Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation What is the PPWR?
The PPWR is the new European legislation for packaging placed on the EU market. It aims to reduce packaging waste, improve resource efficiency and strengthen the circular economy across the European Union. The regulation is phased.
It entered into force on 11 February 2025. Some obligations begin in August 2026, others later.
Focus on reusability
The PPWR applies to all types of packaging placed on the EU market, including wooden pallets. They are considered transport packaging under the PPWR. For transport packaging, reusability is a central focus:
- By 2030, at least 40% of transport packaging must be reusable, increasing to a target of 70% by 2040 (exemptions apply).
Regulatory uncertainty
This information reflects PGS Group’s current understanding of the PPWR, the available European Commission guidance, and the information currently available across our operations and value chain.
PGS closely monitors regulatory developments and will review and, where required, further substantiate this information as technical obligations and enforcement practices become clearer.
We communicate only what can be verified and what is relevant and proportionate. PGS will therefore not make a general determination as to which party should be considered the manufacturer, producer or EPR-responsible party. Nor will we claim full PPWR compliance before all relevant obligations apply and sufficient evidence is available to substantiate such a claim.
No use of hazardous substances REACH
At this stage, the requirements that PGS can clearly identify and substantiate concern hazardous substances and the provision of relevant technical information on its products and services.
New pallets produced by PGS Group comply with REACH requirements. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr(VI)) are not intentionally added at any stage of the production process and do not exceed the applicable threshold of 100 mg/kg. All PGS raw material suppliers have been informed of this obligation and have confirmed their compliance.
Restrictions on PFAS only apply to food contact packaging, making them non-applicable to wooden pallets.
Compliance with PPWR Current Practice and Future Alignment
We are committed to keeping our stakeholders informed of relevant regulatory developments to support future compliance.
CSRD | Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
The CSRD sets a new standard for corporate sustainability reporting in Europe. At PGS Group, we see this as an opportunity to improve how we measure and manage impact. Learn how we are preparing—through double materiality analysis, data system upgrades, and a dedicated reporting tool—to meet future requirements with transparency and structure.
Halting Climate Change
Taking climate action is central to our strategy. At PGS Group, an uncompromising approach to CO₂ emissions means we are measuring, reducing and managing our footprint across all three scopes. Read more on how our roadmap to decarbonisation supports a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Circular Products and Services
Circularity is at the core of our business models. At PGS Group, we maximize material use through eco-design, repair and reuse services, pooling solutions, and the valorization of byproducts. Discover how our approach keeps resources in use longer—reducing waste and contributing to a more circular economy across the value chain.
Safe and Healthy Work Environment
At PGS Group, safety is not just a policy—it’s part of our culture. From risk prevention and employee training to continuous improvement through audits and performance monitoring, our approach is built on responsibility at every level. Discover how we work toward our long-term goal of zero workplace accidents through practical measures, clear safety rules, and strong local engagement—across all sites and roles.
Dedicated Community Investment
We believe in social engagement and making a positive impact in the communities where we operate. Whereas we have always invested and engaged in our local communities, we wanted to keep track of our positive contributions in a more structural and efficient way. In line with this, we have established the PGS Community Investment Program. This program offers all of our employees the opportunity to support social projects and organizations.
Contact
Should you require further information or have any inquiries pertaining to our sustainability initiatives, we invite you to reach out to us at CSR@pgsgroup.com.