PPWR – The EU’s New Packaging Regulation
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces harmonised rules for packaging across all member states.
The aim is to reduce packaging waste and increase recyclability through more consistent requirements for design, materials and documentation.
For businesses, this means packaging must increasingly be evaluated in terms of functionality, material selection and future regulatory requirements.
What does PPWR involve?
PPWR introduces requirements such as:
- increased recyclability
- reduction of unnecessary packaging
- documentation of materials
- more efficient use of resources
This means packaging must increasingly be designed with a full lifecycle perspective.
EPR
What does producer responsibility mean for businesses?
The new regulations on producer responsibility for packaging in Denmark and across the EU mean that companies are responsible for the packaging they place on the market.
In Denmark, this is administered through DPA (Dansk Producentansvar), while the term EPR – Extended Producer Responsibility is used internationally. At the same time, the EU is introducing new requirements through PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), increasing demands for registration, documentation and material selection.
For many companies, this means that packaging is no longer just about protection and transport – but also about compliance, sustainability and cost.
At FARUSA, we help companies gain an overview of their packaging solutions and assess how they can best be adapted to meet the new requirements.
What does DPA / EPR mean in practice?
Producer responsibility means that companies must:
- register packaging in the DPA system
- report volumes and material types
- document the composition of their packaging
- pay differentiated fees based on material selection
As a result, packaging becomes a strategic area where functionality, cost and regulation are closely connected.
PPWR
Reviewing packaging solutions
For many companies, PPWR is a trigger to review existing packaging.
A structured analysis can help identify:
- opportunities for material reduction
- improved transport utilisation
- optimisation of packaging design
- increased reuse and recyclability
By working proactively with packaging design, companies can both improve efficiency and prepare for future requirements.
Fibre-based packaging in a PPWR perspective
Fibre-based packaging is part of some of Europe’s most efficient recycling systems.
The material:
- can be recycled multiple times
- has a well-documented recycling rate
- is part of established recycling streams
Material selection will therefore play a key role in the development of future packaging solutions.
FARUSA as an advisory partner
At FARUSA, we specialise in analysing, designing and optimising packaging solutions in close collaboration with our customers.
We combine:
- transport safety
- efficient handling
- optimised material usage
- solutions that support future requirements
This means packaging becomes more than a necessity – it becomes part of the company’s overall value creation.
EPR
Analysis of existing packaging
Many companies lack a clear overview of their total packaging usage.
A structured review of packaging solutions can help identify:
- material consumption
- transport efficiency
- optimisation potential
- documentation of materials
At FARUSA, we work with analysing, calculating and evaluating existing packaging solutions, providing companies with a solid basis for decision-making.
Design and optimisation
Packaging design plays a key role in both performance and compliance.
By optimising construction, material selection and dimensions, companies can:
- reduce material consumption
- improve transport efficiency
- enhance recyclability
- ensure better documentation
We design and develop packaging solutions where functionality, logistics and regulatory requirements are considered as one.
Material selection is becoming increasingly important
Under producer responsibility schemes, fees are increasingly differentiated based on environmental impact and recyclability.
Materials that are part of well-established recycling streams typically benefit from a more favourable cost structure.
Fibre-based packaging plays an important role, as it:
- is part of established recycling systems
- can be recycled multiple times
- has a well-documented recycling rate
Material selection therefore becomes a key strategic factor in future packaging solutions.
Advisory from FARUSA
At FARUSA, we work closely with our customers to develop and optimise packaging solutions.
We support companies with:
- analysis of existing packaging
- design and construction
- calculation and optimisation of material usage
- advisory on regulatory requirements
Our goal is to deliver packaging solutions that perform in practice and support future business requirements.