DHL updates packaging rules as digital euro plans emerge

DHL has updated its packaging regulations, now allowing suitable film packaging, such as plastic bags, for parcels and packages. Previously, private customers using plastic bags risked being charged bulky item surcharges of up to 28.99 euros. The company noted that experience with returns showed these materials can be reliably processed by sorting systems.

In the realm of digital finance, preparations for a potential digital euro include the development of a new account numbering system known as DEAN (Digital Euro Account Number). Planned tests with banks are expected to begin in the second half of 2027. The DEAN is intended to be an 18-digit identifier starting with 'EU', designed to distinguish digital euro accounts from standard IBANs while maintaining user privacy.

Separately, a trend is emerging in the commercial packaging sector where businesses in gastronomy, bakeries, and retail are increasingly opting for regional wholesalers over online platforms. This shift is driven by the need for personalized consulting regarding specialized requirements such as custom branding, specific material dimensions, and technical expertise for vacuum packaging.