EU PPWR Compliance Template
Applicable Regulation: Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – EU PPWR)
Enforcement Deadline: 12 August 2026
Introduction and Purpose
As part of Hortgro’s Resource Management and Sustainability (RMS) “Footprint” programme, this standardized compliance template has been developed to safeguard market access for the South African deciduous fruit sector. Under the new European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU PPWR), the EU single market is rolling out sweeping structural, environmental, and chemical bans. Crucially, the legislation mandates that from 12 August 2026, every single piece of packaging entering the EU must feature its own formal Declaration of Conformity (DoC) backed by an extensive Technical Dossier, with no grandfathering allowed for older designs or existing stock. To eliminate fragmented reporting and prevent catastrophic disruptions or border rejections at EU ports, Hortgro has designed this uniform framework to streamline the complex data requirements of PPWR Annex VII (Technical Documentation) and Annex VIII (Declaration of Conformity) into a single, cohesive, and actionable document.
DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. However, the interpretation and application of the information remain the responsibility of the user. Hortgro accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or consequences that may arise from reliance on or use of the information contained in this document. This document is provided for information and guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
PLASTICS, PACKAGING AND WASTE
Drawing the line on plastic use
A new project to reduce plastic in pome-fruit packaging. By Grethe Bestbier.
As the pressure on producers and pack houses to use environmentally friendly practices increases, a group of researchers is asking how we can reduce the use of plastic in pome-fruit packaging, and will it influence fruit quality? Read more
Sustainable plastic manufacturing
The process, the challenges, and the alternatives. By Grethe Bestbier.
Plastic has received a bad reputation in recent years, but it’s still widely used. Read more
Past research on packaging options
Past and present project. By Dawie Moelich and Anna Mouton.
The Post-Harvest Innovation Programme and the Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust — now Hortgro — funded a project on internal packaging for Golden Delicious and Pink Lady apples, Bon Chrétien and Forelle pears, and Sapphire and Larry Ann plums from 2008 to 2010. Read more
Join the circular economy
How South African businesses can up their recycling game. By Grethe Bestbier.
A circular economy is one where everything is reused, and nothing is wasted. Read more
Put the brakes on decay
Effective fungicide application on stone fruit. By Anna Mouton.
Post-harvest decay of stone fruit can cause significant financial losses. Read more
Parting ways with plastic
Exploring collaborative solutions across value chains. By Anna Mouton.
“Why is plastic packaging so ubiquitous?” Read more