Recycling reduces waste; reuse prevents it. The PPWR introduces binding reuse and refill targets for specific packaging categories, beginning in 2030 and rising thereafter.
Where reuse targets apply
- Transport and grouped packaging — pallets, crates, boxes used between businesses.
- Beverage packaging for certain cold and alcoholic drinks.
- Take-away food and beverage containers, supported by refill options.
- Large household appliances transport packaging.
What counts as reusable
Article 11 and Annex VI define when packaging qualifies as reusable: it must be designed for a minimum number of rotations, be safe to clean and refill, and be supported by a functioning reuse system with collection and redistribution. Calling something "reusable" without that system behind it does not count.
The operational shift
Reuse is as much logistics as design — reverse collection, cleaning, tracking rotations and managing pooled assets. The compliance evidence is different too: you must demonstrate the system exists and that packaging meets the rotation and hygiene criteria.
Getting started
- Identify which of your formats fall under a reuse target.
- Decide between owning a reuse system or joining a shared pool.
- Track rotations and returns as compliance data, not just operational data.
Reuse targets, definitions and exemptions are set out in Article 11 and Annex VI, with details in further acts. Verify the targets for your specific formats.