New Packaging Standards: Forum Rezyklat Launches Smart Tool for PPWR Reporting

With the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the European Union is significantly tightening requirements with the aim of a more circular economy. The PPWR came into effect in February 2025, meaning that in the future, companies placing packaging on the market must pay closer attention – and document with even greater precision. In response, Forum Rezyklat, together with GS1 Germany, has developed a standardized tool to support PPWR-compliant reporting. The goal is to help companies stay organized and compliant.

“Although the PPWR’s recyclability requirements for each type of packaging won’t take effect until 2030, early reporting is crucial for many internal processes,” explains Dagmar Glatz of the dm drugstore chain, a founding member of Forum Rezyklat, which was created to promote effective packaging cycles.
The template – expected to be available free of charge from August 2026 – provides companies with a tool to record all relevant data in a clear, standardized format, including material type, labels, adhesives, and more. The aim is to streamline information sharing across the supply chain, reduce coordination efforts, and simplify compliance with all legal requirements. 

The EU regulation stipulates that every packaging component – those removed by consumers at first use or separated during waste sorting – must be individually assessed for recyclability. “Many are still unaware of this,” says Glatz. To meet this complex requirement, Forum Rezyklat has introduced a new data attribute called “Packaging Components.” This allows companies to select packaging parts from a standardized code list, saving both time and money. Moreover, the use of standardized terminology enhances transparency and consistency throughout the supply chain.  

Consequently, manufacturers and compliance managers can more easily monitor and document the recyclability of each separate packaging element. The template aims to provide insight into packaging waste and sustainability as well as ensuring alignment with regulatory demands.
Furthermore, this standardized approach facilitates communication with auditors and regulatory authorities, reducing errors and misunderstandings in sustainability reporting. By adopting these new data attributes early, companies position themselves to adapt smoothly to stricter requirements coming into force with the PPWR’s full implementation.