European sustainability legislation is evolving rapidly. Companies are facing new requirements relating to packaging, raw materials, product information and carbon emissions. Four regulations are particularly relevant: PPWR, EUDR, the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and CBAM.
Although these regulations address different topics, they have a common theme: companies increasingly need reliable information about products, packaging, raw materials, suppliers and emissions across the supply chain.
What are the key developments and what should businesses consider?
PPWR: new requirements for packaging
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force on 12 August 2026. It affects almost every company that places packaging or packaged products on the market.
The impact can be particularly significant for companies that import, manufacture or place packaged products on the market under their own name. Companies that influence packaging specifications, including material selection, design, branding or dimensions, may also face new requirements.
Although several aspects of the PPWR will be developed further over the coming years, businesses should already assess how the regulation could affect their products, packaging and supply chains.
EUDR: greater visibility of raw material origins
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to address deforestation linked to certain commodities and products.
Under the current timeline, the regulation is expected to apply from 30 December 2026. Companies trading in products or raw materials within the scope of the EUDR will, among other requirements, need information about their origin and supply chains.
Traceability therefore becomes increasingly important. Companies need to understand where relevant products and raw materials come from and be able to demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements.
DPP: digital access to product information
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is also taking shape. It is intended to make relevant product information more accessible and easier to exchange throughout a product’s lifecycle.
The DPP can affect areas including:
- product information;
- circularity and repair;
- supply chain transparency;
- data exchange and standardisation;
- IT systems and data management.
This means the DPP is not only relevant to sustainability and compliance teams. Product management, supply chain, procurement and IT may all play an important role in preparing for these requirements.
CBAM: developments in carbon-related import requirements
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is also continuing to evolve. The mechanism addresses the carbon emissions associated with certain goods imported into the European Union from outside the EU.
Changes to its scope mean that some companies may no longer fall within CBAM, while the European Commission is also considering an expansion to further processed products containing significant amounts of materials such as steel or aluminium.
For importers, it is therefore important to monitor both current requirements and potential future developments.
One common challenge: reliable data
PPWR, EUDR, DPP and CBAM differ significantly in scope. However, they present businesses with a similar challenge: having access to accurate, reliable and up-to-date information.
In practice, organisations increasingly need visibility into:
- products and materials;
- packaging;
- suppliers and origin;
- supply chain data;
- carbon and sustainability information.
Meeting these requirements is not only about data management. It also requires collaboration between different departments and supply chain partners.
Preparing for evolving regulations
European sustainability regulations will continue to develop. By gaining insight into the relevant requirements, available data and internal processes now, businesses can prepare more effectively for upcoming obligations.
SGS supports organisations with compliance, sustainability, supply chain and product and supply chain information challenges.
Contact us to discuss what the latest developments around PPWR, EUDR, DPP and CBAM could mean for your organisation.
