Towards more circular packaging: preparing for the PPWR

Packaging plays an essential role in protecting products, supporting safe transportation and helping goods arrive in the right condition. At the same time, the way packaging is designed, used and processed after use affects the amount of waste generated and the raw materials required.

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40, is commonly known as the PPWR. It introduces a common European framework intended to reduce unnecessary packaging, improve recyclability and encourage the reuse of materials.

The regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will generally apply from 12 August 2026.

At TTR Euroworks, we see this development as part of a broader transition towards a more circular economy, in which materials remain useful for longer and waste is increasingly treated as a resource.

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A common direction for Europe

The PPWR covers packaging and packaging waste of all materials and origins, including commercial, industrial and transport packaging.

Its objectives include reducing packaging waste, limiting the use of primary raw materials and making packaging placed on the European market more circular. Among other things, the regulation places greater emphasis on:

• designing packaging for recycling
• reducing unnecessary weight, volume and empty space
• increasing the use of recycled materials
• supporting reuse and refill systems
• providing clearer information about packaging and waste separation
• improving responsibility throughout the packaging supply chain

The requirements do not all take effect at the same time. Businesses will therefore need to assess which provisions apply to their packaging, their role within the supply chain and the relevant implementation dates.

Compliance as part of responsible business

European legislation continues to influence how products and materials are manufactured, supplied and handled. For businesses operating internationally, following these developments is an important part of being a reliable partner.

At TTR Euroworks, compliance with applicable European legislation is taken seriously. This includes following regulatory developments, communicating with suppliers and considering how products, materials and operational processes fit within changing requirements.

As part of this approach, we continue to explore opportunities to:

• reduce avoidable packaging
• support recycling wherever practically possible
• improve information about materials and disposal
• consider reuse and resource efficiency in operational decisions

These are ongoing considerations. Their practical implementation depends on factors such as the type of packaging, the materials used and the position of each business within the supply chain.

What Article 5 says about substances in packaging

Article 5 of the PPWR contains requirements relating to substances present in packaging and packaging components.

It states that the combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium resulting from substances present in packaging or packaging components must not exceed 100 mg/kg.

This requirement applies alongside other relevant European restrictions, including applicable requirements under REACH and legislation concerning food-contact materials.

Businesses should determine how these requirements apply to their specific packaging and obtain appropriate supporting information from the relevant parties within their supply chain.

Supporting compliant printing applications

Thermal transfer ribbons are used to print variable information, barcodes and other content on labels and packaging. Depending on the application, the transferred print can form part of the finished printed packaging or packaging component.

TTR Euroworks is working with its supply chain partners to assess the relevant PPWR requirements for its own 4U thermal transfer ribbons and to obtain the supporting product information needed for applicable printing applications.

This work includes reviewing relevant substance requirements under Article 5, including the limits for lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium.

Until this assessment and the required supporting documentation have been completed, no general statement should be made that every ribbon or every finished printing application automatically complies with all PPWR requirements. Compliance may also depend on the complete packaging construction, the label material, other inks or coatings used and the intended application.

Moving forward responsibly

The PPWR represents an important change in the European approach to packaging and packaging waste. It creates a more harmonised framework, while also placing greater responsibility on businesses to understand their materials, packaging formats and supply chains.

For TTR Euroworks, preparing for these developments means continuing to follow the legislation, working with suppliers and improving the availability of relevant product information.

As further supporting documentation becomes available, TTR Euroworks will provide more specific information regarding its packaging and 4U thermal transfer ribbon portfolio.

Download the TTR Euroworks PPWR statement

TTR Euroworks has prepared a general PPWR statement explaining how we are approaching the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2025/40.

The statement provides information on:

• TTR Euroworks’ general approach to the PPWR;
• the current scope of the available supporting information;
• the role of packaging and 4U thermal transfer ribbons within this assessment;
• the limitations that should be considered when evaluating a complete packaging or printing application.

Complete the form below to receive the statement by email.

Complete the form below to receive the TTR Euroworks PPWR statement by email.