Webinar preview: FoodChain ID urges data optimization ahead of PPWR deadline

Ahead of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) general application, packaging companies should take a close look at their processes and systems, rather than waiting for certainty, asserts Claudia van Berkom-Berrevoets, subject matter expert at FoodChain ID.

At the upcoming FoodChain ID webinar, “PPWR Deadline: Streamline Supply Chain Compliance Before August 12, 2026,” Van Berkom-Berrevoets and colleagues, Wim Jansen, strategic account executive and senior technical product expert, and Isabela Tomaz, strategic account executive, will explore how companies can optimize data to meet their PPWR supply chain obligations.

Registration for the free webinar on June 24, at 3 PM CEST, is now open.

The FoodChain ID experts will reveal how packaging companies “decode” obligations under PPWR obligations, including “who’s responsible for what, and how to avoid gaps.”

“Companies are often focused on some of the hot topics or the uncertainty instead of being aware of their full obligations and taking steps forward,” Van Berkom-Berrevoets tells us, ahead of the webinar.

Despite the European Commission’s (EC) PPWR guideline update in April, last month, 138 F&B companies signed a leaked letter addressed to the EC, urging the delay of the August 12 implementation date.

Highlighting which parts of the packaging value chain appear most prepared for the regulation, Van Berkom-Berrevoets says: “There is more knowledge about the PPWR and responsibility downstream; however, a lot of information that is needed is more available upstream.”

“The challenges lie in between. Also, because at both ends of the value chain, companies are often bigger players able to use more resources and take stronger positions.”

Streamlining communication

The webinar will also outline how to centralize data collection based on formats and inputs from different suppliers, as well as how to streamline communication with converters, manufacturers, and retailers.

“The need for data management is not new. However, with the PPWR, companies have become more aware of building a dossier with supporting documents and data and less on compliance claims,” Van Berkom-Berrevoets explains. 

She highlights the importance of collaboration between suppliers, converters, manufacturers, and brand owners.

“Supply chain communication is key. Informing the next step in the value chain is based on understanding their needs. As compliance is a continuous process, it is important that processes and systems support that.”

“Work with your customers, suppliers, and trusted partners to make steps forward. Every big journey starts with a single step.”

She further expects PPWR to influence packaging decision-making beyond compliance.

“Companies are stimulated to redesign their packaging to comply with future requirements and benefit from better eco-modulation fees. But redesigns require new compliance assessments, regarding other legislations as well.”

During the webinar, the presenters will also showcase FoodChain ID’s Packaging Compliance Sustainability Module for compliance assessment and documentation automation.

Last year, FoodChain ID collaborated with Unpac, an EPR software provider, to improve EPR reporting for the global F&B industry.