Horticultural associations recommend QR codes for PPWR compliance

German horticultural industry organizations, including the Zentralverband Gartenbau (ZVG), the Landesverband Gartenbau NRW, the Verband des Deutschen Blumen-Groß- und Importhandels (BGI), and Landgard, are recommending the use of QR codes to comply with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Following the implementation of the PPWR on August 12, 2026, producers are responsible for labeling sales packaging such as flower pots and bags. The associations suggest that while type, serial, or batch numbers must remain visible and unencrypted on the packaging, producer details like names and postal addresses can be provided digitally via QR codes to meet regulatory requirements pragmatically.