Trace One has described a three-part framework intended to help brand owners prepare for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and related Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements before the rules begin to apply on 12 August 2026.
Built around the company’s product life cycle management (PLM) system, the framework covers packaging data management, compliance and reporting processes, and monitoring of recyclability performance for companies active in the EU and major export markets.
Trace One framework is aimed at the main issues facing private label groups and international brand owners under PPWR and EPR rules.
These are grouped into three areas: creating a central packaging data record, preparing for compliance and reporting at scale, and tracking recyclability performance across different markets.
The first element involves bringing together supplier packaging information in one place.
This includes data on composition, materials, weight, recyclability characteristics, and supporting documents such as certificates and test results, using a format aligned with PPWR requirements.
A supplier portal is used for data gathering through tailored fields and questionnaires.
According to the company, this is intended to improve the completeness and consistency of information across products, suppliers, and markets, while lowering the risk of non-compliance.
The second element concerns automated checks against PPWR limits, including the <25ppb [parts per billion] individual PFAS, <250ppb sum of PFAS, and <50ppm [parts per million] total fluorine thresholds for food-contact packaging that apply from 12 August 2026 under PPWR Article 5(5).
The system is set up to produce PPWR Declarations of Conformity quickly, with adjustments for required languages and markets, and with version control and records of checks, supporting evidence, and approvals.
The third element focuses on dashboards covering packaging indicators such as materials, recyclability, recycled content, and risk.
These are intended to help brand owners identify redesign priorities and follow progress towards PPWR recyclability targets.
The company said country-specific PRO dashboards are available for France's AGEC requirements through its partnership with CITEO, for UK regulatory filings, and for US recyclability calculations developed with retailers, in response to the reporting demands that vary between jurisdictions under EPR systems.
Trace One sustainability solutions product marketing manager Laetitia Pires commented: "PPWR compliance is now a data discipline, not a paperwork project.
"Private label retailers and global brands need centralised packaging data, automated compliance checks, and audit-ready declarations in production - at scale, across the markets where they operate."
Trace One issued the update after the European Commission published Notice C(2026) 2151 final on 30 March 2026, which sets out guidance on the interpretation of PPWR provisions ahead of the 12 August 2026 application date.
