EU packaging regulation (PPWR): pallets, film and crates from 2030

PPWR start date and legal basis

The PPWR is Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste. The EU adopted it on 19 December 2024. The regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies from 12 August 2026. Article 71 sets both dates. As a regulation, the PPWR applies directly in every EU country and replaces the Packaging Directive 94/62/EC.

We checked for a delay on 24 October 2026. The European Commission still lists 12 August 2026 as the application date. In December 2025, the Commission proposed one change in its environmental omnibus. The proposal would suspend the duty for producers to appoint an authorised representative when they sell packaged products directly to consumers in other EU countries. The European Parliament and the Council are examining it.

Most rules for transport packaging start later than 12 August 2026. The re-use targets and the empty space limit start in 2030. Several dates depend on EU implementing acts. When the regulation says “whichever is the latest”, the rule starts on the fixed date or later, never earlier.

Re-use targets for pallets, crates, film and straps

Article 29 sets three re-use rules for transport packaging from 1 January 2030. Across all transport inside the EU, at least 40% of a company’s transport packaging must be reusable within a re-use system. Between its own sites, and for deliveries to another company in the same EU country, all of it must be reusable.

The rules name the packaging: pallets, foldable plastic boxes, boxes, trays, plastic crates, intermediate bulk containers, pails, drums and canisters of any size or material. They also name pallet wrappings and straps that hold and protect products on pallets during transport. A re-use system is the set of arrangements and incentives that brings the packaging back for its next use.

The targets fall on the company that uses the transport packaging. The Commission guidance of 5 June 2026 names the company that places a product on the EU market in that packaging, as a manufacturer, importer or distributor. The company counts the packaging it used in each calendar year. The first report covers 2030 and goes to the national authority within 6 months after the year ends.

Proof of the targets follows Article 30(4). It starts on 1 January 2030, or 18 months after the Commission’s calculation method enters into force, whichever is later. The Commission must adopt that method by 30 June 2027.

• All transport inside the EU, Article 29(1): at least 40% of the listed packaging in total is reusable from 2030. The aim from 2040 is 70%.
• Between your own sites, or sites of linked or partner companies in the EU, Article 29(2): the listed packaging is reusable from 2030.
• Deliveries to another company in the same EU country, Article 29(3): the listed packaging is reusable from 2030.
• Goods from outside the EU: the Commission guidance says the targets apply after import, from the first warehouse in the EU.

Which re-use rule fits your load

The rule depends on who sends the goods, who receives them and where. A load between two companies in two EU countries falls under the 40% target in Article 29(1). A load between your own sites, or within one EU country, falls under the 100% rules. RNJ Transport moves loads on routes where each of these cases happens.

The table reads the wording of Article 29 for typical loads on our routes. It is a guide to the questions, not legal advice. Your packaging supplier and the national authority in your country can confirm which rule applies to your loads and from which date.

Exemptions for wrappings, straps and other transport packaging

Pallet wrappings and straps have their own exemption. Delegated Decision (EU) 2026/429 of 25 February 2026 exempts them from the 100% re-use rules in Article 29(2) and (3). The Official Journal published the decision on 6 May 2026, and it entered into force on 26 May 2026. The Commission says a full switch would need large investments in packaging lines.

Article 29(4) lists four more cases where the re-use targets do not apply. Article 29(13) adds a size rule for the smallest companies. A national authority can also grant a 5-year exemption under Article 29(14), when the country meets set recycling and waste targets and the company has a waste prevention and recycling plan.

• Packaging for dangerous goods under Directive 2008/68/EC. RNJ Transport does not carry dangerous goods (ADR).
• Packaging made to order for large machinery, equipment and goods. The Commission guidance asks for proof in the packaging’s technical documentation.
• Flexible packaging in direct contact with food, feed or food ingredients during transport.
• Cardboard boxes.
• Micro-enterprises that made no more than 1,000 kg of packaging available in an EU country in the calendar year.

Empty space, labels and recycled content

Article 24 limits empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging to 50%. The company that fills the packaging is responsible. The limit starts on 1 January 2030, or 3 years after the EU calculation method enters into force, whichever is later. The Commission must adopt that method by 12 February 2028. Reusable packaging within a re-use system is exempt.

Empty space is the volume of the outer packaging minus the volume of the sales packaging inside. Filling materials count as empty space. Article 24 names paper cuttings, air cushions, bubble wrap, foam fillers, wood wool and polystyrene chips. The method will take into account fragile goods, irregular shapes and the space needed for shipping labels.

The sorting label on material composition does not apply to transport packaging, except e-commerce packaging, under Article 12(1). Reusable packaging needs a label and a QR code from 12 February 2029 at the earliest, under Article 12(2). Open loop systems without a system operator are exempt. The Commission guidance says reusable transport packaging placed on the market before 11 February 2025 can stay in use until it wears out.

Article 7 sets minimum recycled plastic content for the plastic part of packaging. For most plastic packaging, the minimum is 35% from 1 January 2030, or 3 years after the EU method, whichever is later. From 1 January 2040, it is 65%. Annex II lists stretch films and plastic crates and pallets among the packaging categories. The manufacturer or importer of the packaging proves compliance.

Packaging questions before your next contract

Start with the packaging you use today. List your pallets, crates, film and straps, and the share that comes back for re-use. Then ask your packaging supplier how each item fits the 2030 rules. RNJ Transport does not sell packaging or pallets. We plan the truck around the pallets and the load you prepare.

Re-use adds a return trip for the packaging. Under Article 27, reusable packaging is reconditioned before its next use, and in a closed loop system it goes back to a collection point. Plan who returns the pallets and crates, how often and on which route. Reusable straps or wraps must still hold the load during the trip. Our load securing guide explains the rules for that.

When you book a load with us, tell us the pallet type, the number of pallets and how they are wrapped. One contact person at RNJ Transport handles your load, and you get one invoice. The euro pallet guide gives the sizes and how many pallets fit in a truck.

1. 1

   List your transport packaging

   Count pallets, crates, boxes, film and straps per year and per route.

2. 2

   Sort your loads by rule

   Own sites, one country or two countries. Each case has its own rule in Article 29.

3. 3

   Ask your packaging supplier

   Ask which items are reusable within a re-use system, and what proof the supplier gives.

4. 4

   Plan the return trips

   Agree who brings reusable pallets and crates back, how often and on which route.

5. 5

   Check with the authority

   The national authority confirms exemptions, reports and dates for your company.

Checklist: questions for your packaging supplier

Use these questions when you talk to your packaging supplier about the 2030 rules. The answers show what changes for your loads. Confirm the rules for your company with the national authority.