Packaging types according to PPWR
Regardless of the material, PPWR defines packaging as an item intended to contain, protect or enable the handling, delivery or presentation of products to another operator or an end user. The following are examples of different packaging types.
Sales packaging is intended for selling a product to consumers or other end users. It protects the product and often also contains product information.
Grouped packaging combines several sales units together. It may be sold as a whole or only serve the handling of products at the point of sale. Grouped packaging may, for example, be a wrap, film or package containing several products.
Transport packaging facilitates the handling or transport of one or more sales units. It may also be packaging used for products delivered through distance selling. Transport containers are not considered transport packaging.
Service packaging is designed and intended to be filled at the point of sale in connection with the distribution of the actual product. It may also be, for example, a single-use item designed to be sold and filled, such as a paper or plastic bag, disposable plate or cup, takeaway container, pizza box or bakery bag.
According to PPWR, packaging must be specifically designed and intended for use as service packaging. For example, ordinary aluminium foil used for takeaway packaging is not service packaging because it has not specifically been designed for this purpose.
Primary production packaging is designed and intended typically for the packaging and sale of agricultural and horticultural products, as well as products from hunting, fishing and unprocessed natural resource production.
- The previous term “farmer packaging” is replaced by “primary production packaging” under PPWR. Primary production also includes harvesting, milking and all stages of animal production before slaughter.
The following are also defined as packaging:
- Permeable beverage pouches or other single-portion packaging that softens during use, such as tea bags.
- Impermeable single-portion beverage packaging used in machines, such as coffee capsules and pods.
These packaging items must also be included in packaging reporting for 2026 for the period 12 August–31 December. Only the weight of the packaging itself is reported, not the weight of the product contained in it.
Examples of items that are not considered packaging:
- Flower pots and growing media containers
- Toolboxes
- Disposable cutlery or plates and cups that are not intended to be filled at the point of sale
- Wrapping paper sold separately and paper baking moulds
- Dissolvable detergent pods
- Printer ink cartridges and CD or DVD cases
- Paints, inks, varnishes and adhesives applied to the surface of a product
- Sausage casings or wax coatings on cheese
- Casings for grave candles
NOTE: The 1,000-litre size limit for packaging was removed on 1 January 2026
Starting from packaging data for 2026, all packaging sizes must therefore be reported, including, for example, IBC containers exceeding 1,000 litres. PPWR does not support size limits for packaging.