Exclusive: The PPWR "ticking clock" dominates Interpack aisles

While exhibitors showcase "PPWR-ready" hardware, the conversations in the aisles at Interpack reflect a deeper anxiety regarding the transition from voluntary sustainability pledges to legally binding mandates. The regulation, which seeks to standardise packaging rules across all EU member states, forces a fundamental rethink of material selection and data transparency. Industry experts at the show noted that while some frontrunners have already aligned their portfolios, a significant number of small-to-medium converters expressed concern over the "data scramble" required to prove compliance through the mandatory Declaration of Conformity (DoC).

The PFAS ban and material audits
A primary focal point of these discussions is the impending ban on per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging. Manufacturers must ensure that concentrations do not exceed 25 parts-per-billion (ppb) for individual substances. Unlike previous directives, the commission clarified that there is no transitional period for existing stock; any packaging placed on the market after the August deadline must comply. This has prompted a flurry of activity at the booths of chemical and coating specialists as brand owners seek verified PFAS-free alternatives.

Space optimisation and the 50% cap
The logistics and e-commerce sectors are navigating a technical shift due to the new 50% maximum empty space cap. Under the PPWR, all filler materials—including air cushions, bubble wrap, and paper padding—are classified as empty space. This rule effectively ends the era of shipping small items in oversized boxes filled with protective void-fill. To mitigate this, automated box-making systems and 3D scanning technologies are seeing increased interest on the show floor, as they allow for "right-sized" secondary packaging that matches product dimensions precisely.

The rise of the Digital Product Passport
Beyond immediate bans, the industry is bracing for the 2030 target, which mandates that all packaging must be designed for recyclability, achieving at least a Grade C performance. This requires the packaging unit to be at least 70% recyclable by weight. To prepare, companies at Interpack are focused on the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This digital infrastructure is becoming a necessity to handle the 30% to 50% increase in reporting workloads. Compliance managers at the show emphasised that transparency is no longer voluntary, and static records like PDFs or Excel files are insufficient to meet emerging DPP standards.

Strategic shifts for brand owners
As the show continues, the consensus among delegates is that the next steps involve a cross-functional overhaul. Packaging design is no longer a purely marketing-led decision; it now requires shared ownership between regulatory, legal, and operational teams. The companies that thrive will be those that move beyond "reporting fatigue" and treat the PPWR as a blueprint for long-term business resilience rather than a mere administrative hurdle.