Understanding the EU's New Packaging Regulations (PPWR): What It Means for Toner and Ink Cartridge Customers
7 days ago
5 min read
If you've recently heard discussions about the European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), you're not alone. The regulation is driving changes throughout the packaging industry, and many companies are updating how packaging information is communicated to customers.
At Static Control, we've already been using QR codes on our European packaging for some time. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, we're updating the information available through those existing QR codes to help support compliance and provide greater transparency for our customers. The regulation entered into force in February 2025, with requirements being phased in beginning in August 2026. [business.gov.uk]
What Is PPWR?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a new European Union regulation that replaces previous packaging directives and establishes a consistent set of packaging requirements across EU member states. The regulation entered into force in February 2025, with requirements being implemented in phases beginning in August 2026. [eur-lex.europa.eu], [business.gov.uk], [complir.io]
The goals of PPWR include:
Reducing packaging waste
Increasing recyclability and recycled content
Improving consumer access to packaging information
Supporting a more circular economy across Europe
Harmonising packaging requirements across EU countries
The regulation applies to virtually all packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of material type.
What Requirements Apply from August 2026?
The first set of PPWR obligations became applicable on August 12, 2026. These include restrictions on substances of concern in packaging, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging and limits on heavy metals including lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium. Manufacturers are also required to prepare EU Declarations of Conformity and maintain technical documentation for each packaging type, and producers must register with extended producer responsibility schemes in each Member State where they place packaging on the market.
Additional requirements will follow in later phases, including harmonised labelling obligations from 2028 and recyclability, recycled content, and packaging minimisation requirements from 2030.
Why Is the Information Behind the QR Code Changing?
Many of our European customers may already be familiar with the QR code included on Static Control packaging. That QR code has long directed users to online recycling and environmental information.
As packaging regulations continue to evolve under the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), we are proactively updating the information available through that existing QR code to provide improved access to packaging-related information. While PPWR does not require QR codes on packaging until later phases of the regulation, this approach positions Static Control and our customers ahead of upcoming digital labelling requirements.
Rather than adding more information directly to product packaging, the QR code provides a convenient way for customers and end users to access the latest guidance, recycling information, and packaging details online.
What Does This Mean for Office Supply Dealers and Resellers?
For most office supply distributors, resellers, and dealers, the impact is relatively simple:
You can continue purchasing and selling compliant products as normal.
The primary responsibility for packaging compliance falls on the manufacturers, importers, and producers who place products and packaging onto the EU market. Distributors have lighter obligations, primarily verifying that packaging they sell bears proper labelling and that producers are registered with the appropriate extended producer responsibility schemes. [compliancegate.com], [complir.io]
What you may notice is:
Updated packaging designs
Additional product information available through QR codes
Changes to packaging labels over time
More recycling and sustainability information being provided digitally
In most cases, the QR code is there to provide information, not to create additional work for distributors or end users.
What Is Static Control Doing?
Static Control has been proactively preparing for evolving European packaging requirements for several years. Many of our products already include QR codes on their packaging that direct users to our recycling information website.
As part of our ongoing compliance efforts, we are updating the content available through that QR code to support the latest PPWR requirements and improve transparency for customers throughout the European Union.
Static Control has verified that our packaging components have been tested and are in conformity with the PPWR content requirements on the restrictions on hazardous substances including REACH Substances of Very High Concern, PFAS, and heavy metals.
Customers who require a copy of Static Control's EU Declaration of Conformity for our packaging may request one by contacting their Static Control sales representative.
This approach allows us to:
Continue using packaging that customers are already familiar with
Provide access to up-to-date packaging and recycling information
Support evolving EU compliance requirements
Deliver information digitally, making updates more efficient and accessible
For customers, the process remains simple: scan the QR code already found on the packaging to access the latest information.
What's Changing for Customers?
The good news is that very little is changing from the customer's perspective.
If you've previously used the QR code on Static Control packaging to access recycling information, you will continue using it in the same way. The difference is that the website and information available through the QR code are being enhanced to reflect evolving European packaging requirements.
For customers who purchase and resell Static Control products in their original packaging, no additional action is required. However, customers who repackage our products, manufacture cartridges using our components, or sell products in their own branded packaging may have independent PPWR obligations, including the need to issue their own EU Declaration of Conformity. We encourage those customers to review their obligations under the regulation. The updated website provides greater transparency regarding packaging materials, recycling guidance, and other information that supports compliance with the EU's packaging objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to scan the QR code to use the cartridge?
No. The QR code is intended to provide regulatory and packaging information. It does not affect product installation or operation.
Does PPWR change the cartridge itself?
No. PPWR focuses on packaging and packaging-related information. The cartridge's performance and functionality remain unchanged. [eur-lex.europa.eu]
Is this required only in Europe?
PPWR is an EU regulation and applies to packaging placed on the European Union market. [business.gov.uk], [complir.io]
Will more packaging changes be coming?
Yes. PPWR is being implemented in phases through the coming years, and some packaging requirements will continue to evolve. Harmonised labelling requirements, including material composition labels, take effect from August 2028. Recyclability requirements, minimum recycled content targets, and packaging minimisation rules follow from January 2030, with further obligations extending through 2040. [business.gov.uk], [complir.io]
What if I repackage or remanufacture products using Static Control components?
If you repackage Static Control products, manufacture cartridges using our components, or place products on the EU market in your own branded packaging, you may be considered a producer or manufacturer under PPWR and may have your own compliance obligations. These can include preparing your own EU Declaration of Conformity, registering with extended producer responsibility schemes, and meeting applicable packaging requirements. We recommend reviewing your specific obligations under the regulation. Static Control can provide our Declaration of Conformity for our packaging components on request to support your compliance efforts.
Moving Forward
The introduction of PPWR represents a significant step towards greater sustainability and transparency throughout the European packaging supply chain. While new regulations often create questions and uncertainty, the practical impact for most office supply customers will be limited to updated packaging and improved access to information.
At Static Control, we're committed to staying ahead of regulatory changes and making compliance as seamless as possible for our customers. Our QR code solution is just one example of how we're adapting to these new requirements while continuing to provide the quality products and support our partners depend on.
