory on August 12. 2026, there\u2019s pressure to ensure compliance. New regulations may seem complex and confusing. Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re not alone. If you\u2019re tempted to wait for clear instructions \u2014 don\u2019t. Companies that start preparing for changes now will enjoy competitive advantages regarding sustainability, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":279846,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation<\/a> (PPWR) was officially adopted by the European Council last December. Leaving around 18 months to focus on implementation, the PPWR will take effect on the 12th of August 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regulation aims to reduce the amount of packaging and packaging waste produced, minimize the use of primary raw materials, and accelerate the shift to a circular economy. These new rules will have a direct impact on protective packaging, requiring businesses to reuse packaging, redesign it for recyclability, or switch to compostable alternatives to remain compliant and avoid financial penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Re-use: Extending packaging lifecycles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The PPWR defines re-use as the process of using packaging multiple times for the same purpose for which it was made. For packaging to qualify as re-usable, it must enter a \u2018re-use system\u2019, which is organized, funded and incentivized. The PPWR has set re-use targets for certain types of packaging by 2030, such as 'transport packaging or primary packaging used for shipping', set at 40%. As a result, businesses may need to redesign logistic flows and introduce collection and cleaning programs, as well as financial incentives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recycle: Making packaging circular<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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By 2030, the PPWR requires all packaging to be recyclable. The European Commission defines \u2018recyclability\u2019 as the process of reprocessing waste into new products and materials, whether for their original purpose or another use. But the PPWR goes further by outlining strict criteria as to what qualifies as recyclable packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To comply, packaging must first be designed to be recyclable. By 2030, no less than 70% of the packaging material must be suitable for recycling. As an intrinsic part of the design of a product, it must be possible to sort packaging waste into specific waste streams without interfering with the recyclability of other streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key measure to encourage the recycling is the introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), placing producers in charge of waste management. The EPR makes producers of packaging responsible for the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling packaging waste. To encourage sustainable design, companies can take advantage of reduced EPR fees. Additionally, the regulation introduces recycling targets that must be met by 2030 and will be increased by 2040. Plastic packaging must be made of up to 35% of recycled material, depending on the type of packaging. Compostable packaging, however, is exempt from this requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Compost: A role for biodegradable materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Alongside recycling, the PPWR recognizes two different types of composting. It distinguishes between \u2018compostable packaging\u2019 \u2013 packaging that biodegrades under industrially controlled conditions, and \u2018home compostable packaging\u2019 \u2013packaging that can biodegrade in non-controlled conditions, such as in the garden or community compost systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there is currently no universal standard for home composting, industrial composting is only recognised as a viable solution under certain conditions. To prevent the negative effects of cross-contamination in waste streams, the PPWR mandates that compostable packaging must not contaminate the compost. Industrial composting of biodegradable plastic is to be decided upon by individual member states and will only be allowed when it provides a clear benefit for the environment or human health, such as compostable coffee\/tea bags, where the product is difficult to separate from the packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How can businesses adapt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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With key regulations coming into effect by 2030, businesses need to start preparing now to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. This means reassessing compliance with the PPWR , evaluating supply chains and material choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To meet the new requirements, companies using protective packaging may need to redesign logistic flows to facilitate re-use, such as implementing collection and return systems. Additionally, they must rethink packaging design to enhance recyclability, increase the use of recycled content, or transition to more sustainable materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the growing availability of alternative protective packaging, such as home, marine, and industrially compostable Mycelium Packaging<\/a>, makes it easier for businesses to adapt. Besides being non-toxic, Mycelium Packaging also offers the opportunity to re-think traditional packaging designs, creating more efficient and sustainable solutions. While these changes require new systems and investments, they will ultimately help businesses stay ahead of regulations, reduce long-term costs, and align with rising consumer demands for sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore Industrial Mycelium Packaging<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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