Sustainability must not compromise product protection or economic efficiency. We develop concepts that are recyclable, PPWR-compliant, and process-safe, without sacrificing quality, appearance, or cost.
Confidently master PPWR, ESG and material change.
Sustainability must not compromise product protection or economic efficiency. We develop concepts that are recyclable, PPWR-compliant, and process-safe, without sacrificing quality, appearance, or cost.
Sustainability is more than saving materials. It starts with the packaging concept and affects design, processes, risks, and cost structures. KOCH supports you in aligning ecological goals with economic efficiency, product protection, and brand impact.
Together, we develop solutions that are PPWR-compliant, recyclable, and resource-saving, without compromising on functionality or appearance.
Our sustainable consulting helps you develop environmentally friendly packaging solutions that make sense both economically and ecologically. Benefit from our expertise to optimize production processes and reduce your ecological footprint.
We combine concept, material, and process so that sustainability works in series production and costs, quality, and compliance are ensured.
Sustainable machine technologies
With KOCH, you reduce material usage by up to 30%, use monomaterials, and achieve your ESG goals – without compromising on protection or appearance.
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) establishes a harmonised, directly applicable legal framework for all packaging placed on the EU internal market. Its objectives include, among others, making all packaging recyclable in an economically viable manner by 2030, preventing waste, reducing excessive packaging, increasing recycled content, and reducing the use of substances of concern. The PPWR applies to various economic operators (manufacturers, importers, first placers on the market, distributors, fulfilment service providers, and e-commerce operators). It repeals Directive 94/62/EC and is a cornerstone of the EU’s circular economy strategy, driving the transition to circular packaging systems.
The Regulation was officially published on 22 January 2025 and entered into force on 11 February 2025. It applies in principle from 12 August 2026 (with specific transitional periods depending on the obligation). The PPWR sets the scene for the delegated acts, in which the technical details are described.
Key obligations are:
Yes. For medical and pharmaceutical applications, there are targeted exemptions and/or extended transition periods to safeguard sterility and patient safety. A case-by-case assessment is recommended, as requirements vary by product group and packaging function.
The PPWR introduces a EU-wide harmonised sorting/material identification labels. Information may also be provided digitally (e.g. QR code) in addition to on-pack details. The exact pictograms, data formats, and timelines will be defined through delegated acts; first obligations are expected from 2028.
Our recommendation: plan artwork templates and data structures early.
The currently known info is that for grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging, the maximum void space permitted is 50%. Otherwise, for sales (primary) packaging, the design must be reduced to the minimum necessary to ensure package functionality. The EU will define calculation methodologies for the definition of empty space through delegated acts. The obligation applies from 1 January 2030 (or following the publication of the methodology).
Our packaging engineers are already developing fully functional designs with reduced footprints to keep your future-proof and enable fluid production with minimal future design adjustments.
The PPWR introduces the design for recycling and EU-wide assessment criteria with performance grades for packaging components and used material. It also requires minimum recycled content for specific packaging categories, with target years 2030 and 2040.
We can help you align material choices and packaging design with PPWR requirements.
Producers (typically the first placer on the market in each Member State) must be registered/authorised in EPR schemes, pay eco-modulated fees, and report annually. Without valid registration, packaging or packaged products may not be made available on the market.
If a product is made available or placed on the EU market, it must comply with the rules set by the PPWR, including EPR obligations.
Our process:
Packaging Competence Center (PCC)
In the Packaging Competence Center, we examine materials, designs, and processes in context. This leads to sustainable concepts that not only support PPWR goals, but can also be tested, evaluated, and reliably further developed.
Project Management
Sustainable packaging concepts only reveal their value through clean implementation. With clear project management, coordinated processes, and transparent coordination, we guide you in a structured manner to an integrated overall solution.