On 12 August 2026, the EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, PPWR, started to apply. It affects everyone who uses packaging, including businesses that pack and ship goods. Many requirements are being introduced gradually up to 2030 and beyond. Here is what applies when you ship parcels and pallets, and what you can start doing now.
What is PPWR?
PPWR stands for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40. It replaces the EU's previous packaging directive. As a regulation, it applies directly in all EU countries and takes precedence over national rules. Its aim is to reduce packaging waste and increase reuse and recycling. In Sweden, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) provides guidance.
Which packaging is covered?
PPWR covers all packaging, including:
- Transport packaging, such as pallets, crates, boxes and stretch film.
- E-commerce packaging, meaning boxes and bags used to send goods to customers.
- Grouped packaging, which bundles several products.
- Sales packaging, meaning the product's own packaging.
What applies already?
- New definitions of packaging types and economic operators apply from 12 August 2026.
- Restrictions on substances. Packaging must not contain certain substances above set limits, including heavy metals. For food-contact packaging, there are limits for PFAS.
- Documentation. Packaging manufacturers must be able to show that their packaging meets the requirements and draw up an EU declaration of conformity. Initially, this covers the substance requirements and the requirements for reusable packaging.
- Producer responsibility. The rules are largely similar to the existing Swedish rules. If you sell packaged goods directly to customers in other EU countries, check the registration requirements in each country.
What comes later?
Several requirements that affect your shipments start to apply around 2030:
- No more than 50% empty space. Businesses that fill e-commerce, grouped or transport packaging must ensure the empty space ratio is no more than 50%. Filling material such as paper, air cushions and bubble wrap counts as empty space.
- Reusable transport packaging. From 1 January 2030, economic operators using transport packaging, such as pallets, crates, foldable boxes, stretch film and straps, must ensure that at least 40% of it is reusable within a reuse system. The aim for 2040 is to strive for 70%. For transport between a company's own sites in the EU, or to another business in the same member state, 100% applies. Cardboard boxes are excluded. Pallet wrapping and straps are exempt from the 100% requirement for operators that use them to stabilise and protect products on pallets during transport.
- Recyclable packaging. From 2030, all packaging must be recyclable.
- Labelling. Packaging will carry a harmonised label showing the material and how to sort it, from 2028 at the earliest.
- Recycled plastic. Plastic packaging must contain a minimum share of recycled plastic.
Some requirements have exemptions, for example for micro-enterprises that place small amounts of packaging on the market.
What does it mean for your shipments?
For most businesses that ship goods, PPWR comes down to three things:
- The right packaging size. Less empty space means less filling material and often a lower freight price, since the price is often based on volume. Read more about how volumetric weight affects the price.
- Reusable pallets. If you move goods between your own warehouses or to customers in Sweden, now is a good time to review how pallets and crates are returned. Read about pallet dimensions and formats.
- Dialogue with suppliers. Ask your packaging supplier how their packaging meets the new requirements.
Checklist: what you can do now
- Review the packaging you use today.
- Measure the empty space in your most common parcels.
- Check whether fewer, better-fitting box sizes would be enough.
- Map your pallet flows between your own sites and to customers in Sweden.
- Check your producer responsibility, especially when selling to other EU countries.
- Follow the guidance from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, which is updated as more rules are decided.
Better packaging also saves money
The right packaging does more than reduce empty space. It also reduces damage and freight costs. Read our tips on how to reduce shipping costs and minimise damage with the right packaging and how to pack and secure a pallet.
Shiplink is a freight platform where businesses can compare and book freight services from multiple carriers. Want to review your shipping? Contact us and we will help you.
The information was checked on 7 November 2026. Several rules are being supplemented by further EU decisions – follow the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's guidance for the latest.
