The new European packaging rules: what the PPWR means for your webshop
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
5 min reading time
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) applies from August 12, 2026. What does this concretely mean for a small webshop, and what choices should you already be making regarding your boxes, tape, and void fill?
If you ship packages from home or a small warehouse, packaging is mostly a matter of routine: grab a box, put the product in, add some film, tape it up. Since August 12, 2026, there's been a reason to re-evaluate that routine. On that date, the European Packaging Regulation—or PPWR for short—came into effect. According to Ondernemersplein, the official government portal for entrepreneurs, not all parts have been immediately implemented: the European Union will further elaborate the rules in the coming years. But the direction is clear, and it affects everyone who puts items in a box and ships them.
This article outlines what is already in play, what's coming later, and what choices you can make today without overhauling your entire packing process. For the exact text and current status, we refer to Ondernemersplein—rules can change, and this is not legal advice.
What's been in play since August 2026
According to Ondernemersplein, the first obligations from the PPWR primarily concern demonstrating and documenting. In summary, it comes down to this:
Determine your role. Are you a producer, importer, or distributor of packaging? Someone who buys packaging material themselves and sends it filled to a customer has a different position in the chain than someone who manufactures packaging.
Demonstrate conformity. A conformity assessment must be carried out and a declaration of conformity drawn up for packaging.
Maintain a packaging file with data on material, weight, and environmental impact.
PFAS limit values. Packaging must comply with PFAS limit values.
For a small webshop, this often means in practice: your supplier must be able to provide what you need to show that your material is in order. So, with your next order, simply ask what is known about the material and composition, and keep that with your administration. That will cost you one email and save you searching later.
The rule everyone is talking about: empty space
The aspect that receives the most attention in trade is the limit on empty space in shipping packaging. This requirement is in the regulation but, according to published timelines, will only take effect later—2030 is mentioned. So you don't have to enforce anything now, but it's also not smart to wait: a box with less air is already cheaper now, because carriers are increasingly charging for volume.
Specifically: measure your three best-selling products and see if your box really fits them. A product measuring 22 × 14 × 2 cm does not belong in a moving box with padding around it, but in a flat box or letterbox box. Our Recycled Letterbox Box 180 x 115 x 28 mm (A6), bundle of 100 costs € 17.95 and is intended for small items; the A5+ variant 255 x 160 x 28 mm in a bundle of 100 is priced at € 24.00. Both are made from recycled cardboard, which is convenient when you later need to explain where your material comes from.
Choose the box to fit the product, not the other way around
The better your box size, the less filling you use. That saves material, weight, and administration. Yet, you'll still need filling for anything fragile. A Bubble Wrap Roll 500 mm x 500 m costs € 12.95 and lasts a long time; use it to wrap the product itself instead of stuffing a too-large box full. For flat, slightly fragile items, the Metallic Bubble Envelopes 22 x 17 cm starting at € 0.90 each are an alternative to a box plus film: one layer instead of two.
Tape and Seals
Your closure also counts in your material consumption. One neat strip of tape over the seam, possibly with a short strip over the ends, is enough for a box that isn't overfilled. The KINZO Packaging Tape 50 metres x 48 mm costs € 3.00 per roll. Do you ship a lot? Then the Box of 36 Tape Rolls for € 108.00 per box is more economical per roll. If you want to make it visible whether a package has been opened en route, you can use the VOID Security Seal Stickers, 60 pieces (€ 9.95). For letters and documents, the White Envelopes 156 x 220 mm, 500 pieces (€ 3.00) are available.
What you can do this month
Measure your three best-selling products and note which box size truly fits them.
Ask your supplier what material data is available and keep it with your administration.
Don't reduce your number of box sizes, but improve them: two or three well-chosen sizes beat one universal size.
Weigh an average package before and after an adjustment. This shows you in black and white what the difference is.
Put the timeline in your calendar: the requirements will be further elaborated until 2029. Check Ondernemersplein a few times a year to see if anything has been added.
The PPWR is not a reason for panic, but a good occasion to do what you already wanted: ship less air and know better what's in your warehouse.
Get started
View the full range in Packaging & Shipping for boxes, film, and tape, or go directly to Letterbox Packaging if you primarily send flat items. If you ship larger quantities, check out Bulk Packaging for Webshops. Unsure which size fits your product? Email the dimensions and weight to info@verpakkingdeals.nl—and we'll help you find a suitable combination that minimizes air shipping.
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