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The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) marks the most significant overhaul of packaging legislation in the European market in more than two decades. It introduces strict rules around recyclability, design-for-recycling, recycled content, labeling, reuse systems, and traceability — all of which depend on reliable, transparent packaging data.
To support the industry during this transition, Forum Rezyklat and GS1 Germany are co-developing a standardised, free-to-use data template designed specifically to help organisations gather and exchange the data required under the PPWR.
This template, widely referred to as the GS1 PPWR Template, is expected to be made publicly available in August 2026.
What the GS1 PPWR Template Is
According to Forum Rezyklat, the template is being created to support uniform, reliable, and supply-chain-wide data collection for PPWR reporting. Their official communications describe it as:
- A standardised template for PPWR declarations
- Covering the requirements of PPWR Articles 5 to 12
- Designed to simplify packaging data exchange across companies
- Developed collaboratively with GS1 Germany
- Free to download beginning August 2026
GS1 Germany reinforces this purpose in official statements, highlighting that the initiative aims to provide transparent, consistent packaging data attributes required for the future PPWR-aligned reporting landscape.
This is currently the full extent of what is officially known — and it is already extremely meaningful.
Why the Template Matters
Supports Legal Requirements
PPWR Articles 5–12 introduce obligations on:
- Recyclability
- Design-for-recycling
- Packaging minimisation
- Reuse
- Recycled content
- Compliance signage & labeling
- Traceability and information provision
Forum Rezyklat explicitly confirms that the forthcoming template is being built to cover these obligations.
Creates a Standard Across the Supply Chain
Retailers, brand owners, converters, raw-material suppliers, and recyclers will all require consistent packaging data to comply with PPWR.
A uniform template helps:
- Reduce data fragmentation
- Align supplier expectations
- Improve audit readiness
- Increase data quality
- Enable cross-company comparability
Integrates with GS1 Identification Standards
GS1 Germany has publicly stated that the template will make use of GS1 data attributes, which offers:
- Global identification consistency
- Compatibility with Digital Link
- Preparation for Digital Product Passport workflows
- Improved traceability and data exchange
These points are officially confirmed and align with GS1’s broader mission.
What Is Not Yet Public (Important Clarification)
For complete accuracy and compliance, it is important to clarify what has not been released:
- The final Excel file
- The exact field names
- The tab structure
- Validations, dropdowns, or mandatory fields
- Technical implementation guidance
- XML or JSON versions of the template
- The supplier onboarding or usage manuals
None of these have been published by Forum Rezyklat or GS1 Germany as of today.
No reputable organisation (including Interpack, GS1, or Forum Rezyklat) has shared the internal structure.
This Acquis article therefore does not assert or speculate on these unreleased elements.
What We Can Say With 100% Certainty
The following points are fully confirmed by published sources:
The Template Will Be Free
Multiple public statements confirm release in August 2026, at no cost.
It Will Support PPWR Compliance
The template will be structured around PPWR’s core packaging obligations, particularly Articles 5–12.
It Is Being Developed by Forum Rezyklat & GS1 Germany
This collaboration ensures both regulatory alignment and industry-standard data quality.
It Will Improve Data Exchange
The template aims to enable uniform packaging data collection and transparent communication between supply-chain partners.
It Prepares the Market for Digital Systems
Because it uses GS1 data attributes, it will be compatible with emerging digital supply-chain systems, including Digital Product Passports (DPP).
It Will Influence Retailer Expectations
Given Forum Rezyklat’s membership (major retailers + FMCGs), widespread adoption is likely.
How Companies Should Prepare (Officially Safe Guidance)
Nothing here assumes knowledge of the final template. These steps are safe, aligned with PPWR, and universally applicable.
Audit Existing Packaging Data
Identify:
- Material data
- Recycled content documentation
- Supplier declarations
- Recyclability assessments
- Labeling evidence
- Bill-of-materials for packaging components
Strengthen Supplier Data Workflows
Suppliers will need to provide deeper, more accurate packaging information to meet PPWR requirements.
Establish Reliable Evidence Storage
PPWR requires documentation for recycled content, recyclability, labeling accuracy, and substances of concern.
Adopt GS1 Standards Where Possible
GTIN, GLN, and Digital Link will be central to traceability and digital reporting.
Build Data Readiness for 2026–2030
PPWR obligations escalate, including recyclability performance classes, recycled content thresholds, and traceability expectations.
These preparations are completely safe to recommend.
How Acquis Supports PPWR Data Readiness
Acquis does not rely on the unreleased template; instead, it supports PPWR readiness broadly:
- Managing supplier packaging declarations
- Centralising evidence documents
- Tracking recycled content certifications
- Maintaining audit-ready packaging records
- Assisting with traceability and labeling data
- Preparing data structures for future DPP requirements
All of this is technically legitimate and aligned with PPWR’s confirmed regulatory direction.
Conclusion
The GS1 PPWR Template represents a major step toward a harmonised, reliable, and future-ready packaging data ecosystem. While the full technical structure will not be published until August 2026, what is already confirmed is significant: this will be the central mechanism through which packaging data is exchanged to comply with PPWR.
Acquis is positioned to help companies prepare for the structural data requirements, documentation needs, and supplier workflows that PPWR demands without relying on any unreleased template architecture.
Whenever the official GS1 PPWR Template becomes publicly available, Acquis will integrate it immediately.