PPWR – Information on the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Making packaging safe, transparent and fit for the future
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation –
entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will generally apply directly in all Member States of the
European Union since 12 August 2026. Individual requirements will become effective at later dates specified
in the Regulation.
The PPWR establishes uniform requirements for packaging and packaging waste. Its aim is to make packaging
more resource-efficient, improve its recyclability and increase transparency throughout its life cycle.
GOK is preparing the relevant packaging solutions for the new requirements at an early stage. These include
plastic bags, PET shop packaging, product cartons, as well as cardboard boxes and secondary, shipping and
transport packaging.
Packaging must continue to fulfil the requirements that are essential for our products: providing protection
and safety, containing the necessary product information and enabling suitable storage and safe transport.
What does the PPWR mean?
The PPWR is the new European Regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces the previous EU
Packaging Directive and introduces directly applicable requirements for packaging and packaging waste.
The main areas covered include:
Recyclability of packaging
Avoidance and reduction of unnecessary packaging
Requirements for certain substances in packaging
Labelling and consumer information
Documentation and verification obligations for affected economic operators
More uniform requirements throughout the European Union
The PPWR therefore affects not only packaging manufacturers but – depending on their role – also
manufacturers, importers, distributors and other economic operators that make packaged products or
packaging available on the market of the European Union.
Packaging at GOK
GOK uses packaging solutions that are tailored to the respective product, its application and the intended
delivery route. They must reliably protect our products, provide relevant product information and meet the
requirements for storage, transport and handling.
Different packaging solutions are used depending on the product and area of application:
Plastic bags as product, protective or individual packaging
PET shop packaging for presenting and providing products in retail
Product cartons for packaging, labelling, storing and providing individual products
Cardboard boxes as well as secondary, shipping and transport packaging for bundling, storage and delivery
The PET shop packaging used by GOK generally consists of a transparent PET package and a paper insert. Both
components are taken into account accordingly when evaluating and documenting the packaging solution.
Product cartons are documented as a separate packaging solution. Cardboard boxes as well as secondary,
shipping and transport packaging may be combined in a single document where the material, structure and
supporting documentation allow this.
Together with customers, suppliers and partners, we ensure that each packaging solution is suitable for the
product, the supply chain and the applicable regulatory requirements.
What will change from August 2026?
The PPWR will generally apply since 12 August 2026. From this date, the requirements and obligations that
are already directly applicable will apply to the respective affected economic operators.
However, numerous individual requirements will take effect in stages. These include, among other things,
harmonised material labelling, the assessment of recyclability based on uniform criteria, minimum recycled
content levels and certain reuse targets. The specific deadlines depend on the respective provision and, in
some cases, on legal acts that have yet to be adopted.
For GOK, this means that we are reviewing the packaging solutions used according to their function,
materials and components. We will provide information on current developments and implementation at GOK on
this page. Our contacts are available to answer any further questions.
Your benefits
Transparent information
Relevant information on the packaging solutions used by GOK is presented in a clear and
easy-to-understand format.
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 parties better
understand the impact of the PPWR on packaging and supply chains.
GOK service
Our team will assist you with questions about the PPWR, packaging or specific products.
Frequently asked questions about the PPWR
When does the PPWR apply?
The PPWR will generally apply directly in the European Union from 12 August 2026. However, numerous
individual requirements are subject to later application dates or transitional periods.
Must packaging already carry the new EU label from 12 August 2026?
No, not as a general rule. Harmonised labelling of the material composition under Article 12 will only
become mandatory after the required implementing acts have been adopted and the specified transitional
period has expired. National or product-specific labelling requirements may continue to apply
independently of this.
Does the PPWR also apply to GOK product packaging?
Yes. In principle, the PPWR applies to all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of the material or
origin. This means that plastic bags, PET shop packaging, product cartons, as well as cardboard boxes
and transport packaging may also be affected.
How is PET shop packaging taken into account?
The PET shop packaging used by GOK generally consists of a transparent PET package and a paper insert.
Both components are taken into account during the evaluation and documentation process.
Are product cartons considered separately?
Yes. Product cartons are considered a separate packaging solution and are assessed according to their
materials, components and function.
How are cardboard boxes as well as secondary, shipping and transport packaging considered?
These types of packaging are assessed according to their material, structure and intended use. In the
case of multi-part or different packaging solutions, the respective components and functions are taken
into account appropriately.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about the PPWR, packaging or specific products, please contact the information
contact point listed below, your usual GOK contact person or use our contact form.
If you have questions about the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the packaging
used by GOK or the implementation of the PPWR at GOK, please contact our responsible internal contact
point.
GOK Regler- und Armaturen-Gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
Obernbreiter Straße 2–18
97340 Marktbreit / Germany
