The new European Packaging Regulation (PPWR) raises the same two questions for nearly every company: Does this apply to me, and what do I need to do? The answer is in the regulation, but that means you’d have to work your way through the entire text, including all the articles and annexes. We wanted to save you that step.
That’s why we’ve built a free PPWR tool. You’ll go through a few steps, and then you’ll know what’s at stake for you—without having to commit to a consulting process right away. And you don’t have to do it alone: the tool uses AI to take care of the heavy lifting for you.
AI does the groundwork
What makes it special is the input process. You take or upload a photo of your packaging, and the tool automatically recognizes the material, function, and properties—such as food contact—and pre-fills the form with that information. No need to comb through specification sheets or deal with technical jargon—a photo is all you need to get started. Based on that, the tool also drafts a declaration of conformity for you.
This makes the PPWR tool Empact’s second AI-driven tool, following our ESPR Digital Product Passport tool. This is a deliberate strategy: we want to lead the way in using AI to make complex regulations more manageable, so you can quickly understand where you stand.
What the tool does for you
- Determine your role under the regulation: manufacturer, importer, distributor, or producer for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). You can read about how this distinction works in our article on the roles.
- It recognizes your packaging from a photo using AI and fills in the information for you in advance.
- For each package, indicate which requirements will apply and on what date.
- Turn that into a to-do list, with the next deadline at the top.
- Create a checklist for your declaration of conformity—the document you must be able to present for each package starting August 12, 2026.
What the tool doesn’t do
The result is a preliminary overview, not a final legal determination. The tool does the groundwork, but to ensure a complete file—including technical documentation and a validated declaration of conformity—a human review is still necessary. Think of it as the first step: afterward, you’ll know what to expect and where you might need help.
Who is this tool intended for?
For anyone who places packaged products or packaging on the EU market. Whether you sell your own brand, import products, or run an online store that “only resells” items: your assessment of your role often turns out to be different than expected.
Getting Started
Start with your role and your packaging. Grab your phone, take a photo, and the tool will walk you through the rest and organize your to-do list by date. If you then want to move on to the technical documentation or the validation of your declaration of conformity, we’ll be there to help you as your PPWR advisor.
Try the tool: tools.empact.nu/nl/ppwr-tool