By offering regulatory insights and technical feasibility assessments, the PCC supports businesses in developing sustainable packaging solutions that align with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) while maintaining production efficiency. / Credit: Gerhard Schubert GmbH

A new initiative has been launched to assist manufacturers in navigating the challenges of sustainable packaging.

The Packaging Competence Centre (PCC), formed by Gerhard Schubert GmbH and the Berndt+Partner Group, brings together expertise in regulation, packaging design, materials, and automation technology.

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Its objective is to help companies develop sustainable packaging solutions that comply with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and other sustainability requirements.

Addressing regulatory challenges

The PPWR aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste, but its implementation presents significant challenges for manufacturers. The regulation introduces tight deadlines, varying national timelines, and a lack of detailed guidelines, making compliance complex.

Companies need to quickly assess how to adapt their packaging and production processes while ensuring efficiency and regulatory adherence. The PCC offers support in these areas, helping businesses understand and implement the necessary changes.

Michael Graf, Head of the PCC and sustainability expert at Schubert, highlighted the practical concerns companies face. He noted that switching materials, such as replacing plastic flowpacks with paper, can have technical implications for packaging machines.

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Changes in packaging size, material behaviour, and adhesive properties can all affect production efficiency. Addressing these concerns requires expertise across the entire packaging value chain, which the PCC aims to provide.

A combined approach to packaging solutions

The PCC brings together regulatory and technical knowledge, offering a comprehensive service for manufacturers.

Experts from Berndt+Partner Consultants provide guidance on the PPWR’s implications for packaging portfolios, while Schubert assesses the feasibility of new packaging solutions on automated machinery. This ensures that sustainability goals do not compromise production efficiency.

As part of its services, the PCC offers an ‘Impact Check’ to evaluate whether a manufacturer’s current packaging meets regulatory requirements.

If adjustments are needed, companies can develop new designs with support from Berndt+Partner Creality, a subsidiary specialising in packaging design and branding.

Schubert then tests the modified packaging on its machines in Crailsheim to determine whether further technological adjustments are required.

Ongoing support for evolving regulations

Once a packaging concept is finalised, the PCC continues to assist manufacturers in adapting to regulatory changes. Regulations evolve rapidly, meaning companies must remain flexible and proactive in updating their packaging strategies.

The PCC provides ongoing consultancy, ensuring businesses have access to the latest insights and technical solutions.

Matthias Giebel, Partner at bp Consultants, emphasised the importance of continuous adaptation, stating that manufacturers will face new regulatory questions in the future. The PCC aims to offer creative and practical answers, helping companies stay ahead in the evolving packaging landscape.

The initiative underscores the growing need for collaboration between regulatory experts and packaging technology providers to ensure sustainability objectives can be met without disrupting production processes.