From August 12, 2026, every package placed on the EU market must comply with the requirements of the new PPWR. For this reason, we have developed a simple and quick solution to ease your transition into this new world of packaging: the PPWR Compliance Scan from NOVAPOR.
Many of our customers from mechanical engineering, electronics, medical technology or defense are currently asking themselves:
„"What will really change for us? Do we have to rebuild everything? Will we have problems with our customers or suppliers?"“
The short answer: For most NOVAPOR customers, hardly anything will change. – especially regarding the protective effect and functionality of your solutions. The PPWR does not force anyone to make radical material changes or compromises on product protection.
This requires above all greater transparency and intelligent optimization – and for companies that have not yet benefited from our sustainable solutions, we can offer support precisely in this area.
We often hear you say things like:
"Our inserts / cases / load carriers have been working without problems for years – why question everything now?“
"Is our current solution suddenly no longer allowed?"
"Do I now have to conduct expensive tests or test completely new materials?“
"What if my OEM customers suddenly demand PPWR proof?“
We understand that perfectly!
The PPWR sounds complicated at first – but for B2B industrial packaging it is much more pragmatic than many think.
The key point: As long as your packaging reliably protects the products, does not hinder logistics, and the materials are generally designed to be recyclable, most of the requirements are already met or easily adapted.
What is the PPWR – and why does it affect industrial companies?
The PPWR This is an EU regulation that applies directly in all member states. Its aim is to reduce packaging waste, increase recyclability, and strengthen the circular economy.
Key points:
- Entry into force: 2025
- Application of key requirements: from 2026
- Target date for many requirements: 2030
The PPWR does not differentiate between B2C and B2B packaging – transport, logistics, and project packaging are all fully covered. This brings industrial packaging significantly more into the regulatory spotlight.
The three central themes of the PPWR for industrial packaging:
1. Recyclability becomes mandatory
From 2030 (more precisely: from January 1, 2030), all packaging must be recyclable – this also applies to industrial packaging. The decisive factor is not so much the material itself, but rather a well-designed construction. Material combinations are still permitted, but should meet the following criteria:
- be separable
- be structured in a comprehensible way
- be designed to be recyclable.
The focus is not solely on the material, but also on the Design of the construction.
2. Reusable packaging and longer lifespans are gaining massive importance.
PPWR actively promotes reusable packaging systems, especially in the B2B sector. Transport packaging should be increasingly:
- multiple uses
- recyclable (in closed loops)
- be built to be durable
For many industrial companies, this isn't entirely new. Robust reusable crates, modular inlays, and durable transport boxes are already in use. What is new is that these systems will be subject to stricter regulatory scrutiny in the future.
3. Material usage is viewed more critically.
Packaging should be designed to be resource-efficient. Unnecessary material use and oversized constructions are coming more into focus.
However, it is important to note that the protective function remains unchanged and central.
A measured approach is needed here. A hasty switch to supposedly "better" materials without technical testing can be counterproductive. Transport damage generally causes significantly more environmental pollution than technically sound packaging.
Sustainability therefore does not mean activism, but rather technically sound optimization.
No need to panic: Take action!
We have a quick solution for you Self-checklist (5 questions you can answer in 3 minutes) created.
It shows you whether your current solutions are already well-positioned or whether there is some potential for improvement.
1. Protection & Reliability
Do your inserts/cases/KLT inlays still protect the products 100% safely (e.g., in case of drops, vibration, stacking)?
→ If so: That remains the number one requirement. The PPWR does not want any reduction in protection.
2. Empty space & volume
Is there a lot of unused space in your containers/boxes (e.g., significantly more than half air or loose filler)? Or is everything packed relatively tightly?
→ From 2030 onwards, empty space will be assessed more strictly – but often a small adjustment to the contour is sufficient.
3. Separability at the end
Can foam and cardboard/plastic/other materials be easily separated later (without everything being glued or welded together)?
→ This will be an important point from 2026 onwards – and many of our solutions already meet this requirement today.
4. Reuse potential
Do you already use pool systems (e.g. VDA-KLTs) or could inserts/modules be reused in the event of a product change?
→ From 2030 onwards, the proportion of reused products will increase – modular designs will save a lot of money in the long term.
5. Data & Transparency
Have you already received information from your packaging partners regarding material composition (e.g., recycled content, PFAS-free, recyclability)?
→ This is increasingly required for audits, OEM inquiries, or sustainability reports.
If several questions were answered with a "probably not" or "I'm not sure," that's perfectly normal – and nothing to worry about. In precisely these cases, it's worthwhile to take a closer look together.
PPWR compliance scan from NOVAPOR
How we can help you – without you having to become an expert yourself
We take care of most of the PPWR work for you:
1. We will review your current solutions (quick scan via photos, drawings or samples – free of charge).
2. We clearly show you what is already top-notch and where small optimizations (e.g., modular design, recycled foam upgrade) make sense.
3. We provide you with the necessary information and documentation (material data, recycling information, conformity modules) – ready to pass on to your customers or for internal audits.
4. Often, this even results in advantages: less material, lower volume, better suitability for pools.
No blind material change, but clever adaptation with NOVAPOR
A common reflex of many companies is to switch as quickly as possible to a supposedly "simple" single material in order to be on the safe side from a regulatory perspective.
However, industrial packaging is subject to different physical requirements than consumer packaging. Impact loads, vibration profiles, climatic influences, or weight requirements cannot be solved through symbolic material choices.
Packaging that does not adequately protect a product can cause damage during transport:
- additional production
- resending
- increased energy consumption
- more emissions
Therefore, the following still applies: protection first, then optimization.
The PPWR does not require a deterioration of the protective effect, but rather a well-thought-out further development of existing systems.
FAQ on PPWR for industrial packaging
Does the PPWR also apply to purely B2B transport packaging?
Yes. Transport and logistics packaging in the B2B sector is explicitly part of the regulation.
Will all industrial packaging have to be made from a single material in the future?
No. What matters is recyclability and design, not necessarily material purity.
Will hybrid solutions be banned?
No. Technical materials remain permissible. What's important is a traceable, recyclable design and documentation.
Are industrial packaging items generally exempt?
No. There are distinctions, for example regarding hazardous materials or project-specific special solutions, but no general exception. Special regulations apply to hazardous materials packaging with its own international safety standards, customized packaging for large machinery and projects, closed-loop logistics systems, and certain specialized industrial applications.
What will happen from 2030 onwards?
Packaging must meet defined requirements for recyclability and sustainability in order to continue being placed on the market.
Case study: PPWR compliance in the mechanical engineering industry
A medium-sized manufacturer of precision machines contacted NOVAPOR for support with PPWR implementation.
The company produces heavy and delicate components weighing between 5 and 50 kg per part. Shipping is primarily done via corrugated cardboard boxes lined with PE foam inserts, with larger shipments additionally transported on pallets.
Currently, their packaging supplier offered solutions with a high empty space ratio of approximately 60 to 70 %. The disposable foam was repeatedly thrown away because the company has little experience with reusable packaging.
Following a PPWR compliance scan by NOVAPOR, we determined that the existing solution was fundamentally recyclable, but empty space and single-use content would jeopardize PPWR.
Conclusion
With the help of NOVAPOR's PPWR Compliance Scan, the company had the potential to achieve 30 to 40 % material and cost savings through packaging optimization.
For this purpose, we have developed modular reusable inserts for KLTs (preparation for 2030 quotas) with interchangeable partitions/compartments.
The advantage: When changing products (e.g., a new product series), only the modules need to be adapted. The KLTs remain in circulation for 5–10+ years and can be amortized after 8–15 cycles.
Result for the customer
- From August 2026: Fully compliant (DoC available, no market exclusion risks).
- Cost savings: 20–40 % less material/volume → cheaper transport.
- Sustainability image: „PPWR-ready“ – good for audits/customers (automotive suppliers often require this).
- Future-proof: Basis for 2030 quotas (40 % reusable transport packaging).
NOVAPOR customers: on the right track for years
Sustainability is not a trend at NOVAPOR, but has been an integral part of our daily work for years. Through intelligent design, precise material selection, and optimized manufacturing processes, we consistently reduce material usage and weight without compromising product protection.
Wherever possible, we develop reusable packaging that can be used over many transport cycles, thus replacing single-use materials. At the same time, we rely on recyclable and recycled materials, continuously improve our offcut rates, and actively advise our customers on making packaging more efficient, durable, and resource-friendly.
Our goal is to combine economic and ecological solutions – for packaging that safely protects products while also taking responsibility for resources and the environment.
Take PPWR seriously – but with technical precision.
The PPWR will change industrial packaging. It calls for greater transparency, improved recyclability, and a stronger focus on circular economy principles. What it does not call for is an ill-considered change of materials or a reduction in protective properties.
Industrial packaging will continue to play a vital role in the future: safely delivering products to their destination. With NOVAPOR's PPWR Compliance Scan, our customers can intelligently combine protection, efficiency, and regulatory requirements. Those who analyze and optimize now, systematically, create planning certainty until 2030 – without compromising quality or product protection.
Just write to us „"PPWR Compliance Scan"“ Send us an email or use our contact form, or give us a call. We'll arrange an informal meeting (online or in person), review your solutions, and give you an honest assessment of your current situation and what – if anything – needs adjusting.
No pressure, no big sales pitch – just an open conversation with people who know your world.
We look forward to taking away your uncertainty and making your packaging fit for August 2026 and the years to come.