With the new PackLab Pro, you can assess and certify the recyclability of your first packaging online for free.
PackLab Pro by EKO-PUNKT
Online Packaging Recyclability Assessment & Certification
Companies are required to transparently document the material composition of their packaging, assess recyclability in a traceable manner, and maintain structured regulatory documentation.
PackLab Pro, the new online packaging laboratory by EKO-PUNKT, enables efficient and legally compliant packaging recyclability assessments in accordance with the current Minimum Standard 2025. An integrated step-by-step tutorial guides users safely and systematically through the complex evaluation process.
At the same time, PackLab Pro builds a complete digital packaging documentation file – including material composition, recyclability certificate, data export and, prospectively, a declaration of conformity in line with PPWR requirements.
A key added value: PackLab Pro will soon enable the generation and direct generation and submission of a declaration of conformity for each assessed packaging unit in line with PPWR requirements.
Why Packaging Recyclability Is Now a Strategic Business Factor
Regulatory developments send a clear message:
- Non-recyclable packaging is becoming increasingly unattractive – both economically and from a compliance perspective.
- Packaging design decisions directly impact regulatory compliance and overall costs.
- Early recyclability assessments create planning security and reduce regulatory risk.
Sustainable packaging design is becoming a competitive advantage.
Companies that systematically assess packaging recyclability today reduce compliance risks, optimize costs and strengthen their market position in the long term.
The PPWR Establishes Binding Requirements Across Europe
- The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces harmonized and legally binding requirements throughout the EU, including:
- Recyclable packaging design
- Transparent material composition
- Avoidance of non-recyclable composite materials
- Structured documentation obligations
- Future requirements for declarations of conformity
Packaging recyclability is therefore shifting from a sustainability initiative to a regulatory obligation. Companies must be able to demonstrate that their packaging meets the defined recyclability criteria — otherwise, restrictions on placing products on the EU market may apply. The newly developed PackLab Pro supports you in conducting a structured PPWR recyclability assessment and ensuring compliant, audit-ready documentation of your packagi
The Solution: PackLab Pro
What PackLab Pro Delivers for Your Business:
✔ Free access and easy account creation – activation takes place promptly on working days.
✔ PPWR-compliant packaging recyclability assessment in accordance with the current Minimum Standard
✔ Step-by-step tutorial for a self-assessment based on manufacturer data and material specifications
✔ Structured, audit-ready documentation of your entire packaging portfolio
✔ Integration of EKO-PUNKT laboratory testing results
✔ Export of packaging master data for internal use, reporting and compliance management
✔ Automatic notifications when a new Minimum Standard comes into effect
✔ Optional plausibility check of your data via the expert button
✔ Future capability to generate and submit a declaration of conformity for each packaging unit
✔ Certificates valid for 12 months, based on the applicable Minimum Standard
✔ The recyclability assessment and certification of your first packaging unit is free of charge
Flexible Packaging Compliance Solutions – From Single Certification to Annual Flat Rate Plans
*All prices quoted above are net prices plus statutory value added tax. ** Annual flat rate price net plus statutory value added tax. Annual flat rate is automatically extended by one year upon expiry. The notice period is three months prior to the end of the contract.
Why PackLab Pro?
With the introduction of the new assessment methodology under the Minimum Standard 2025 and the requirements of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), the evaluation logic for packaging has fundamentally changed.
Today, detailed information on material structure, separability and recyclability must be provided at the very beginning of the packaging assessment process. The methodology is more modular and closely aligned with actual recycling and recovery processes.
The technical structure of the previous PackLab was not compatible with this new assessment framework. An update of the former system would not have been able to fully reflect the required level of assessment depth or the structured documentation logic now mandated under PPWR.
For this reason, PackLab Pro was developed as a new, future-ready system that:
- Fully integrates the current Minimum Standard 2025 assessment methodology
- Enables a closed and audit-ready documentation structure in line with PPWR requirements
- Establishes the foundation for future declarations of conformity
- Can flexibly adapt to further regulatory developments
PackLab Pro is therefore not an update, but a consistent and forward-looking redevelopment based on current and upcoming European packaging regulations.
Beyond Assessment –
Your Digital System for Packaging Compliance
PackLab Pro Enables You To:
- Mitigate regulatory risks at an early stage
- Ensure structured documentation in line with PPWR requirements
- Gain internal transparency on material structures and recyclability
- Prepare for and fulfill future declaration of conformity obligations
- Identify ecodesign optimization potential
- Provide professional, audit-ready documentation to business partners
Check Your Packaging Recyclability Now and Secure Compliance
Use the online PackLab Pro by EKO-PUNKT to professionally assess your packaging in accordance with PPWR and the current Minimum Standard 2025 – and make informed, compliance-driven decisions.
Discover All PackLab Pro Benefits at a Glance
Online Packaging Recyclability Assessment
with Step-by-Step Guidance
The fastest and most reliable way to cost-effectively assess the recyclability of your packaging.
Our digital solution guides you step by step through the entire packaging recyclability assessment process – supported by a clear, practical and easy-to-follow tutorial. All you need are the manufacturer specifications of the materials used and their respective material shares. Based on this information, you receive a transparent, well-founded and traceable recyclability evaluation of your packaging – assess and certify your first packaging unit free of charge.
Create transparency and minimize regulatory risks – efficiently, systematically and step by step.
Why Act Now?
- The PPWR introduces binding compliance requirements across Europe.
- Packaging recyclability is becoming a strategic competitive factor.
- Documentation obligations are becoming more extensive and subject to verification.
- Declarations of conformity will become mandatory.
Companies that assess and document recyclability early reduce regulatory risks and create transparency.
With the new PackLab Pro, you can assess and certify the recyclability of your first packaging online for free.
How PackLab Pro Works – From Assessment to Certification
With PackLab Pro, you can assess your sales packaging efficiently, legally compliant and future-oriented – including certification and complete documentation in line with current regulatory requirements.
1. Register and Get Access
Register your company in PackLab Pro. After a short review by EKO-PUNKT, your account will be activated within 48 hours.
After activation, you will receive a double opt-in email, which must be confirmed by you for privacy reasons. Please also check your spam folder.
To get started, you can test the tool without obligation and receive:
- 1 packaging assessment free of charge
- 1 recyclability certificate free of charge
2. Create and Assess Your Packaging
Enter the material and packaging data of your sales packaging directly into the system.
PackLab Pro evaluates your packaging based on the currently valid Minimum Standard for recyclability. One packaging unit can be assessed per certificate.
Your result:
- Transparent recyclability assessment
- Legally compliant documentation
3. Receive Your Certificate
After successful assessment, your certificate is available digitally within the system. All certificates can be downloaded at any time from your customer dashboard. Certificates are issued in both German and English. Each certificate remains valid for 12 months, based on the respective applicable Minimum Standard.
4. Unlock Additional Packaging Assessments
If you would like to assess more packaging units, simply choose one of our certificate packages:
- Single certificate
- 10- or 20-certificate packages with attractive bonus certificates
- Annual flat rate for unlimited use
5. Data Transfer for the Following Year
When a new Minimum Standard enters into force, existing packaging data can be transferred and reassessed under the updated requirements.
Your benefits:
- Time savings through data rollover
- Automatic notification when a new Minimum Standard applies
- Closed and structured packaging documentation in line with PPWR
6. Optional Expert Review
Using the Expert Button, you can request an additional plausibility check of your entered data.
You receive:
- Professional validation
- Documented plausibility review
- Additional security for internal or external compliance verification
7. Complete Documentation & Export
All packaging data, assessments and certificates are centrally documented.
You can:
- Document assessments and certificates collectively
- Integrate laboratory test results
This creates a complete, transparent and audit-ready packaging documentation system.
8. Extended Services
Optionally available:
- Laboratory testing at preferential rates, including transfer into PackLab Pro
- Webinars at preferential rates
- PPWR Declaration of Conformity (currently in preparation)
PackLab Pro is your digital solution for efficient packaging recyclability assessment, transparent documentation and regulatory security – today and for future compliance requirements.
Online Packaging Recyclability Assessment
Check, optimize and document your packaging recyclability online – PPWR-compliant, audit-ready and aligned with the Minimum Standard 2025 Request your PackLab Pro access here!
Better for the Environment – and for Your Bottom Line:
The Benefits of Recyclable Packaging
The recyclability assessment is intended to raise awareness among distributors – and ultimately also among packaging producers – of the importance of using or manufacturing packaging that is as recyclable as possible and thus climate- and resource-friendly.
Key considerations include:
– Can the packaging be separated into its individual material components?
– Are there appropriate systems in place for detection and sorting under real-world conditions?
– What percentage of each material can actually be recycled?
– And: What proportion of recycled content is already included in the packaging?
To address these aspects, the Central Packaging Register (ZSVR) and the German Environment Agency (UBA) have defined minimum standards for the recyclability of packaging subject to system participation.
These standards are based on what is currently technically and practically achievable under prevailing conditions – and will be gradually tightened over time. Sustainable packaging begins with knowledge – and verified recyclability is the first step.
FAQ on Packaging Recyclability under PPWR and the Minimum Standard
What Does “Checking Packaging Recyclability” Mean in Practice?
Checking packaging recyclability means systematically assessing whether a packaging unit can be materially recycled in accordance with the technical criteria of the Minimum Standard 2025 and the regulatory requirements of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation).
- This assessment includes, among other aspects:
- Material composition
- Separability of components
- Sortability in existing waste management systems
- Presence of disruptive or non-recyclable elements
The objective is to provide a reliable and traceable determination of whether the packaging is designed for recycling and compliant with current regulatory requirements.
Why Is Packaging Recyclability Becoming Mandatory?
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces binding requirements for packaging design across Europe. Packaging must be designed in a way that ensures recyclability and allows integration into existing sorting and recycling systems.
Recyclability is therefore becoming a regulatory precondition for placing packaging on the EU market.
Companies must be able to demonstrate that their packaging meets the defined recyclability criteria in order to ensure PPWR compliance and avoid potential market restrictions.
What Is the Minimum Standard for Packaging in Germany?
The Minimum Standard for Packaging in Germany defines the technical assessment criteria used to determine packaging recyclability.
It specifies in detail:
- Which materials are considered recyclable
- How composite packaging is evaluated
- Which material shares are classified as critical
- Which design elements may interfere with recycling processes
An assessment based on the Minimum Standard provides a transparent, objective and traceable evaluation of packaging recyclability and forms the foundation for regulatory compliance.
Do Companies Have to Document Packaging Recyclability?
Yes. Under the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), requirements for transparency and proof of compliance are increasing significantly.
Companies must be able to document that their packaging meets the applicable regulatory recyclability criteria.
Structured documentation is particularly important in cases of:
- Requests from authorities
- Market surveillance inspections
- Internal compliance audits
- Sustainability and ESG reporting
EKO-PUNKT PackLab Pro supports companies with a digital, structured documentation system for packaging recyclability and regulatory compliance.
Which Companies Are Required to Assess Packaging Recyclability?
The obligation to assess packaging recyclability applies to all companies that place packaging on the market commercially for the first time.
This particularly includes:
- Manufacturers and brand owners
- Online retailers
- Importers
- Private label providers
Regardless of company size or industry, PPWR recyclability is becoming a central compliance requirement for any business placing packaged products on the EU market.
How Does PackLab Pro Support Packaging Recyclability Assessments?
EKO-PUNKT PackLab Pro enables a digital and structured packaging recyclability assessment in accordance with the Minimum Standard 2025 and in consideration of PPWR requirements.
The tool provides:
- Step-by-step entry of all packaging components
- Automated assessment based on the applicable Minimum Standard
- Transparent presentation of results
- Exportable compliance documentation
- Preparation for future declarations of conformity
This allows companies to efficiently assess packaging recyclability and meet increasing regulatory compliance requirements.
What are the benefits of assessing the recyclability of my packaging at an early stage?
An early recyclability assessment provides:
- Legal certainty
- Greater planning reliability for product development
- Cost transparency
- Competitive advantages through sustainable packaging design
- Reduced regulatory risks
Companies that assess the recyclability of their packaging at an early stage are ideally prepared for the requirements of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). This enables them to identify optimisation potential in good time, implement necessary adjustments efficiently, and ensure long-term compliance with future regulatory requirements.
FA on PPWR Technical Documentation and Declaration of Conformity
What Is Technical Documentation Under the PPWR?
Technical documentation is a key requirement of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). It serves as evidence that a packaging solution complies with all applicable legal requirements and can be placed on the European market in accordance with the regulation.
The documentation includes detailed information about the packaging’s material composition, substances used, recyclability, packaging minimisation measures, and other relevant performance characteristics. Depending on the packaging type, it may also contain test reports, technical specifications, calculations, supplier declarations, and supporting evidence.
Companies are required to maintain this documentation and make it available to market surveillance authorities upon request. Technical documentation also forms the basis for the PPWR Declaration of Conformity and is therefore a fundamental element of packaging compliance within the European Union.
The technical documentation forms the basis for the declaration of conformity.
What Is a PPWR Declaration of Conformity?
A PPWR Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a formal document in which manufacturers, importers, brand owners, or other responsible economic operators declare that their packaging complies with the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
The declaration is based on a conformity assessment and the corresponding technical documentation. It confirms compliance with key PPWR requirements, including recyclability, packaging minimisation, restrictions on substances, and other regulatory obligations.
The Declaration of Conformity must be kept up to date and made available to competent authorities when required. Maintaining an accurate DoC is essential for demonstrating packaging compliance and reducing regulatory risks within the EU market.
When Will Technical Documentation and the Declaration of Conformity Become Mandatory?
The PPWR entered into force in February 2025 and introduces a range of new compliance requirements for packaging placed on the EU market. From 12 August 2026, affected packaging must be supported by technical documentation and a Declaration of Conformity.
Companies should begin collecting packaging data and compliance information as early as possible. Obtaining material specifications, supplier information, technical evidence, and recyclability data can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Early preparation helps businesses avoid compliance gaps, reduce implementation risks, and ensure a smooth transition to the new PPWR requirements.
The EKO-PUNKT PackLab Pro assists with the digital documentation of recyclability and the preparation of the declaration of conformity.
Which Companies Are Affected by the PPWR Requirements?
The PPWR applies to all businesses that place packaging on the European market. This includes manufacturers, importers, distributors, brand owners, retailers, and e-commerce companies.
Companies marketing products under their own brand are often responsible for ensuring that the packaging complies with the regulation and that all required documentation is available. International businesses selling products within the European Union must also meet the new packaging compliance requirements.
The specific obligations depend on the company’s role within the supply chain, making it important to assess responsibilities at an early stage.
What Information Must Be Included in the Technical Documentation?
Technical documentation must contain all relevant information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the PPWR requirements.
This may include:
- Material composition of the packaging
- Information on substances and components used
- Evidence of packaging recyclability
- Documentation of packaging minimisation measures
- Technical specifications and product data sheets
- Test reports and calculations
- Supplier declarations and material certificates
- Information on reusability, where applicable
The exact scope depends on the packaging type and the specific requirements applicable under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
How Does PackLab Pro Support the Preparation of Technical Documentation and Declarations of Conformity?
EKO-PUNKT PackLab Pro helps companies prepare for PPWR compliance by analysing packaging solutions and supporting the collection and evaluation of relevant packaging data.
The assessment can include aspects such as recyclability, material composition, packaging optimisation, and regulatory compliance requirements. This enables businesses to identify gaps, organise documentation efficiently, and establish a solid basis for their technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity.
By providing a structured approach to packaging compliance, PackLab Pro helps companies prepare for future regulatory obligations and reduce administrative effort.
Can PackLab Pro Guarantee the Compliance of My Packaging?
PackLab Pro supports businesses in assessing, documenting, and evaluating packaging in accordance with PPWR requirements. However, the legal responsibility for packaging compliance and the issuance of the Declaration of Conformity remains with the responsible economic operator.
By helping companies gather evidence, identify compliance gaps, and structure their technical documentation, PackLab Pro contributes to a more efficient compliance process. Nevertheless, the final responsibility for regulatory compliance always lies with the company placing the packaging on the market.
What Are the Benefits of Preparing Technical Documentation at an Early Stage?
Preparing technical documentation early offers several strategic and operational advantages. It increases transparency regarding packaging materials, simplifies communication with suppliers, and reduces time pressure when new regulatory requirements become applicable.
Early preparation also improves planning security, reduces liability risks, and facilitates responses to market surveillance authorities or compliance audits. In addition, companies can identify opportunities to improve packaging recyclability, sustainability, and overall packaging performance.
Businesses that establish their technical documentation early are better prepared for PPWR compliance and can implement future packaging requirements more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Let our experts support you in evaluating and improving the recyclability of your packaging.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.