PPWR vs AGEC law: how to navigate intralogistics packaging?

Luxury and mass-market retailers are currently facing a dual regulatory challenge: on the one hand, the European PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), and on the other hand, the French AGEC law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy). These two frameworks aim to fundamentally transform the use of transport packaging, particularly in intralogistics flows (warehouses, logistics platforms, internal distribution).

Understanding the European PPWR

The PPWR (Plastic, Plastic, and Recyclable Waste) came into force in February 2025 and will be fully implemented from August 2026. Its objective: to significantly reduce packaging waste in Europe by promoting a circular economy. Some key milestones:

• From 2026 , companies will be required to implement reuse systems.
• By 2030 , 40% of transport packaging used must be reusable. Furthermore, the empty space in packaging must be limited to a maximum of 50%.
• By 2035 , there will be an obligation for all packaging to be effectively recyclable on a large scale.
• By 2040 , 70% of intralogistics packaging will need to be reusable.

This regulation therefore obliges companies to rethink their logistics model from today onwards by systematically integrating reuse and recycling solutions.

The specific constraints of the AGEC law in France

The AGEC law, adopted in 2020, anticipates European obligations by imposing concrete actions immediately:

• An intermediate target for the reuse of packaging has been set at 5% in 2023 and 10% in 2027.
• A gradual reduction of single-use plastics with a total elimination planned by 2040.
• The introduction from 2026 of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for industrial and commercial packaging, obliging companies to finance the recycling of their logistics packaging.
  
  

Concrete impact on distribution

To comply with these regulations, companies will need to significantly modify their internal logistics practices:

• Transition to reusable packaging : traditional cardboard boxes will gradually have to give way to reusable bins and crates, adapted to the regular rotation of flows between production sites, warehouses and stores.
• Optimizing space in packaging : the volume of packaging must be precisely adjusted to the products transported, thus eliminating waste related to excess empty space.
• Enhanced traceability : adoption of digital solutions to precisely track the reuse cycles of packaging.
• What solutions should we adopt right now?

Faced with these challenges, several practical solutions already exist. One of the most promising is the use of reusable collapsible crates, which allow for optimized return shipping. These solutions, like those offered by Woopak, are particularly well-suited to the luxury sector: they ensure the safety and integrity of the products while being ergonomic and economical in the long run.

Brands that anticipate these changes by investing in such solutions today will not only see their environmental footprint reduced, but will also be able to achieve significant long-term savings by reducing the costs associated with the regular purchase of disposable packaging and waste.

Reconciling the requirements of the European PPWR and the French AGEC law is a major but achievable challenge. By adopting a proactive approach and prioritizing reusable and innovative solutions such as reusable collapsible crates, luxury and retail companies can transform these regulatory constraints into genuine economic and environmental opportunities.

It is time to act now to be ready for tomorrow.