The PPWR is now in force: Start with less at Empack Ghent

On 22 and 23 September, Flanders Expo in Ghent will become the centre of the packaging world. You’ll find Topa at stand 1140. Now that the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is in force, we’ll show you how to put these requirements into practice within your packaging process.

Our central message at the stand is clear: Ready for the PPWR? Start with less.

12 August has passed

Now that the PPWR is a reality, many organisations are wondering how to apply the rules in practice. We help make those steps clear and achievable. Not by saying that ‘everything has to change’ or immediately pushing an entirely new concept, but by identifying where you can already make improvements today: too much empty space in a box, excessive film use around a pallet, or packaging that simply does not fit your logistics process properly.

For us, the PPWR is not a standalone compliance exercise, but an opportunity to take a critical look at the entire packaging process. This ties in seamlessly with our overarching philosophy: ‘We go for less’. Less material, less time, less space, less damage, less waste, less downtime and fewer CO₂ emissions.

Follow your route: the PPWR route & 5 other themed routes

To guide you around the stand, we have created a number of recognisable route points. Step by step, you can discover which practical improvements are achievable for your organisation:

Route 1: The PPWR route (Five practical stops)

Want to know what the PPWR means in practice for your products? At our dedicated PPWR bookcase, we’ll take you through five key pillars of the legislation:

• 1. Minimisation (Prevention): How can you use less material without compromising on protection? We look at reducing empty space and eliminating unnecessary void fill.
• 2. Recycled content (Circularity): Discover which packaging solutions already contain recycled material (PCR), such as our Topstretch PCR stretch films or ZeroTape rPET.
• 3. Design for recycling: Compare multi-material packaging with 100% recyclable mono-material solutions, such as the paper reLoc bag, paper padded envelopes or elephant grass pallets.
• 4. Reuse: Explore where reusable packaging and closed-loop return systems can be both commercially viable and practical within your supply chain.
• 5. Transparency: Gain insight into clear sorting instructions, material information and labelling to provide consumers and supply chain partners with the right information.

After exploring these pillars, we’ll finish at the demo booths with an accessible packaging scan. Here, we can immediately analyse your cardboard quality, box sizes and processing speed.

Route 2: ESD-safe packaging

For anyone packaging electronics, printed circuit boards and sensitive components.

• Start at the plasma ball: Seeing is believing. The plasma ball makes static electricity visible and opens the conversation about the risks of electrostatic discharge.
• Visible and invisible damage: ESD damage can be deceptive. A component may appear to work perfectly, only to fail later at the end user’s site.
• The right material: We explain the difference between preventing static build-up (antistatic) and actually shielding products against external electrostatic discharge (shielding).

Route 3: Data-driven wrapping & Load security

For companies handling large volumes of pallet loads, dealing with transport damage or simply lacking insight into their film consumption.

• Measure to know: Many companies know how many rolls of film they purchase, but not how much film is actually used per pallet. Our data-driven wrapper provides real-time insight into holding force, stretch percentage, tension and the number of revolutions.
• Load security with giant Jenga: Using less film is only a genuine improvement if the load still arrives safely and securely at its destination. With our giant Jenga, we visually demonstrate how one weak link can affect the entire chain. You can also discover our latest films here!

Route 4: Innovation

For visitors who want to discover the latest materials, fibres and machines.

• Never innovation for innovation’s sake: For us, an innovation only succeeds if it solves a real problem on your shop floor, such as working faster, improving ergonomics, lowering your Total Cost of Packaging or reducing damage.
• Materials you can see and feel: Discover applications using alternative fibres such as elephant grass and stone paper, and explore the latest machines, including the OR-T 115 strapping tool.

Route 5: Reuse & Closed-loop systems

Explore whether reusable packaging is practically feasible within your logistics flow.

• It starts with the return flow: Robust packaging is only successful if it demonstrably comes back, can be inspected and can then be used again.
• Practical examples: We showcase Return2Sender solutions, including the Elvis pallet cover and the Marble Box made from stone paper. Together, we explore the differences between B2B and B2C flows, the required number of cycles, cleaning and traceability to determine whether a reuse trial could be worthwhile for your organisation.

Route 6: From standard solutions to custom packaging

Looking for a specific product or a tailor-made solution?

• Standard where possible, custom where necessary: We don’t automatically design a custom box for every challenge. We start by looking at our extensive standard range.
• Engineering when there’s a gap: If a standard product does not meet your requirements, we move on to prototypes, custom solutions, EP design and validation testing to develop the best solution from both a technical and commercial perspective.

Come and talk to us at stand 1140

Whether you want to halve your film consumption, solve a persistent packing issue or get your PPWR documentation in order once and for all, our team of packaging specialists is ready to explore your entire supply chain with you.

Take on the Jenga challenge, pick up samples of 100% mono-material solutions or book a packaging scan with our team.

Want to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists in advance or secure your ticket for Empack Ghent?

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