PPWR-Stimmungsindex German Economy 2025

Surprising finding: The better companies understand PPWR, the more successfully they implement measures. It's worth taking a look at the details. Download the study for free here.

PPWR knowledge determines economic change

Between claim and reality

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is fundamentally changing packaging management in retail, logistics and production from 2030. But how realistic are companies in Germany about their own preparation? And where do opportunities arise for efficiency, sustainability and new business models?

The PPWR-Stimmungsindex 2025 provides a systematic overview for the first time: of the knowledge, implementation and perception of PPWR in the German economy.

Objectives & methodology of the study

Why this study?

The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) marks the start of regulatory change that affects the entire supply chain — from trade and production to logistics. The central question: How well prepared are companies really?

The PPWR-Stimmungsindex German Economy 2025 makes the gap visible between what companies think they know and what they are already effectively implementing.

What was investigated:

  • Knowledge & implementation: Assessment of the current level of knowledge about PPWR and measurable level of implementation
  • Challenges & potentials: Perceived hurdles, support needs, and opportunities
  • Industry focus: Retail, production, logistics and packaging & pooling — in other words, exactly the areas that are most affected in the context of PPWR

This is how it was collected:

  • Attendees: 90 companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland
  • Industry mix: 40% trade · 27% production · 20% logistics · 11% packaging & pooling · 2% associations
  • B2B focus: 96.7% of respondents work in a B2B environment
  • Methodology: Anonymous online survey with quantitative questions (e.g. self-assessment, implementation status) and qualitative assessments (e.g. challenges, need for support). Complemented by two expert interviews.
Porträt eines Mannes im hellblauen Anzug mit weißem Hemd und orangefarbenem Einstecktuch, der freundlich in die Kamera schaut.
Dr. Jens Oldenburg

Managing Director of
Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg
'The PPWR-Stimmungsindex provides an honest picture of the situation and shows how large the gap is between self-assessment and external assessment.'

Between Claim and Reality: Management Summary

The analysis of PPWR-Stimmungsindex 2025 clearly shows that many companies underestimate the challenge — and at the same time the opportunities — of the new EU packaging regulation. Four results stand out in particular:

Perception and reality diverge

Almost every second company estimates their preparation better than it actually is. While the interviewees average their level of implementation at 51% Localize, is the objectively measurable value only 42%. This gap is particularly evident when it comes to clear responsibilities, reliable data and initial documented measures. The problem: Anyone who overestimates themselves runs the risk of taking decisive steps too late — with expensive consequences in implementation.

Only 1 out of 10 companies meets the basics

Only 10% The interviewees have created the essential foundations: a defined responsibility, a clean database, an analysis of the packaging portfolio and initial documented measures. The majority of the economy is therefore still in its infancy. Particularly in complex industries such as logistics or production, there are significant structural deficiencies — an indication that without early action, there will be considerable backlog.

The desire for orientation is great

More than 70% The companies would like support in implementing the PPWR. The most frequently mentioned are practical guidelines (67.8%), personal advice (49.4%) and targeted training offers (46%). This shows that the challenge lies less in a lack of technology, but more in the interpretation of the regulation and in clear recommendations for action. Companies are looking for structure, clarity and certainty as to how they can implement the requirements in practice.

Shortage of responsibilities and data slows down

Many companies have neither clear responsibilities nor reliable data models established. Without these principles, a strategic implementation of the PPWR remains virtually impossible. At the same time, in many places, the regulation is regarded purely as a compulsory exercise, while economic opportunities — such as efficiency gains, digital transparency and new business models — are still not recognized enough. Anyone who focuses on a change of perspective early on can secure decisive competitive advantages here.

The initiators of the study

The PPWR-Stimmungsindex German Economy 2025 is a joint initiative of three partners who have been working at the interface of logistics, packaging and sustainability for years. We are united in the conviction that the PPWR is not only regulation but also an opportunity for progress.

For over 30 years, the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg for reusable systems — through education, networking and political work on reuse & circular economy.

Logistikbude Logo

The Dortmund based start-up Logistikbude digitizes the management of pallets, containers and racks. Objective: more transparency, fewer losses, more efficient processes.

As a leading research institute for logistics and material flow, the Fraunhofer IML innovative strategies and technologies for sustainable, future-proof supply chains.

Mockup eines Tablets und Smartphones mit Inhalten der Studie ‚PPWR-Stimmungsindex Deutsche Wirtschaft 2025‘, dargestellt auf grün-blauem Farbverlauf-Hintergrund.

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The PPWR-Stimmungsindex German Economy 2025 goes live in mid-September. Enter your contact details here and you'll get the full results on September 16 directly to your inbox.

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