For a long time, packaging regulations primarily applied to the consumer market (B2C). Industrial and transport packaging were subject to fewer regulations.
With the entry into force of the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), this situation will change fundamentally. Starting in August 2026, the B2B sector will be fully subject to these requirements.
The B2B Focus
The PPWR is now a regulation rather than a directive. This means it applies directly and uniformly in all EU member states. The previous national leeway (e.g., under the Packaging Act) has been largely eliminated.
Universal EPR Requirement
The PPWR will extend Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to all packaging categories. Until now, many EU countries (such as Germany for transport packaging) have had take-back obligations, but no mandatory financial participation in the system or registration requirement to the same extent as for B2C packaging.
Registration in each member state
Anyone who supplies packaging to another EU member state (places it on the market) must be registered in the relevant registry there. Although the PPWR provides for a harmonized registration format to reduce the administrative burden, the obligation to register in each individual target market remains in effect.
Inclusion of transport and commercial packaging
The PPWR no longer distinguishes between the origin of waste (private vs. commercial) when it comes to the basic EPR requirements. Industrial pallets, big bags, and mesh boxes are also subject to the new reporting and financing obligations.
EU Declaration of Conformity
In the future, industrial packaging may only be placed on the market if a written declaration of conformity is provided.
This legally confirms that the packaging meets the requirements of the regulation. These include recyclability (Art. 6), compliance with substance restrictions (e.g., PFAS/lead), and the minimization of packaging weight.
Ban on blank spaces
The PPWR stipulates that the void space ratio for consolidated, shipping, and e-commerce packaging may not exceed 50%.
Although the focus is often on B2C packages, B2B shipping solutions (e.g., shipping spare parts in cardboard boxes) are also subject to this regulation. The only exceptions are transport packaging used solely to protect palletized goods (e.g., stretch film wrapped around a full pallet).
The 50% vacancy rate is expected to become mandatory 36 months after the law takes effect (around 2030).
Contact us for comprehensive advice on your compliance issues relating to electrical and electronic equipment, packaging, batteries, and PV panels.
www.ecopv-eu.com/en/contact/ | 
E-Mail: info@ecopv-eu.com
Supported over 20,000 customers with EPR compliance
Rated 5.0 on Google
Contact
We look forward to your message!
