What is the PPWR?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is new European legislation designed to reduce packaging waste and improve the sustainability of packaging. Companies will increasingly need to demonstrate how their packaging meets these requirements, and keep the supporting information to prove it.
Replaces the old Directive
Replaces the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) from 1994. Entered into force on 11 February 2025.
Broad scope
Applies to all packaging (B2C and B2B) and packaging materials, as well as all packaging waste.
New sustainability criteria
Sets new criteria for the sustainability of packaging materials across the EU. Initial application date: 12 August 2026.
Companies must be able to demonstrate compliance with requirements on:
Who is responsible?
Importers, manufacturers and retailers/distributors each carry distinct legal responsibilities under the PPWR.
Importer
Any natural or legal person established in the EU that places packaging from a third country on the market.
Manufacturer
Manufactures packaging or a packaged product. Importers or distributors using their own brand name also count as a manufacturer.
Retailer / Distributor
Any party in the supply chain, other than the manufacturer or importer, that makes packaging available on the market.
From packaging unit to compliance dossier in four steps
The GSES PPWR Dashboard walks you through data collection, requirement tracking, and documentation, for every packaging unit you manage. Click a step to see it in action.
Why GSES
Built for importers and manufacturers
A single place to manage PPWR compliance across your packaging portfolio — for importers and manufacturers as defined in the PPWR.
See requirements, automatically updated as the regulation evolves.
Store certifications and technical documents in one place, with alerts before certificates expire.
Importers and retailers who count as manufacturers can collect data from third-party packaging manufacturers and generate DoCs.
Store Declarations of Conformity for 5–10 years, as required by law.
Ready to demonstrate PPWR compliance?
The GSES PPWR Module helps organisations manage packaging information, collaborate with suppliers, and maintain the documentation needed to demonstrate PPWR compliance.