12 August 2026
Today, 12 August, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) officially enters into force across the European Union.
While many of its requirements will be introduced gradually over the coming years, the direction is clear: Europe is moving towards more reusable packaging and less waste.
For us at FABER, that's not a new challenge. It's what we've been doing for decades.
Why does PPWR matter?
Think about a reusable coffee cup. Its value doesn't come from using it once, but from using it again and again.
The same principle applies to transport packaging. PPWR encourages businesses to move away from single use packaging and towards systems that keep pallets and boxes circulating for as long as possible.
For many companies, this means taking a fresh look at how transport packaging moves through their supply chains and how reuse can become a more structured part of their operations.
Reuse is more than using a pallet twice
PPWR doesn't simply ask whether a pallet is reused. It looks at whether it operates within a managed reuse system.
That includes elements such as collection, quality inspections, repairs, redistribution and clear documentation that demonstrate how reusable packaging stays in circulation.
"PPWR encourages businesses to rethink how transport packaging is managed and kept in use for longer. At FABER, our circular pooling systems already help customers do exactly that every day."
Erin Quinn, Regulatory Affairs Specialist at FABER
How FABER already supports PPWR
Across our businesses, circular pooling keeps reusable load carriers in use for longer instead of becoming waste.
IPP & PRS support customers through managed closed pooling. Pallets are collected after use, inspected, repaired when needed and returned to the network for another journey.
At the same time, PAKi and vPOOL support customers through managed open pooling. Standardised pallets and boxes can be ordered where they are needed and returned anywhere within our network. Managed pallet accounts, return incentives and digital transaction records help keep these movements organised, transparent and well documented.
With different pooling models, we all work towards one shared objective: keeping valuable resources circulating.
Looking ahead
Although PPWR officially starts today, many of its requirements will be phased in over the coming years.
For FABER, this isn't the start of the journey. It's recognition that circular pooling and reusable transport packaging are becoming a very important part of Europe's supply chains.
Together, we'll continue helping you prepare for what's ahead.
Questions?
Want to understand what PPWR could mean for your supply chain? Our experts are here to help.
Visit the PPWR section on the FABER website to learn more about the regulation and how our circular pooling model can support your business!