The PPWR represents the most significant overhaul of EU packaging legislation in more than three decades. Designed to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability and support the transition towards a circular economy, the regulation introduces new requirements for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing and distributing packaged products within the EU.

Its scope is extensive, covering primary, secondary and transport packaging as well as packaging used for e-commerce shipments and goods imported into the EU.

What changes from 12 August?

From 12 August 2026, businesses will need to consider new requirements relating to packaging conformity and supporting technical documentation.

For organisations placing packaged products onto the EU market, this means understanding which packaging falls within scope, establishing where responsibility sits within the supply chain and ensuring the appropriate information is available to demonstrate compliance.

The regulation will continue to develop over the coming years, with further requirements covering areas including packaging labelling, recyclability, recycled plastic content, packaging minimisation and reuse targets.

Preparing for PPWR

With the first requirements approaching, businesses trading with the EU should review their packaging arrangements now.

This should include identifying the packaging used across EU-bound supply chains, understanding the role of suppliers, manufacturers and importers, and reviewing the documentation available for relevant packaging materials.

Woodland Group is also reviewing its own packaging processes and working with suppliers to obtain supporting compliance information for packaging materials used within our operations.

Where Woodland adds transport packaging to a shipment — such as pallets, stretch wrap, cartons or void fill — we are working to ensure the relevant packaging information can be maintained and made available to customers where required.

Further guidance

We have produced detailed guidance to help businesses understand the PPWR, including:

• Which packaging falls within scope;
• The responsibilities of different operators within the supply chain;
• Key requirements and future implementation dates;
• Practical steps businesses can take to prepare; and
• How Woodland Group is adapting its own operations to support customers.