PPWR: The new benchmark for sustainable packaging
Reusable products – the future of packaging
The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) marks a turning point for the European economy. Its aim is clear: less packaging waste, more reuse and a true circular economy.
Reusable packaging is not a short-term trend, but the answer to the challenges posed by the PPWR. Reusable containers are durable and robust, are used over many cycles, save resources and reduce CO₂ emissions compared to single-use alternatives, and can be fully recycled at the end of their life cycle. In doing so, they make a decisive contribution to waste prevention and the circular economy.
bekuplast has been consistently committed to sustainable solutions for many years and is therefore ideally prepared to meet the requirements of the PPWR.
What is the PPWR?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is an EU regulation ((EU) 2025/40) that replaces the previous Packaging Directive. The PPWR applies directly in all EU Member States and establishes uniform, binding rules for packaging.
The focus is on:
• Reducing packaging waste
• Promoting reusable and returnable systems
• the recyclability of packaging
• increased use of recycled materials
• strengthening the circular economy
For businesses, this means that packaging needs to be reimagined – durable, reusable and circular. Reusable packaging is thus shifting from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a decisive competitive factor.
Why companies should address the PPWR at an early stage
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will fundamentally change the requirements for packaging in Europe. By 2030, for example, at least 40% of transport packaging used in the B2B sector must be reusable and circulate within a reuse system. Even though transition periods apply, it is already clear today that reusable packaging, reuse and recyclability will become mandatory in the future. Companies that address the PPWR at an early stage gain valuable planning certainty and avoid subsequent pressure in terms of time, costs and adaptation.
Reusable transport packaging is a central component of the PPWR – yet it is by no means an off-the-shelf solution. Early collaboration with experienced manufacturers such as bekuplast enables reusable concepts to be tailored specifically to a company’s own applications and processes and implemented step by step. This results in solutions that are not only legally compliant but also function economically and sustainably.
Companies that act now are using the PPWR not only to meet regulatory requirements, but as an opportunity to reduce single-use packaging, conserve resources and strengthen their sustainability strategy in the long term.
All the key information about the PPWR, in a concise format, available for download.
bekuplast – Your partner for PPWR-compliant reusable solutions
For us, reusable packaging is not just a trend, but part of our DNA: we have been developing and manufacturing reusable transport packaging since 1985. With our containers, trays and pallets, we offer sustainable solutions that not only meet the new legal requirements but also combine economic and environmental benefits.
Our reusable transport packaging already meets the key requirements of the regulation.
Our transport solutions are used multiple times. By being reused, they reduce the need for single-use packaging and make a significant contribution to conserving valuable resources.
Our reusable packaging is designed for a long service life and multiple uses. Through reuse, cleaning and return, recycling is reduced to the absolute minimum.
To conserve resources, we use high-quality recycled materials such as our specially developed bekuplast Quality Compound (BQC). For food containers, we use only regrind from closed-loop cycles of food-safe containers.
Rejects are processed and recycled by our partner and subsequently made available for reuse. In this way, we minimise waste and ensure that valuable materials are reused.
Our containers can be individually labelled with RFID, barcodes or QR codes, enabling tracking throughout the supply chain.
We take back our customers’ used containers, recycle them professionally and return the material to the production process.
EU declarations of conformity in accordance with the PPWR
To help you comply with the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), we have made the EU declarations of conformity available for our standard products available for download. Should any individual documents not yet be available, these will be added gradually. If you cannot find a specific document, please do not hesitate to contact us.
An EU Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the PPWR cannot be issued automatically for every product. Which documents are required and who is responsible for drawing them up or providing them depends on the specific application and on the roles of the companies involved within the supply chain.
bekuplast is therefore not always able to issue an EU Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the PPWR. Depending on the situation, we will provide the available evidence and information. Each enquiry is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Only on this basis can we determine:
- who is responsible for issuing the EU Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the PPWR,
- what information and supporting evidence is required,
- and which documents can be provided by bekuplast.
In particular, bekuplast cannot issue an EU Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the PPWR in the following cases (this list is not exhaustive):
- The product was first made available on the EU market before 12 August 2026 and is therefore not subject to the relevant requirements for an EU Declaration of Conformity under the PPWR.
- bekuplast is not the responsible manufacturer under the PPWR. In this case, responsibility for PPWR compliance lies with another company.
- The product is placed on the market under the customer’s name, brand or design.
- Following an assessment of the specific application, the product does not fall within the scope of the PPWR.
Please let us know when making your enquiry or placing your order if you require information relating to the PPWR requirements. This will enable us to assess at an early stage which information is relevant to your specific application.
We are happy to assist you with implementing the PPWR requirements and are available to answer any questions you may have at any time.
Declarations of conformity and other documents are available in the central downloads section.
Your contact for PPWR
Do you have any questions about PPWR, or would you like to know how to future-proof your packaging processes? We would be happy to advise you personally and work with you to develop bespoke packaging solutions – PPWR-compliant, sustainable and cost-effective.
Jan Sünneker
CRM Manager
Nina Zwafink
Sustainability Manager
n.zwafink@bekuplast.com
+49 5944 9333-88
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