PPWR Packaging Regulation: Future-Proof Identification Solutions for Manufacturers
PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is reshaping the packaging industry – is your marking technology ready?
New materials, stricter requirements, and increasing traceability demands are creating new challenges for manufacturers. Discover how to achieve reliable identification, verification, and compliance for future-ready, PPWR-aligned packaging.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is transforming the packaging industry across Europe
In the coming years, packaging placed on the EU market will need to meet new requirements related to recyclability, sustainability and transparency.
For manufacturers, PPWR is not just another regulation.
It is a business-critical requirement.
Packaging that does not meet applicable PPWR requirements may face restrictions on being placed on the EU market, creating significant risks for manufacturers, brand owners and suppliers.
At the same time, the transition to recyclable packaging, mono-material structures and new sustainability targets creates entirely new challenges for production and marking processes.
- Can new packaging materials still be marked reliably?
- Can 2D codes still be read and verified?
- How can traceability be maintained throughout the product lifecycle?Â
REA helps manufacturers prepare for PPWR with future-ready marking, identification and verification solutions.
Why PPWR Matters
Packaging must increasingly be designed for recycling.
Less material. Less waste. More efficiency.
Clear information throughout the packaging lifecycle.
Connect physical packaging with digital product information through QR codes and 2D codes.
Enable reliable product recognition and compliance through durable marking technologies.
Capture and manage packaging data to support regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives.
PPWR Creates New Marking Challenges
When packaging changes, marking requirements change as well.
Manufacturers transitioning to mono-material packaging, recyclable films and new sustainable materials often face challenges such as:
- Ink adhesion
- Print durability
- Code readability
- Traceability
- Verification
A packaging concept is only successful if the required information can still be applied reliably and remain readable throughout the supply chain.
Sustainable packaging must remain identifiable.
PPWR introduces stricter requirements regarding substances used in packaging and packaging components.
Manufacturers are increasingly evaluating PFAS-free packaging solutions and reviewing the materials used throughout their packaging processes.
PPWR introduces requirements related to packaging information and identification.
Future packaging concepts may require:
• Material identification
• Sorting information
• Digital information carriers
• Variable codes
• Traceability data
Reliable marking and readable codes become increasingly important.
Discover how direct cardboard marking delivers high-resolution codes, logos, and variable data directly on packaging—reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and boosting flexibility in production.
Recyclable packaging materials often create new challenges for conventional marking technologies.
REA JET UP combines high-resolution printing with UV-curable inks to achieve reliable marking on challenging surfaces and modern mono-material packaging.
In this context, PFAS-free means that no intentionally added PFAS are used as raw materials in the formulation. Examples include:
•   TL810
•   TWF626
Additional PFAS-free products are available depending on the application and substrate.
For specific requirements, our experts will be happy to advise you.Â
Linerless labels eliminate the release liner typically used in conventional label applications.
This can help reduce material consumption, minimize waste and improve operational efficiency while maintaining the flexibility of label-based identification where direct marking is not feasible.
Laser Marking for PPWR-Compliant Packaging offers a durable and resource-efficient alternative for many packaging applications.
By creating permanent codes directly on the packaging surface without inks or solvents, laser technology can support sustainability goals while ensuring reliable identification and traceability.
Suitable applications include paper, cardboard, labels, films and selected packaging materials.
Packaging Traceability and Code Verification for PPWR starts with readable codes.
REA verification solutions help ensure code quality, readability and compliance throughout production and the supply chain.
Because data is only valuable if it remains connected to the physical product.
Why Manufacturers Choose REA
REA combines marking and verification solutions from one source.
Each technology operates independently – and can be seamlessly connected when required, ensuring reliable performance and consistent code quality across every application.
Packaging Traceability and 2D Codes for the PPWR Era
Cardboard boxes and cartons made of paper and cardboard are ideal as primary and secondary packaging for transporting products along the entire transportation chain up to and including the final destination.
Learn more
- Phone +49 6154 638-0
- Mobile +49 170 9263393
- E-mail kdaudi@rea.de
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The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is the European Union’s framework for reducing packaging waste and improving sustainability and recyclability.