Packaging reduction
Construction and dimensions are reviewed to avoid unjustified volume or material while maintaining protection.
Updated August 2026
Sustainable cardboard packaging and PPWR: what to assess
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, known as the PPWR, entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026. It covers packaging prevention, design, recyclability, labelling and other requirements whose application dates may vary by provision. Selecting cardboard alone does not guarantee compliance. The complete package, including construction, inks, adhesives, coatings, additional components, weight and end use, must be evaluated.
PPWRRegulation (EU) 2025/40
- ✓PPWR generally applies from 12 August 2026
- ✓Compliance concerns the complete package
- ✓Environmental claims require evidence
Practical preparation
Sustainability starts with a measurable specification
A reliable approach uses technical data and supplier documentation rather than general words such as “eco-friendly” or “100% sustainable”.
Design for recyclability
Board, printing, adhesives, coatings and additional components must be considered as one material system.
Data traceability
Material specifications, supplier documents and valid certificates support significant claims.
Responsible communication
Absolute claims should be avoided when they cannot be supported by testing or documentation for the specific package.
PPWR timeline
Important general dates
Different obligations have different deadlines. These are only the general dates.
| Date | Event | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Jan 2025 | Publication in the Official Journal | The preparation period began |
| 11 Feb 2025 | PPWR entered into force | The Regulation became valid law |
| 12 Aug 2026 | General application date | Most provisions apply unless otherwise stated |
| Later dates | Specific obligations and targets | Checked against the relevant articles |
Workflow
How to review existing packaging
This is not a legal compliance certificate. A practical review helps collect data and identify improvement opportunities.
- 01
Inventory
List packaging parts, materials, weights, suppliers and uses.
- 02
Function
Identify the protection and logistics function of every part.
- 03
Alternatives
Assess volume, material or component reduction without reducing function.
- 04
Documentation
Link collected data to supplier declarations and applicable PPWR obligations.
Claim control
Cardboard packaging is not automatically “fully sustainable”
Impact and compliance depend on construction, material combinations, printing, adhesives, coatings, use and waste collection systems.
- ✓Avoid unsupported absolute claims
- ✓Link certificates to specific material and validity
- ✓Separate general board properties from company product claims
- ✓Review official EU guidance periodically
Technical enquiry
Send the project details
Provide the information available. If some details are not yet known, we will clarify them before preparing the quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before sending an enquiry
These answers help prepare a more accurate specification and production quotation.
When does the PPWR apply?
It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026, while some obligations have other dates.
Does cardboard packaging automatically comply?
No. The specific construction, all materials, components, labelling and applicable provisions must be assessed.
Can packaging be called “100% recyclable”?
Such a claim requires technical evidence and evaluation of the entire package. Unsupported absolute claims should be avoided.
Does FSC certification prove PPWR compliance?
No. FSC may address controlled material sourcing but does not replace assessment of complete packaging under the PPWR. It should only be mentioned with valid documentation.
Where should a company begin?
Start with an inventory of packaging, material specifications, weights, supplier documents and actual packaging functions.