In the previous article, we explained why packaging regulations and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are highly relevant for B2B companies—and why their importance will continue to grow with the introduction of the PPWR.

The key question now is:
How can these requirements be implemented efficiently, legally compliant, and in a future-proof way?

In practice, one thing becomes clear: the biggest challenge is not the legal text itself, but the operational implementation.

What Does EPR Mean for Companies in Practice?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires companies to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, from placing it on the market to its recovery and recycling.

For B2B companies, this particularly includes:

• Registration with national authorities
• Ongoing reporting of quantities and materials
• Proof of proper disposal and recycling
• Ensuring data completeness and quality
• Preparing for audits and regulatory inspections

These obligations must be fulfilled continuously—and they will become further harmonized and stricter under the PPWR.

Why EPR Often Fails in Practice

From a consulting perspective, several common root causes can be identified.

1. Unclear Responsibilities

EPR affects multiple functions simultaneously—procurement, logistics, sustainability, compliance, and IT.

Without clear governance, it often remains unclear who provides, verifies, and reports which data.

2. Missing or Fragmented Data

Many companies do not have full visibility into:

• which packaging is actually being used
• which materials it consists of
• in what quantities it is placed on the market

The result is often manual Excel-based solutions with a high risk of errors and audit issues.

3. Lack of System Integration

Packaging data is generated throughout the value chain, but it is rarely systematically captured or integrated with existing ERP, logistics, or reporting systems.

Success Factor 1: Clear Governance and Roles

Effective EPR implementation begins with clear structures:

• Clear definition of the “producer role” in each country
• Defined responsibilities for data collection, validation, and reporting
• Binding processes instead of informal coordination

EPR is not a one-time project, but an ongoing compliance responsibility.

Success Factor 2: Reliable Data and Processes

Legal certainty requires a robust data foundation:

• Clear packaging classification
• Structured capture of materials and quantities
• Defined reporting cycles
• Traceable documentation

Companies should assess where this data originates and how it can be consolidated consistently.

Success Factor 3: IT Support Instead of Isolated Solutions

With the increasing requirements of the PPWR, manual approaches quickly reach their limits.

Future-proof approaches include:

• Integration of packaging data into existing ERP systems
• Centralized data management for national and EU-wide reporting
• Automated analyses and reporting

This transforms EPR from a risk factor into a manageable, audit-ready process.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the PPWR

With the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, it is expected that:

• Reporting obligations will become further harmonized
• Audit and control mechanisms will significantly increase
• Data and documentation requirements will expand

Companies that invest now in structures, processes, and systems will gain a clear advantage over purely reactive approaches.

Extended Producer Responsibility is not a one-off initiative, but a long-term operational responsibility. Organizations that establish robust governance structures, reliable data foundations, and integrated systems today will be significantly better positioned to meet the upcoming requirements of the PPWR.

At the same time, effective implementation depends on a shared understanding of regulatory obligations across functions. Compliance, sustainability, procurement, logistics, and IT all play a role in translating regulatory requirements into operational processes.