What’s new
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces obligations that depend directly on the packaging category: grouped, transport, or sales. Until now, the packaging type field existed but did not trigger any specific checks. Starting now, two new properties on each packaging unit allow the analysis engine to automatically evaluate the main regulatory exposures for 2030.
The two new properties are:
- Single use: indicates whether the packaging is single-use. It accepts three states: “Yes”, “No”, or “Not declared”, so you can move forward even if you do not have the full information yet.
- Void space (%): the percentage of empty space inside the packaging. It is validated between 0 and 100 and can be declared without needing a complete bill of materials. Both fields are available in the unit creation and editing form, as well as in CSV bulk import and AI-assisted import.
How it works
Once these values are declared, the gap analysis engine and the compliance engine incorporate three new check blocks:
- Art. 24, void space limit: if grouped or transport packaging exceeds 50% void space, it is flagged as non-compliant for 2030. If the value is not declared, a warning prompts you to complete it.
- Art. 25 and Annex V(1), single-use plastic ban: grouped packaging where plastic is the majority material by weight and marked as single-use receives a ban alert for 2030. The system identifies whether plastic is the weight-majority material, so a cardboard box with plastic tape is not classified as a plastic format.
- Art. 29, reuse targets: single-use transport packaging and non-exempt grouped packaging receive recommendations about the 40% and 10% reuse targets respectively. Cardboard packaging is exempt under Art. 29(4)(d). If a field is not declared, the system flags it as a pending gap rather than ignoring it, so you always have visibility into what is missing.
Why it matters
PPWR format obligations take effect in 2030 and especially affect grouped and transport packaging. Declaring these properties now lets you identify in advance which units need redesign, which materials need to be replaced, and where you have information gaps. Everything integrates directly with the gap report and compliance evaluation you already use, with no additional tools required.