Single-use has had its day.

From that date, requirements on substances of concern (a combined limit for heavy metals and a PFAS restriction for food-contact packaging) and the broader producer and registration structure apply. The heavier design and reuse requirements are phased in later, with 2030 as the first big milestone.

From 2030 a binding target of 40% reusable transport packaging applies to cross-border transport within the EU; for 2040 a 70% target is included as a best-effort obligation. For grouped packaging the figures are 10% (2030, binding) and 25% (2040, best-effort). Cardboard boxes are exempt from these reuse targets.

For shipment, e-commerce and grouped packaging, from 2030 no more than 50% of the volume may be empty space (including void fill). Reusable packaging is exempt. The exact calculation method will be set by an implementing act.

Packaging in the floriculture chain — export boxes, crates, sleeves, trays and load carriers — falls under the PPWR once placed on the EU market. Packaging types are assessed separately for recyclability and conformity. Reusable transport solutions align well with the direction of the law.

Start with three things: map all your packaging, determine your role(s) in the chain, and gather the necessary information per packaging item (material, weight, composition, recyclability and the declaration of conformity). From 12 August 2026 you must be able to demonstrate which packaging you use; the heavier requirements follow towards 2030.

The EU declaration of conformity is the document proving that packaging meets the PPWR rules; it is sometimes called a 'packaging passport'. The manufacturer draws it up — or you, if you place a packaged product on the market under your own name or brand. It covers the whole packaging unit, so pot, sleeve, label and closure all count.

Yes. Pots, seed trays, sleeves, wraps, films, boxes, crates and transport packaging fall under the PPWR as soon as they move towards sale or transport — the European Commission explicitly names flower and plant pots and seed trays. Only a pot that demonstrably stays purely within the growing process may be assessed differently.

It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026. Importantly, most substantive requirements — recyclability, minimisation, the 50% rule and the reuse targets — only apply from 1 January 2030. So 12 August 2026 is mainly the starting point.

Any business placing packaging on, or using packaging in, the EU market: producers, importers, distributors and retailers, across all sectors (floriculture, e-commerce, retail, food, logistics, industry). Small businesses get some relief, but there is no general turnover threshold.

No. The PPWR does not ban cardboard, nor does it directly require reuse. But cardboard comes under indirect pressure: it must meet recyclability rules and the minimisation and 50% rules, and EPR fees are linked to how recyclable packaging is. That makes reusable transport relatively more attractive.

EPR (extended producer responsibility) means whoever places packaging on the market helps pay for its collection and recycling. The PPWR links the fee to the recyclability class: poorly recyclable packaging costs more. This is the financial mechanism behind "cardboard gets more expensive".

Map all your packaging and its materials and weights, involve your suppliers, and be able to show that any recycled content comes from certified recyclers. Decide which packaging streams to make more sustainable or replace with reusable transport before 2030.

The PPWR allocates obligations based on your role: supplier, manufacturer, producer, importer or distributor. One company can hold several roles at once. Your role determines whether you must register, report or be able to present a declaration of conformity — so determine it per packaging item and per situation.

From 1 January 2030, the plastic parts of packaging must contain a minimum share of post-consumer recyclate. For much non-food plastic packaging a minimum of 35% applies from 2030, rising towards 65% in 2040. The detailed technical rules are still being finalised.