Secondary Packaging in PPWR

Secondary packaging in PPWR refers to the packaging used to group one or more primary packaged products together for handling, transportation, storage, and retail display without directly contacting the product itself. Under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), secondary packaging is subject to requirements aimed at reducing unnecessary packaging, improving recyclability, and supporting the European Union’s transition to a circular economy. Businesses placing packaged products on the EU market must ensure that their secondary packaging complies with these sustainability and design requirements.

What is secondary packaging in PPWR?

Secondary packaging is the outer layer of packaging that surrounds one or more primary packages. It is designed to protect products during transportation and storage, facilitate handling, and sometimes enhance retail presentation. Unlike primary packaging, secondary packaging does not come into direct contact with the product.

Common examples include cardboard boxes containing multiple product units, shrink wrap around beverage packs, and cartons used to bundle consumer goods.

Why is secondary packaging important under PPWR?

Secondary packaging plays an important role in reducing packaging waste because it often accounts for a significant amount of packaging material used throughout the supply chain. PPWR encourages businesses to optimize secondary packaging by reducing excess material, improving recyclability, and designing packaging that uses resources more efficiently.

These measures help reduce waste generation, improve recycling performance, and lower the environmental impact of packaging.

Who must comply with PPWR requirements for secondary packaging?

The PPWR applies to businesses that place packaged products on the European Union market, including:

• Manufacturers
• Brand owners
• Importers
• Packaging producers
• Retailers
• E-commerce businesses
• Distributors
• Logistics providers involved in packaging operations

Businesses supplying products to the EU market should ensure that their secondary packaging meets applicable PPWR requirements.

What are the key PPWR requirements for secondary packaging?

Businesses should ensure that secondary packaging:

• Is designed to minimize unnecessary weight and volume.
• Is recyclable according to PPWR design criteria.
• Uses materials that support efficient collection and recycling.
• Avoids excessive or unnecessary packaging.
• Meets applicable labeling requirements where required.
• Supports reuse where reusable packaging systems apply.
• Maintains adequate protection for products during transportation and storage.

The exact obligations may vary depending on the packaging material, product category, and intended use.

How does PPWR promote sustainable secondary packaging?

PPWR promotes sustainable secondary packaging by encouraging businesses to eliminate unnecessary packaging components, use recyclable materials, increase recycled content where applicable, and improve packaging design for easier recycling.

Many businesses are also adopting reusable transport packaging and lightweight packaging solutions to reduce environmental impacts and meet sustainability objectives.

What challenges do businesses face with secondary packaging compliance?

Common challenges include redesigning packaging to meet recyclability requirements, reducing material usage without compromising product protection, adapting to new labeling rules, increasing recycled content, and maintaining accurate compliance documentation.

Businesses operating across multiple EU markets must also stay informed about regulatory updates and implementation requirements.

How can businesses prepare for PPWR compliance?

Businesses can prepare by reviewing existing secondary packaging designs, conducting packaging optimization assessments, reducing excess packaging materials, collaborating with sustainable packaging suppliers, maintaining compliance records, and monitoring changes to PPWR requirements.

Early preparation can help reduce compliance costs while supporting long-term sustainability goals.

FAQ

What is secondary packaging in PPWR?

Secondary packaging in PPWR is packaging that groups one or more primary packaged products together for handling, storage, transportation, or retail display without directly contacting the product.

Does PPWR apply to secondary packaging?

Yes. Secondary packaging placed on the EU market is subject to PPWR requirements, including rules related to packaging minimization, recyclability, and sustainability.

Why is secondary packaging important under PPWR?

Secondary packaging helps protect products and improve supply chain efficiency while also representing an important opportunity to reduce packaging waste and improve recycling performance.

Can secondary packaging be reusable?

Yes. PPWR encourages reusable packaging systems for certain applications and promotes packaging designs that support multiple use cycles where appropriate.

How can businesses comply with PPWR requirements for secondary packaging?

Businesses can comply by minimizing packaging materials, designing recyclable packaging, using recycled content where applicable, maintaining compliance documentation, and regularly monitoring updates to PPWR requirements.

Conclusion

Secondary packaging in PPWR is an important component of the European Union’s strategy to reduce packaging waste and improve resource efficiency. By optimizing packaging design, improving recyclability, and adopting sustainable packaging practices, businesses can meet PPWR requirements while reducing environmental impacts and strengthening their competitiveness in the European market. Proactive compliance planning will help organizations adapt successfully to evolving packaging regulations.