Frequently asked questions about PPWR

Yes. PPWR replaces the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). Unlike a directive, which requires each EU Member State to create its own national legislation, a regulation applies directly across all Member States, creating a more consistent set of packaging rules throughout the EU.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is an EU regulation designed to reduce packaging waste, increase the use of reusable and recyclable packaging, and support the transition to a circular economy. It introduces new rules covering packaging design, reuse, recyclability, labeling and reporting requirements for businesses placing packaging on the EU market.

The PPWR entered into force on August 12, 2026, although some requirements will be phased in over time. Businesses should seek to understand how the regulation affects their packaging, supply chains and reporting obligations.

Yes. Businesses based outside the EU may still need to comply with PPWR if they place packaged products on the European market. Exporters should review the regulation carefully to understand their responsibilities.

PPWR applies to any business that places packaging or packaged goods on the EU market. This includes manufacturers, retailers, distributors, logistics providers, e-commerce businesses, packaging producers, pooling providers and importers. If your products are sold within the EU, the regulation is likely to affect your business.

Returnable transport items (RTIs) are reusable assets used to transport goods throughout the supply chain. Common examples include pallets, plastic crates, totes, roll cages, reusable containers and bins designed for repeated use rather than disposal after a single journey.

PPWR introduces measures to encourage greater use of reusable packaging and reduce reliance on single-use packaging in certain sectors. Businesses using reusable packaging systems will need to demonstrate that those systems operate effectively and support the regulation’s sustainability objectives.

Yes. Asset tracking enables businesses to monitor reusable assets as they move through the supply chain, helping identify loss hotspots, improve recovery rates and reduce unnecessary replacement costs. Better visibility also supports more efficient inventory management and operational planning.

Sensize trackers help maintain product integrity by monitoring temperature and location throughout transit, reducing spoilage and supporting compliance with regulations.

Yes, Sensize provides real time visibility into delivery operations, helping improve efficiency, reduce losses and enhance customer experience.

Our Sensize trackers are used on reusable containers such as pallets, boxes, beer crates, plastic crates and roll cages.

Reusable asset tracking uses technologies such as IoT sensors, Bluetooth and cellular connectivity to monitor the location and movement of reusable packaging and returnable assets.

This helps businesses gain near-real-time visibility into their packaging networks and optimize asset performance.

Sensize supports a wide range of industries including logistics, container pooling, automotive, cold chain, fresh produce, healthcare, manufacturing and reusable packaging systems.

As reusable packaging becomes more common, businesses need accurate information about where assets are, how often they are reused and where losses occur. Reusable packaging tracking provides the visibility needed to manage assets efficiently, improve recovery rates and support compliance reporting.

Supply chain visibility allows businesses to monitor the movement and performance of reusable packaging throughout its lifecycle with visible data. Better visibility helps identify bottlenecks, reduce asset losses, improve utilization and provide evidence that reusable packaging systems are operating effectively.

Preparation starts with understanding how packaging moves through your supply chain. Businesses should review existing packaging processes, identify gaps in asset visibility, assess reporting capabilities and consider how reusable packaging will be monitored over its lifecycle. Investing in better asset tracking and supply chain visibility now can make future compliance significantly easier.

Sensize helps businesses improve visibility across reusable packaging networks through its Parent/Child asset tracking technology.

By providing near-real-time insights into asset location, movement, utilization and return cycles, the platform helps businesses reduce losses, improve operational efficiency and build the data needed to support PPWR compliance.

Businesses that prepare early can do more than simply meet regulatory requirements. Improved packaging visibility can help reduce losses, increase asset utilization, lower replacement costs, improve sustainability reporting and create more efficient, resilient supply chains.