When does the PPWR apply and what should I do now?
Adopted 2026-06-14 · ≈ 1 min read · 
edited by Dirk Baaijen
The PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies from 12 August 2026. From then, empty space in e-commerce parcels is capped at 40%; void space in transport packaging must stay below 50% from 2030.
Short answer: The PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies from 12 August 2026. Start now on packaging design and box sizing, because the first obligations take effect on that date.
When the PPWR applies
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, as a regulation, applies directly — no national transposition is needed, and the rules apply in the same form in every Member State. It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and, after a transition period, applies from 12 August 2026. Some requirements have a later start date: the cap on void space in transport and shipment packaging only applies from 2030.
What changes in practice
- E-commerce parcels: from 12 August 2026, empty space in a parcel is
capped at a maximum of 40%.
- Transport and shipment packaging: from 2030, void space (air and filler)
may not exceed 50%.
- Reusability: reuse targets apply to transport and industrial packaging.
- Materials: in addition, there are requirements on recyclability and the
share of recycled content.
What should I do now
- E-commerce or fulfilment? Test your box and parcel strategy against the
40% rule and adjust box sizes and filler before August 2026.
- Transport packaging? Plan the move to reusable systems and less void
space in good time, with the 50% cap in 2030 in view.
- Procurement and design? Build recyclability and recycled content into
your specifications so packaging meets the upcoming requirements.
Treat this as an operational project, not a marketing matter: it directly affects packaging design, return flows and warehouse processes.
Read the main file: PPWR and your logistics. Or take the Transport & Logistics scan.
Sources
- https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR); applicable from 12 August 2026.
Read next
PPWR: what must I do about reusable transport packaging?
Under the PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40), transport packaging faces new rules: from 12 Aug 2026 e-commerce parcels may hold max 40% empty space, void space drops to 50% from 2030, plus reuse targets. It applies directly, with no national transposition.
PPWR: the packaging regulation reshapes your logistics
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) applies from 12 August 2026: stricter packaging requirements, a cap on empty space in e-commerce parcels (max 40%) and reuse targets for transport packaging. What that means for logistics and fulfilment.
What is the 40% rule for e-commerce parcels (PPWR)?
The PPWR 40% rule (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) limits the empty space in an e-commerce parcel to a maximum of 40% from 12 August 2026. As a regulation it applies directly, without national transposition.