EU Packaging Waste Regulation Sets New Rules for Logistics and Retail

The European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will become mandatory on 12 August 2026, replacing the previous packaging directive. It obliges all actors in the supply chain—including manufacturers, producers, distributors and retailers—to map their packaging, ensure it meets sustainability criteria, submit conformity declarations and retain technical documentation for up to ten years.

In the Netherlands, the industry body Verpact has asked the European Commission to clarify the definitions of “manufacturer” and “producer”. Until clarification arrives, Verpact urges companies to continue following the current Dutch practice for shipping, service and primary product packaging to avoid an uneven playing field. Logistics providers warn that the final EU interpretation could have retroactive effects.

An Italian guide from Palm SpA details the same obligations, defining the manufacturer as any legal entity that produces or contracts the production of packaging, and outlining duties such as filing conformity declarations, keeping technical files for five years (or ten for reusable packaging) and supplying information to national authorities on request.