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The PPWR is coming.
We're prepared – and so are you.
From August 12, 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) will apply in all 27 EU countries. For corrugated cardboard shipping packaging in particular, the PPWR mainly brings tailwind – but there are new obligations regarding documentation, labeling, and recyclability. On this page you'll find everything important: the requirements, the deadlines, and how we at DREI V specifically support you.
Download Declarations of Conformity | Request Personal Consultation
What is the PPWR?
The EU Packaging Regulation at a glance
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – replaces the previous Packaging Directive 94/62/EC. Unlike a directive, it applies directly and uniformly across all EU member states, without the need for national implementing legislation. Its goal: less packaging waste, a functioning circular economy, and consistent rules throughout the EU single market.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – replaces the previous Packaging Directive 94/62/EC. Unlike a directive, it applies directly and uniformly across all EU member states, without the need for national implementing legislation. Its goal: less packaging waste, a functioning circular economy, and consistent rules throughout the EU single market.
The 5 core points of the PPWR
- Packaging must be documented. Companies must be able to demonstrate that their packaging meets the new requirements – through technical documentation and EU declarations of conformity.
- Packaging must be recyclable. Materials that cannot be recycled will be gradually phased out of the market.
- Oversized packaging will be regulated. The box should fit the product – shipping unnecessary amounts of empty space will no longer be permitted.
- Those who place packaging on the market bear greater responsibility. This also applies to what happens to the packaging after shipping.
- Packaging must carry uniform labeling. So that consumers can see at a glance how to dispose of the packaging.
Key dates
Recyclability grades A–E
From 2030, the assessment system becomes concrete
The PPWR introduces a grading system for the recyclability of packaging:
The exact threshold values will be bindingly established by the EU Commission through delegated acts by January 2028. The figures given here are current reference values based on industry research.
The good news for corrugated cardboard:
Corrugated cardboard emerges as a clear winner from the PPWR. Corrugated cardboard is one of the most recyclable packaging materials there is: in Germany, over 90% of all corrugated cardboard packaging is actually recycled – one of the highest rates among packaging materials worldwide. As a material, corrugated cardboard clearly ranks among the top grades. Our 3-series multi-wall packaging currently achieves performance grade A, with a recyclability rate of more than 95%.
The good news for corrugated cardboard:
Corrugated cardboard emerges as a clear winner from the PPWR. Corrugated cardboard is one of the most recyclable packaging materials there is: in Germany, over 90% of all corrugated cardboard packaging is actually recycled – one of the highest rates among packaging materials worldwide. As a material, corrugated cardboard clearly ranks among the top grades. Our 3-series multi-wall packaging currently achieves performance grade A, with a recyclability rate of more than 95%.
Who is the producer, who is the supplier?
The allocation of roles under the PPWR – explained simply
The most widely discussed topic in the PPWR right now is the allocation of roles: who bears which obligations? We provide clarity, so you know exactly where you stand.
For standard packaging from our catalog: Here, we are the producer of the packaging within the meaning of the PPWR. This means for you:
- We provide you with the corresponding EU declarations of conformity for download.
- From August 12, 2026, we will label the packaging with our address as the producer.
- You don't need to worry about anything.
For custom-commissioned packaging: When we manufacture packaging to your order with your own printing or specific design, we act as your supplier – the producer role under the PPWR generally lies with you. (Exception: micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and ≤ €2 million annual turnover in the same member state, cf. Art. 3(1)13(b) PPWR.) This means:
- We provide you with all the information required under Art. 16 PPWR that you need for your own declaration of conformity: data sheets confirming compliance with heavy metal limit values, a notice that the packaging is not intended for contact with food, and information on recyclability.
- Your address must be indicated as the producer on the packaging – either printed directly or via a label.
Good to know: Our standard packaging and model designations (e.g., "Packfix 10") serve solely for product identification and do not establish brand or system responsibility within the meaning of the PPWR.
Here's how we specifically support you
Our PPWR service for your compliance
1. Declarations of conformity for download
For our catalog products, we provide you with EU declarations of conformity in accordance with Art. 39 PPWR – continuously updated in line with the EU Commission's delegated acts and implementing provisions.
2. All supplier information per Art. 16 PPWR
For your custom packaging, we provide you with the complete data sheets and evidence you need for your own declaration of conformity.
3. Labeling service
On request, we can handle the producer labeling of your custom packaging for you. Please allow for approximately two additional weeks of lead time for this – for creating the print artwork and the approval process.
4. Insert-sheet solution for unprinted packaging
For unprinted packaging, we understand that printed labeling is not strictly required. The necessary information can be provided on a separate insert sheet – for example, together with the delivery note.
5. Personal consultation
Do you have questions about how to classify your packaging or your obligations? Ms. Berger and our team are happy to advise you personally.
Get in touch now
Our packaging already meets the requirements today
Material safety and compliance at DREI V
Our corrugated cardboard shipping packaging is made from paper-based, predominantly natural and renewable raw materials – and already meets the key material requirements of the PPWR today:
Our corrugated cardboard shipping packaging is made from paper-based, predominantly natural and renewable raw materials – and already meets the key material requirements of the PPWR today:
- Heavy metals well below the limit value: The total amount of lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium VI is demonstrably well below 100 ppm (Art. 5 PPWR). Our corrugated board suppliers regularly conduct laboratory tests for this.
- No substances of very high concern (SVHC): Our products do not contain any substances from the REACH candidate list in concentrations requiring declaration.
- No persistent organic pollutants (POPs): In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, no POPs are used – nor are PBBs, PBDEs, DIPN, phthalates, or conflict minerals.
- Mineral-oil-free, water-based printing inks: Flexographic printing is carried out using mineral-oil-free, water-based inks. The adhesives used do not impair the recycling process.
- 100% recycled material possible: Our 3-series multi-wall packaging is made entirely from recycled material (testliner and fluting) – and we continue to develop consistently: as part of our transition to mono-material, we replaced the plastic tear thread with a paper tear thread.
Production takes place at our two Bavarian sites in Kirchheim-Heimstetten and Tiefenbach – certified and with continuous quality assurance.
Downloads
Documents & evidence
- EU declarations of conformity (PDF/DE)
- Safety declaration for corrugated cardboard packaging (PDF, DE/EN)
- Declaration on heavy metal limit values per VerpackG / PPWR (PDF, DE/EN)
- REACH SVHC declaration (PDF, DE/EN)
Note: The sample forms are based on the current legal situation and are subject to future delegated acts and implementing provisions of the EU Commission. We continuously update them and will provide the final versions in good time before August 12, 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the PPWR
What is the PPWR and when does it take effect?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is the new EU packaging regulation. It applies directly in all 27 EU countries from August 12, 2026, and replaces the previous Packaging Directive 94/62/EC.
Do I need to do anything now as an online retailer?
Yes – but we make it easy for you. Anyone who places packaged products on the market or uses packaging under their own brand bears producer obligations (documentation, declaration of conformity, labeling). For DREI V catalog products, we take on the producer role; for custom packaging, we provide you with all the necessary information and evidence.
Are corrugated cardboard packages affected by the tightened requirements from 2030?
Corrugated cardboard is one of the most recyclable packaging materials and clearly ranks among the top recyclability grades. Our 3-series multi-wall packaging currently achieves grade A (>95% recyclability) – so you're on the safe side even beyond 2030 and 2038.
Who must be named as the producer on the packaging?
For our catalog products: DREI V – we will label with our address from August 12, 2026. For custom-made packaging: generally you, as the customer. On request, we can take over this labeling for you (approx. two additional weeks of lead time).
What applies to unprinted packaging?
As we understand it, printed labeling is not strictly required here. The necessary information can be provided on a separate insert sheet, for example together with the delivery note.
May my packaging come into contact with food?
Our shipping packaging is secondary packaging and is not intended for direct contact with food.
Where can I find further information?
In addition to the downloads on this page, we recommend the Packaging Cockpit with the General Data Protocol Format (GDPF): https://packaging-cockpit.com/gdpf/ – For individual questions, please feel free to contact us directly.
What is the PPWR and when does it take effect?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is the new EU packaging regulation. It applies directly in all 27 EU countries from August 12, 2026, and replaces the previous Packaging Directive 94/62/EC.
Do I need to do anything now as an online retailer?
Yes – but we make it easy for you. Anyone who places packaged products on the market or uses packaging under their own brand bears producer obligations (documentation, declaration of conformity, labeling). For DREI V catalog products, we take on the producer role; for custom packaging, we provide you with all the necessary information and evidence.
Are corrugated cardboard packages affected by the tightened requirements from 2030?
Corrugated cardboard is one of the most recyclable packaging materials and clearly ranks among the top recyclability grades. Our 3-series multi-wall packaging currently achieves grade A (>95% recyclability) – so you're on the safe side even beyond 2030 and 2038.
Who must be named as the producer on the packaging?
For our catalog products: DREI V – we will label with our address from August 12, 2026. For custom-made packaging: generally you, as the customer. On request, we can take over this labeling for you (approx. two additional weeks of lead time).
What applies to unprinted packaging?
As we understand it, printed labeling is not strictly required here. The necessary information can be provided on a separate insert sheet, for example together with the delivery note.
May my packaging come into contact with food?
Our shipping packaging is secondary packaging and is not intended for direct contact with food.
Where can I find further information?
In addition to the downloads on this page, we recommend the Packaging Cockpit with the General Data Protocol Format (GDPF): https://packaging-cockpit.com/gdpf/ – For individual questions, please feel free to contact us directly.
Safely through the PPWR – with DREI V by your side
The PPWR requirements will be phased in gradually until 2030 – and we ensure our packaging remains compliant at every stage. At DREI V, we develop and produce corrugated cardboard shipping packaging tailored precisely for e-commerce. Standard and custom, made in Bavaria.
Your DREI V contact for PPWR questions:
Simone Berger
Tel: +49 904 860 - 66
Email: berger@drei-v.de
Legal notice: The content of this page is for general information purposes and reflects our assessment based on the current legal situation (Regulation (EU) 2025/40). It does not constitute legal advice and does not create any legally binding commitments. The PPWR requirements will be further specified through delegated acts and implementing provisions of the EU Commission; the legal situation may therefore change. For a binding assessment of your individual obligations, we recommend seeking expert legal review. As of: 08/2026.