PPWR: With Craemer, you are prepared.

We will guide you safely through the new EU Packaging Regulation

With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the European Union is establishing a new, uniform legal framework for packaging and packaging waste. The aim of the regulation is to make packaging more sustainable, recyclable and geared towards the circular economy.

For businesses, this means that the requirements for packaging, documentation, conformity and supporting evidence will change. At Craemer, we are also conducting a thorough analysis of the new regulatory requirements and integrating them step by step into our internal processes, product developments and documentation structures.

No later than the general date of application of the Regulation on 12 August 2026, Craemer products will meet the key requirements currently foreseeable under the future rules. The corresponding declaration of conformity or extended conformity documentation will then be made available to you.

If you have any questions about the PPWR and Craemer products, please speak to your sales contact or contact us directly.

PPWR in brief: What is the new EU Packaging Regulation?

The PPWR is the new European regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces the previous EU Packaging Directive and applies directly in all EU Member States.

The Regulation generally concerns packaging and packaging waste within the EU. Among other things, it introduces new requirements in the following areas:

Recyclability of packaging
Resource conservation and the circular economy
Use and verification of recycled content
Reuse and reusability
Labelling, documentation and conformity
Extended producer responsibility
Revised restrictions on substances in packaging

In addition, the PPWR builds on existing requirements for substances in packaging and further specifies them. These include, among other things, the applicable provisions of the EU chemicals regulation REACH and limit values for certain heavy metals. Article 5 of the PPWR also sets out revised restrictions on PFAS, particularly for packaging in contact with food.

This means that, alongside recyclability, the circular economy and documentation, substance-related requirements are also coming under greater scrutiny. For businesses, the PPWR is therefore becoming a key component of their packaging, procurement, logistics and sustainability strategies.

For many companies, the PPWR will therefore become an important part of their packaging, procurement, logistics and sustainability strategies.

For Craemer, one thing is clear: sustainable, durable and circular-economy-oriented plastic solutions are a key component of future-proof packaging and logistics concepts.

The key PPWR milestones at a glance

The PPWR is being implemented in stages according to a set timetable. For businesses and other stakeholders, this means that the longer the regulation remains in force, the more specific and extensive the requirements for packaging, processes and supporting documentation will become.

Entry into force of the PPWR

The new EU Packaging Regulation officially entered into force. This marks the start of the transition period leading up to the application of the essential requirements.

General date of application

From this point onwards, the PPWR applies in principle. Companies must comply with the regulatory requirements in force at that time.

Craemer will ensure that the requirements relevant to our products are implemented by the deadline. The corresponding conformity documentation will be provided by the date of application or shortly thereafter.

Further obligations and specifications

Some requirements will be defined in more detail over time or will become relevant at a later stage. These include, among other things, provisions relating to information, supporting documentation, registration and reporting obligations.

Further sustainability and circular economy targets

In the coming years, additional requirements will come into force, for example relating to recyclability, the use of recycled content and further targets under the European circular economy.

Entry into force of the PPWR

The new EU Packaging Regulation officially entered into force. This marks the start of the transition period leading up to the application of the essential requirements.

General date of application

From this point onwards, the PPWR applies in principle. Companies must comply with the regulatory requirements in force at that time.

Craemer will ensure that the requirements relevant to our products are implemented by the deadline. The corresponding conformity documentation will be provided by the date of application or shortly thereafter.

Further obligations and specifications

Some requirements will be defined in more detail over time or will become relevant at a later stage. These include, among other things, provisions relating to information, supporting documentation, registration and reporting obligations.

Further sustainability and circular economy targets

In the coming years, additional requirements will come into force, for example relating to recyclability, the use of recycled content and further targets under the European circular economy.

How Craemer supports you with PPWR implementation

Craemer is working intensively on the requirements of the PPWR. The regulatory requirements are currently being analysed in detail and integrated into our internal processes, product developments and documentation structures.

As individual implementing provisions and specifications in national legislation are still being developed on an ongoing basis, the implementation process has not yet been fully completed. At the same time, we are working systematically to ensure that all relevant requirements are met on time and reliably.

For you as our customers, this means:

Craemer keeps a close eye on regulatory developments.
The PPWR requirements are systematically assessed internally
Relevant processes and documentation structures will be adapted.
Product developments and existing product groups are assessed in light of the requirements
The necessary conformity documentation will be provided by the deadline
Customers receive all the necessary information and supporting documents at the relevant time.

Our aim is clear: We help our customers to remain legally compliant, sustainable and future-proof, even in the face of new requirements.

To which Craemer products and solutions does the PPWR apply?

The PPWR covers transport packaging and is relevant to Craemer across a broad plastics portfolio.

These include, in particular:

Plastic pallets
Pallet boxes
Transport and storage containers
Other plastic solutions for logistics, storage and transport

We therefore take a holistic approach to the requirements, considering them not in relation to individual items, but in the context of product design, material use, recyclability, reusability, documentation and long-term use.

Craemer and Tanso: Working together for greater transparency in PPWR data

Cedric Schalich
Chief of Staff

Craemer is working with Tanso to digitally process PPWR-relevant data. Based in Munich, the company supports other businesses in compiling product, material and sustainability information transparently and traceably.

“With Craemer, we are working with a partner that considers the requirements of the PPWR at an early stage, in a structured way and from the customer’s perspective. Together, we are laying the foundation for Craemer customers to receive relevant information on material composition, recycled content and conformity more quickly, transparently and traceably in the future.”

Tanso Technologies GmbH

Sustainability as the foundation of our actions

For Craemer, sustainable business practices are not a short-term project, but part of the company’s strategy. Craemer is constantly working to use resources efficiently, reduce emissions and provide sustainable solutions for industry and logistics.

These include, among other things, the use of recycled content, the use of renewable energy, the reduction of CO₂ emissions and the development of durable products for reusable logistics and packaging cycles.

The PPWR confirms this approach: in future, packaging should be geared more towards resource conservation, the circular economy and reuse. This is precisely where Craemer comes in – with robust, durable and future-proof plastic solutions.

Frequently asked questions about the PPWR

What does PPWR stand for?

PPWR stands for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This refers to the new EU Regulation on packaging and packaging waste.

When will the PPWR apply?

The PPWR came into force on 11 February 2025 and will generally apply from 12 August 2026. However, certain requirements may come into effect at a later date or be specified by further implementing provisions.

Does the PPWR also apply to plastic pallets, pallet boxes and containers?

Yes, the PPWR also includes transport packaging. At Craemer, therefore, it is considered across the entire relevant range of plastics – from pallets and boxes to containers.

Are Craemer products already PPWR-compliant?

Based on current knowledge, Craemer products meet the key prerequisites for the requirements that will apply in the future.

How does Craemer support its customers in implementing the PPWR?

Craemer monitors regulatory developments, assesses the requirements for its own product portfolio and prepares the necessary processes and documentation. This ensures that customers receive the relevant information and supporting documents in good time.

Do customers receive the extended declaration of conformity in good time?

Yes. Craemer is preparing the necessary declaration of conformity or extended conformity documentation. This will be available at the relevant time.

Do customers need to take action now?

Many companies are currently assessing the impact of the PPWR on their packaging, procurement, logistics and sustainability processes. If you use Craemer products or have specific questions about your application, we recommend that you contact your sales contact.

Do you have any questions about the PPWR?

The new EU Packaging Regulation raises many detailed questions. Craemer will support you as a reliable partner throughout implementation. Please speak to your sales contact or contact us directly: PPWR@craemer.com

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Please note: The information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice, but is intended solely as a non-binding source of information. The content has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, no guarantee is given as to the completeness, up-to-dateness or accuracy of the information. Liability for the use of the information provided is excluded.