EU Packaging Regulation drives compliance and manufacturing shifts

The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is driving significant shifts in the packaging industry, affecting both compliance procedures and manufacturing investments.

Industry organization evofenedex has noted that many companies are incorrectly requesting standard declarations of conformity from suppliers to meet PPWR requirements. Under the regulation, the responsibility for the declaration of conformity lies with the packaging manufacturer, who must prepare a technical dossier and perform a conformity assessment. While importers of non-EU packaging must ensure documentation is present, other supply chain participants are not strictly required to exchange these specific declarations, though they must ensure the packaging they use complies with PPWR standards.

In response to the regulatory landscape, Masterpress has invested in new equipment to offer paper-based pouch production. By bringing pouch-making in-house, the company aims to meet market demand for sustainable packaging that offers a lower carbon footprint than glass, rigid plastic, or metal. The new production line allows for direct movement from printing to pouch formation, reducing lead times and supporting the use of single-layer and paper-based structures.