What Documents Should You Request From a Plastic Packaging Supplier Under PPWR?

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding PPWR is that buyers simply need a “PPWR certificate.”

The regulation actually establishes a broader conformity and documentation framework.

Under PPWR, manufacturers must perform or arrange the applicable conformity assessment, prepare technical documentation and, once conformity is demonstrated, draw up an EU declaration of conformity. Suppliers must provide manufacturers with information needed to demonstrate conformity.

1. Product Identification

The compliance file should clearly identify:

packaging type;

material;

model;

intended use;

relevant components.

Without clear identification, it is difficult to determine whether evidence actually applies to the purchased product.

2. Material and Component Information

For plastic packaging, this can include:

• resin type;

• material declarations;

• component composition;

• supplier declarations.

Lids, liners, handles and other accessories may require separate consideration.

3. Technical Documentation

Annex VII requires technical documentation capable of demonstrating conformity with applicable PPWR requirements.

Depending on the packaging, this can include:

product description;

design information;

materials;

applicable technical specifications;

assessment information;

test reports.

4. Third-Party Test Reports

Test reports can provide important supporting evidence.

However:

a test report is not the same thing as the EU declaration of conformity.

The laboratory reports analytical findings.

The responsible manufacturer ultimately carries the regulatory responsibility for the conformity declaration. The Commission's 2026 guidance specifically clarifies this distinction.

5. EU Declaration of Conformity

Article 39 requires the declaration to identify the packaging and state that applicable PPWR requirements have been demonstrated.

This document should therefore be linked to a specific packaging type—not used as a vague corporate certificate.

6. Food-Contact Documentation

Where the packaging is intended for food contact, appropriate food-contact documentation should also form part of the compliance package.

7. REACH Evidence

REACH SVHC screening can provide additional chemical-compliance evidence but should remain clearly distinguished from PPWR.

8. Supporting Supplier Documents

Some packaging compliance depends on components or upstream packaging materials.

Examples include:

sealing liners;

cartons;

films;

tape;

straps.

Supporting supplier evidence can therefore form part of a wider technical file.

The Best Buyer Question

Instead of:

“Can you send your certifications?”

ask:

“Please send the compliance documents applicable to this exact SKU, material and intended use.”

That one sentence significantly improves supplier-document accuracy.