PPWR 2026: Are you prepared?

A practical guide for UK manufacturers, food producers, warehouses and distributors

Published September 2026  |  Onit Direct

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is reshaping the way businesses think about packaging. For UK companies trading with the EU, now is a useful time to review how goods are packed, handled, transported and returned. Reusable plastic containers can be part of the answer—provided they are suitable for the application and operated within an effective reuse system.

What is PPWR?

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026, with further requirements phased in over subsequent years. It aims to prevent packaging waste, improve recycling and increase reuse. Requirements vary by packaging type, operator and activity; the start of application does not mean every 2030 target already applies.

What does it mean for UK businesses?

PPWR matters to businesses placing packaging or packaged goods on the EU market, including relevant UK exporters. It also has implications for Northern Ireland under applicable arrangements. Packaging used solely in Great Britain is not automatically subject to the EU regulation simply because it is used by a UK business. UK packaging rules must be considered separately.

Companies supplying EU customers should identify which entity is responsible for each relevant obligation, where transport packaging is used, and whether existing packaging meets the applicable design, documentation and reuse requirements.

The 2030 transport-packaging reuse targets

From 1 January 2030, Article 29 sets a minimum 40% reusable share for specified transport packaging used by relevant economic operators within the EU, within a reuse system. Listed formats include pallets, folding-plastic crates, boxes, trays, euro stacking containers and intermediate bulk containers. Different rules apply to certain movements between sites or businesses within the same Member State, and there are exemptions and qualifications. The regulation also sets a 2040 endeavour target of 70% for the relevant category.

Crucially, a container being durable or marketed as “reusable” is not, by itself, proof that a business has met a PPWR reuse target. The packaging and the operating system must satisfy the relevant rules.

How does Onit Direct’s products fit in?

1 | Euro stacking containers

 

Euro containers are designed for repeated handling and consistent stacking. Standard footprints can help manufacturers and warehouses move products between production, picking, storage and distribution while reducing dependence on disposable boxes where a returnable system is practical.

  • Stackable, standardised footprints for efficient handling
  • Solid and vented formats for different applications
  • Compatible lids and wheeled dollies on selected ranges
  • Food-approved options where the product specification confirms suitability

Explore Onit Direct Euro stacking containers

2 | Folding crates

Empty returns are a major consideration in reusable packaging. Folding crates collapse when not in use, helping reduce the volume of empty containers in storage and on return journeys. They are especially relevant to growers, food producers and distribution networks..

View a folding Euro crate on Onit Direct

3 | Bread trays and bakery crates

 

Reusable bread trays illustrate how repeat-use packaging can work in established delivery loops. Suitable trays can circulate between bakeries, distribution sites and customers, reducing the need for new disposable transit packaging on each trip. The ability to stack, be easy to clean and returnable all matter.

Explore Onit Direct bakery trays

4 | Pallet boxes

For bulk movements of ingredients, produce and industrial components, durable pallet boxes can provide a repeat-use alternative to some disposable transit formats. Choose solid, vented or collapsible designs according to the load, handling equipment, hygiene needs and empty-return arrangements.

Browse Onit Direct pallet boxes

5 | Dollies: making reuse practical

A reusable packaging scheme also needs efficient movement around the site. Compatible dollies can help staff transport stacks of Euro containers, folding crates and bakery trays. Dollies are handling equipment, not automatically qualifying as reusable packaging under PPWR, but they can support a workable returnable-container system.

Browse Onit Direct dollies

 

Six practical steps to prepare

  1. Map where disposable transit packaging is used and where it travels.
  2. Identify packaging used in EU supply chains and the responsible economic operators.
  3. Shortlist formats suitable for repeated use, cleaning and return.
  4. Check whether folding formats could reduce empty-return volume.
  5. Plan container tracking, inspection, repair and end-of-life recovery.
  6. Check applicable PPWR requirements and retain relevant supplier documentation.

Ready to rethink your packaging?

Onit Direct supplies reusable plastic storage and handling solutions for food production, warehousing, manufacturing and distribution. Whether you are replacing disposable transit packaging or designing a returnable handling system, our team can help identify containers and handling equipment suited to your operation.

Book your free site survey now with a member of our sales team.

You need it, we’re Onit.

Call 01636 362025  |  Email sales@onitdirect.co.uk  |  www.onitdirect.co.uk

Official sources and further reading

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (official full text)

European Commission guidance on PPWR, including Article 29