Preparing for the EU Packaging Directive

Starting in August 2026, the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) will require companies to maintain traceable records of packaging throughout the entire supply chain and to meet new requirements for compliance, recyclability, and sustainability.

NTT Data Business Solutions aims to support companies in implementing these requirements. The solution addresses the ongoing demand for reliable sustainability data and establishes a structured framework for managing regulatory requirements directly within the SAP system. With the first major milestone of the PPWR approaching in August 2026, the pressure is mounting on companies across Europe to take action. Starting at that time, they must be able to demonstrate that relevant packaging complies with the requirements before products enter the EU market.

The regulation establishes mandatory requirements, including chemical specifications, conformity assessments, technical documentation, and clearly defined responsibilities throughout the entire supply chain.

„Our goal is to help companies,
PPWR requirements in SAP-based processes
to translate—in such a way that they can also be used beyond
”that are viable beyond the PPWR."

Luisa Swetlik,
Product Owner, Sustainability Data Simplified,
NTT Data Business Solutions

SAP-based processes

Sustainability Data Simplified addresses the PPWR requirements precisely where they become operationally relevant: at the SAP data level. The solution makes it possible to link regulatory requirements directly to existing product structures and the packaging information maintained in the SAP system. This enables companies to identify PPWR-relevant packaging based on bills of materials, uniquely assign roles such as manufacturer, first-time distributor, or importer, support conformity assessments and documentation processes, and traceably map PPWR-relevant information throughout the entire product lifecycle. This SAP-integrated approach reduces manual workarounds and avoids siloed solutions—while simultaneously laying the groundwork for targeted preparation for audits and market surveillance.

Regulations such as the PPWR highlight a fundamental problem: Many companies have sustainability data, but it is often not in a format that meets regulatory requirements. With Sustainability Data Simplified, a consistent, SAP-based database has been established that can also be used to meet future regulatory requirements. The solution is continuously being refined in collaboration with customers. A dedicated product team brings together expertise in product development, SAP integration, innovation, and sustainability to translate regulatory requirements such as the PPWR into end-to-end, scalable SAP processes. (Source: NTT Data)