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Preparing your supply chain for PPWR

PPWR will influence more than packaging. Explore what the regulation means for your operations and how to build a more efficient, resilient and sustainable supply chain.

The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is reshaping the future of packaging. Moving beyond traditional waste management, it introduces ambitious requirements for recyclability, reuse, and sustainability, driving businesses toward more circular and resource-efficient packaging models.

For businesses operating across Europe, PPWR will impact more than packaging compliance. Changes to packaging design and materials can impact how products are stored, handled and transported throughout the supply chain.

With key requirements taking effect 12 August 2026, organisations need to understand how the regulation may influence their operations, costs, and sustainability goals. This regulation presents a key opportunity to optimise packaging strategies to drive long-term value.

Every supply chain has unique operational realities, product requirements, and customer expectations. Kuehne+Nagel works closely with customers to assess potential impacts and provide support where our expertise and operational involvement can add value.

What is PPWR?

PPWR is a new EU regulation that may require changes across packaging, operations and supply chain processes. Examples could include:

  • Redesigning packaging to improve recyclability or reduce unnecessary materials

  • Reducing empty space in packaging, which may require changes to pack sizes, product configurations or fulfilment processes

  • Increasing the use of reusable packaging systems for certain transport and logistics applications

  • Updating packaging labels and documentation to meet new regulatory requirements

  • Reviewing supplier relationships and sourcing strategies to ensure packaging materials align with future sustainability requirements

  • Implementing new data collection and reporting processes to support compliance, traceability and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations

  • Reassessing warehousing and transportation operations, as packaging changes can affect pallet utilisation, storage density, handling requirements and transport efficiency

PPWR implementation timeline

The transition to PPWR will not happen overnight. While the first obligations come into force on 12 August 2026, new requirements will continue to be phased in through 2030 and beyond, creating a multi-year compliance journey for businesses. Here's what to expect:

Effective 12 August 2026

  • PPWR begins applying across the EU

  • Businesses need to understand which requirements apply to their packaging

  • Compliance documentation becomes increasingly important

  • Organisations need to begin reviewing packaging portfolios and supply chain impacts

2028

  • Harmonised sorting labels introduced across EU packaging

2030

  • Packaging must meet recyclability requirements

  • Maximum 50% empty space requirements apply

  • Reuse targets begin for applicable packaging

How to prepare

Although PPWR will be introduced in phases, you don't need to wait until future milestones to begin preparing. The first obligations apply from 12 August 2026, making now the right time to review packaging strategies and supply chain impacts.

What to consider:

  • Reviewing packaging materials to ensure they meet the applicable PPWR requirements (Article 5)

  • Evaluating packaging size and design to eliminate unnecessary material and improve efficiency (Article 12)

  • Assessing how packaging changes could affect warehousing, transport and inventory management

  • Working with packaging suppliers and logistics partners to understand operational impacts

  • Developing a roadmap for future PPWR milestones, including recyclability, labelling and reuse requirements

How Kuehne+Nagel can support your PPWR journey

PPWR's impact on your business may vary depending on products, packaging requirements and the logistics services that you manage.

Kuehne+Nagel works collaboratively with you to understand potential impacts and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste and support more sustainable supply chain operations.

Packaging and process optimisation

Work with our in-house experts to identify opportunities to improve packaging efficiency, reduce unnecessary materials and optimise product flows.

Operational insights

Benefit from logistics expertise and operational knowledge to identify potential efficiency improvements across your warehousing and transport activities.

Collaborative supply chain solutions

Work with experts to develop practical approaches that support your business needs and sustainability objectives.

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Prepare your supply chain for PPWR

PPWR is more than a packaging regulation. It's an opportunity to improve efficiency across packaging, warehousing and transport. Kuehne+Nagel can help you assess the impact on your supply chain and identify practical opportunities for improvement.

Talk to our experts