Home›Guides›PPWR Packaging Minimisation — Prohibited Formats Guide

The PPWR requires all packaging to be minimised to the minimum weight and volume necessary to ensure product safety, hygiene, and consumer acceptance. It also prohibits specific packaging formats that are deemed unnecessarily wasteful.

General Minimisation Principle

All packaging placed on the EU market must comply with the minimisation principle: packaging weight and volume must be reduced to the minimum necessary while maintaining product functionality, safety, and hygiene. Packaging that exceeds the minimum necessary weight or volume without functional justification is prohibited from 2027.

Prohibited Packaging Formats (from 2027)

  • Packaging with a void space ratio exceeding 40% (ratio of empty space to total packaging volume)
  • Packaging with double walls, false bottoms, or other features that create the impression of larger product volume
  • Packaging that is not technically necessary for product protection, hygiene, or consumer safety
  • Single-use packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables in quantities below 1.5 kg (with exceptions)
  • Single-use packaging for food and beverages consumed within the premises of food service operators (restaurants, cafes, canteens)
  • Single-use packaging for hotel toiletries in quantities below 50ml (liquid) or 100g (solid)

E-Commerce Packaging Rules

E-commerce packaging is subject to specific void space limits. Outer packaging used for e-commerce delivery must not have a void space ratio exceeding 40%. This requires e-commerce operators and fulfilment centres to use right-sized packaging or void fill to minimise empty space. Automated packaging machines that right-size boxes to product dimensions are a key compliance solution.

Assessing Packaging Against Minimisation Requirements

Companies should conduct a packaging portfolio review to identify packaging that may not comply with the minimisation requirements. Key questions include: Is the packaging weight and volume the minimum necessary for product protection? Does the packaging create a false impression of product volume? Is the packaging used in a context where reusable alternatives are required?