Insights

PPWR Is Live: What Packaging Teams Should Prioritise Now

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force across the EU in February 2025. While many of the core obligations apply from August 2026, implementation will continue to evolve as further delegated and implementing acts are introduced in the years that follow. Businesses now face a critical window to begin aligning their packaging systems with the new requirements—and prepare for future adjustments still to come.

The regulation touches everything from recyclability to reuse to data transparency. For packaging teams, the challenge isn’t limited to materials—it now extends to labelling infrastructure, traceability, and digital readiness.

New Rules on Recyclability Grading

From 2030, only packaging that achieves a recyclability score of 70% or higher will remain on the EU market. This grading system, tied to EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) fees, will directly influence product costs and pack design. Label artwork must reflect the grade, display material codes, and include a soon-to-be-standardised EU sorting symbol.

SATO’s print and labelling systems support on-demand updates and variable data—but just as crucial is the ability to supply label materials that help improve recyclability scores. By matching adhesives, facestock and liners to the packaging substrate, SATO helps customers select consumables that align with PPWR design-for-recycling guidelines.

Scaling Reuse Systems

The regulation introduces mandatory reuse targets—30% of transport packaging must be reusable by 2030, increasing to 90% by 2040. Exemptions for cardboard won’t apply to plastic crates, containers or pallets, which will need to be tracked across their lifespan. This requires a shift towards digital identification.

SATO’s RFID and 2D barcode solutions are already in use across large-scale logistics operations, enabling accurate tracking of reusable assets and reliable reporting of reuse cycles. Combined with our range of durable labels designed to withstand multiple rotations, cleaning processes and handling conditions, these solutions support long-term compliance with PPWR reuse targets.

Sorting Labelling and Print Flexibility

By August 2026, the European Commission will finalise a harmonised set of sorting symbols. These will appear both on the packaging and on the waste bin—introducing new coordination demands for pan-European packaging teams. Flexibility will be key as member states adjust local sorting instructions and deadlines.

SATO’s cloud-connected labelling platforms allow updates to be rolled out centrally, so multi-site operations can stay aligned without compromising speed or compliance.

Digital ID and Artwork Precision

The future of packaging data includes Digital Product Passports (DPPs), watermarking, and next-generation sorting systems. While DPP requirements for packaging are still under development, brands are already preparing systems to capture and manage granular data at the labelling stage.

At the same time, digital watermarking has shown strong performance in sorting trials. These patterns are printed directly into artwork and require precision hardware. SATO’s high-resolution printers already meet the technical requirements to support this shift, with no need for specialist consumables.

Moving From Compliance to Control

PPWR introduces new requirements, but it also creates opportunities to modernise outdated labelling and data systems. The path forward includes better visibility, tighter integration, and tools that adapt as the rules evolve.

SATO supports packaging teams with print engines, consumables and cloud-based software built for fast-changing, multi-site production environments. Whether the priority is recyclability, traceability or reporting accuracy, our solutions are designed to help businesses stay ready.

Looking for support on PPWR readiness? Get in touch with the team.