The PPWR – information on the new EU Packaging Regulation
Making packaging safe, transparent and sustainable
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into effect on 11 February 2025 and applies in all the member states of the European Union from 12 August 2026 onwards. Individual requirements will take effect at later dates, as set out in the regulation.
The PPWR creates uniform requirements for packaging and packaging waste. It aims to make packaging more resource-conserving, recyclable and transparent throughout its life cycle.
GOK has prepared the relevant packaging solutions for the new requirements at an early stage. This includes plastic bags, PET shop packaging, product cartons and cardboard boxes, as well as secondary, shipping and transport packaging.
Packaging must also continue to do what is crucial for our products: provide protection and safety, contain necessary product information and enable suitable storage and safe transport.
What does PPWR mean?
The PPWR is the new European regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces the current EU directive on packaging and introduces directly applicable requirements for packaging and packaging waste.
Its main areas of focus include:
the recyclability of packaging
preventing and reducing unnecessary packaging
requirements concerning specific materials in packaging
labelling and consumer information
documentation and evidential requirements for the commercial operators concerned
more uniform requirements within the European Union
This means the PPWR not only affects packaging manufacturers but also, depending on their role, manufacturers, importers, distributors and other commercial operators who make packaged products or packaging available on the European Union market.
Packaging at GOK
GOK uses packaging which is tailored to the respective product, its application and the intended delivery route. It must reliably protect our products, provide relevant product information, and meet the storage, transport and handling requirements.
Depending on the product and field of application, different packaging solutions are used:
plastic bags to serve as product, protective or individual packaging
PET shop packaging for the presentation and provision of products at retailers
product cartons for the packaging, labelling, storage and delivery of individual products
cardboard packaging as well as secondary, shipping and transport packaging for bundling, storage and delivery purposes
PET shop packaging usually consists of a transparent PET packaging and a paper insert. When assessing and documenting the packaging solution, both of these components are taken into account.
Product cartons are documented as a separate packaging solution. Cardboard boxes, as well as secondary, shipping and transport packaging, may – provided that the material, design and supporting documentation allow it – be combined in a single document.
Together with customers, suppliers and partners, we ensure that the respective packaging solution fits the product, the supply chain and the regulatory requirements.
What is changing in August 2026?
The PPWR is generally applicable as of 12 August 2026. Starting from that date, the requirements and obligations already applicable shall apply in particular to the commercial operators concerned.
Many individual requirements will take effect in stages, however. These include harmonised material labelling, the assessment of recyclability according to uniform criteria, minimum recyclate contents and certain reuse targets. The specific deadlines depend on the relevant provision and, in some cases, by the legislation that has yet to be adopted.
For GOK, this means we will be reviewing the packaging solutions we use according to their function, materials and components. We will provide information on the latest developments and implementation at GOK on this page. Our contact persons are available to answer any further questions.
Your benefits
Transparent information The relevant information on the packaging solutions used at GOK is presented clearly and comprehensibly.
Traceable packaging components The relevant components of multi-part packaging solutions, such as PET shop packaging with a paper insert, are taken into account.
Support throughout the supply chain Clearly presented information helps customers, distribution partners and other stakeholders to better understand the impact of the PPWR on packaging and supply chains.
GOK service
If you have any questions about the PPWR, packaging or specific products, our team will be happy to assist you.
FAQ on the PPWR
When does the PPWR apply? The PPWR will generally apply in the European Union from 12 August 2026 onwards. Many individual requirements are subject to later application dates or transitional periods, however.
Does packaging need to bear the new EU labelling from 12 August 2026 onwards? No, not as a general rule. The harmonised labelling of the material composition under Article 12 will only become mandatory after the adoption of the necessary implementing legislation and after the expiry of the respective transitional periods. National or product-specific labelling requirements may continue to apply independently of this.
Will the PPWR also affect GOK’s product packaging? Yes. The PPWR applies to all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of its materials or origins. This means plastic bags, PET shop packaging, product cartons as well as cardboard and transport packaging may also be affected.
How is PET shop packaging taken into account? The PET shop packaging used by GOK usually consists of a transparent PET packaging and a paper insert. Both components are taken into account in the assessment and documentation.
Are product cartons taken into account separately? Yes. Product cartons are considered a separate packaging solution and assessed according to their materials, components and function.
How are cardboard boxes and secondary, shipping and transport packaging taken into account? These forms of packaging are taken into account according to their material, structure and purpose. In the case of multi-part or different packaging solutions, the respective components and functions are taken into account appropriately.
Whom should I contact if I have any questions? If you have any questions about the PPWR, packaging or specific products, please contact the information point listed below, your usual contact persons at GOK, or use our contact form.
If you have any questions about the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the packaging used by GOK or the implementation of the PPWR at GOK, please contact our internal contact point.
GOK Regler- und Armaturen-Gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
Obernbreiter Straße 2–18
97340 Marktbreit / Germany
