PPWR: Understanding the Three Levels of Recyclability
Reuse Quotas for Transport Packaging – A New Challenge for the Automotive Industry
In the future, packaging should not only be recyclable, but wherever possible, directly reusable. The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets ambitious reuse quotas – especially for transport packaging in commercial logistics. For the automotive industry, which already uses reusable containers, these new requirements present both challenges and opportunities to further optimize supply chains.
Ambitious Requirements Starting 2030
As of January 1, 2030, transport packaging used within an EU member state – for example, between different plants or between supplier and OEM – may only be used in the form of reusable packaging. This forces companies to fully convert national supply flows to reusable boxes, containers or pallets.
Reuse Quotas for International Shipments
For all transport packaging used across borders (e.g. for export, import or intra-European delivery), as well as shipping packaging in e-commerce, a quota applies from 2030: at least 40% of this packaging must be reusable. By 2040, this figure rises to 70%. This means that even cross-border logistics will require a significant share of packaging to be handled in closed-loop systems.
Secondary and Shipping Packaging
Reuse is also encouraged for bundle or secondary packaging (used to group several products): at least 10% by 2030, rising to 25% by 2040. The goal: to expand the reuse principle beyond transport into warehousing and distribution. While cardboard boxes are currently exempt from these quotas (as they are typically recycled), the overarching goal remains: shift from single use to closed loops.
Required Infrastructure – Reuse Systems
To meet these requirements, companies must implement or access suitable reuse systems. That includes ensuring empty packaging can be returned – either to the supplier or a centralized pool – and then reused. Cleaning, maintenance, and tracking are also essential. Without this infrastructure, reuse remains inefficient. Many industries, including automotive, will need to adapt their logistics to close these loops.
Impact on the Automotive Sector
Reusable small load carriers (KLT), mesh boxes and special pallet systems are already standard in the automotive industry, particularly in the exchange between suppliers and manufacturers. However, the new EU quotas require these systems to be expanded further – especially across international supply chains, where disposable wooden crates or cardboard are still often used.
What’s in it for companies?
✔️ Less disposable packaging means lower waste and disposal costs
✔️ Reusable containers offer better protection for sensitive parts
✔️ Standardized packaging improves material flow
Switching to reuse also requires investments in a larger pool of packaging and coordinated logistics – but the long-term cost savings and sustainability gains are well worth it.
Questions about implementing the new reuse quotas?
We offer personal consultation – from analyzing your current packaging setup to developing efficient reuse systems.
