PPWR consultancy in the Małopolska Voivodeship: how can you prepare your business for the new packaging regulations?

Companies in Małopolska operate in an environment where packaging features at almost every stage of customer service: in the catering and hospitality sectors, food production, cosmetics, retail, online sales, distribution and business services. The PPWR may therefore apply not only to manufacturers who design product packaging, but also to businesses that pack orders, import goods, use transport packaging, run an online shop or operate a network of retail outlets. PPWR consultancy services in the Małopolska Voivodeship help to determine which obligations apply to a specific company, where packaging waste is generated, and whether environmental documentation accurately reflects actual processes.

The PPWR, or Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, is an EU regulation concerning packaging and packaging waste. Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force on 11 February 2025 and, in principle, is to apply from 12 August 2026.

For business owners in Kraków, Tarnów, Nowy Sącz, Oświęcim, Chrzanów, Olkusz, Wieliczka, Bochnia, Zakopane or Nowy Targ, the most important question is not: „Is the PPWR important?”. What is more important is: „Does my company know what packaging it actually introduces, uses, repackages and passes on?”.

PPWR in practice: not just product packaging, but the entire packaging system

The PPWR covers packaging and packaging waste, and its aim is to ensure a more uniform approach to packaging within the European Union market. The European Commission states that the new regulation replaces the existing directive on packaging and packaging waste.

In practice, a business owner should take a broader view of packaging than simply seeing it as the finished product on the shelf. The following may also be important:

• individual packs,
• packaging,
• transport packaging,
• shipping cartons,
• protective films,
• fillers,
• labels,
• bags,
• trays,
• catering packaging,
• returnable packaging,
• pallets,
• security measures used in logistics,
• packaging for imported raw materials, components or products.

Packaging is a key aspect of regulatory compliance, not merely an operational cost.

This distinction is particularly significant in Małopolska, where many businesses operate under a hybrid model: they run high-street shops, cater to tourists, provide delivery services, sell online, manufacture locally and distribute to other regions.

Challenges faced by businesses in relation to the PPWR

PPWR requires companies to organise information that is often scattered across purchasing, warehousing, production, sales, administration, accounts and the person responsible for BDO. The problem is not merely that the regulations are changing. The problem is that many companies do not have a single, up-to-date packaging map.

Challenge 1: Packaging used across multiple sales channels

A company based in Kraków can sell its products in a high-street shop, via a marketplace, through its own online shop, and wholesale to business partners. Each sales channel may require a different packaging method.

A product sold in-store may be packaged differently from the same product sent by courier.

At PPWR, it is not only the product that matters, but also the journey it takes to reach the customer. The shipping box, plastic film, label and packing material can constitute a separate area of environmental responsibility.

Challenge 2: HoReCa, catering and single-use packaging

Małopolska has a strong catering, hospitality and tourism sector. Restaurants, cafés, patisseries, catering companies, hotels and accommodation providers make use of packaging for takeaway meals, breakfast products, gift sets, hotel toiletries, deliveries and warehousing facilities.

In this model, packaging waste is generated at both the supply and customer service stages.

A PPWR audit should examine not only what the company sells to its customers, but also what it receives from suppliers and what remains on the premises as waste.

Challenge 3: food and cosmetics manufacturing and local brands

Companies producing food, supplements, cosmetics, candles, handicrafts or regional products often use a variety of packaging formats. Some packaging is intended for retail customers, some for partner shops, some for dispatch, and others for promotional packs.

Preparation for PPWR should include an analysis of the primary packaging, the label, the outer packaging, transport security measures and the packaging of materials used in production.

Challenge 4: data from suppliers

Data on packaging often comes from product data sheets, invoices, specifications, emails or estimates. If a company does not know the source of a particular packaging weight or material information, it is difficult to speak of full control.

Environmental data must have a source, an owner and an update procedure.

Any change to the supplier, paper weight, type of material, carton size or method of dispatch should result in the data being updated. Without this, the documentation will quickly fall behind reality.

Why is it worth commissioning an external specialist to carry out a PPWR analysis?

An external consultancy firm, PPWR, based in the Małopolska Voivodeship, can help business owners distinguish facts from assumptions. Internally, many processes seem self-evident because „that’s how they’ve always been done”. From an audit perspective, it is precisely these areas that most often require scrutiny.

Eko-Pro describes the PPWR audit as a comprehensive assessment of a company’s readiness to meet the new requirements set out in the regulation, including, amongst other things, an assessment of packaging in terms of its design, composition, recyclability and compliance with environmental and legal requirements.

The specialist checks the process, not just the document

Preparation for the PPWR should not stop at simply reading the regulations. The company needs operational answers:

• what types of packaging are used in the business,
• which types of packaging are unit, bulk and transport packaging,
• Are the weight figures reliable,
• Are the BDO and the environmental documentation consistent with current practice,
• Do imports, e-commerce or the catering industry entail additional obligations,
• Does the person responsible for environmental matters have access to purchasing and stock data,
• Does the company have a procedure for updating its information following a change in packaging?.

PPWR consultancy should result in an action plan, rather than a general statement that the company „should monitor the regulations”.

An external audit reduces the risk of organisational errors

Errors relating to packaging rarely stem from a single document. They are often caused by a lack of communication between departments. Marketing orders new promotional packaging, the purchasing department changes the supplier of cardboard boxes, the warehouse uses a different filler, the sales department launches a new dispatch channel, and the person responsible for environmental documentation only finds out about it later.

The PPWR requires that information on packaging be managed systematically.

Consultancy helps you prepare better for questions from business partners

An increasing number of major customers and business partners are enquiring about environmental compliance, packaging composition, recyclability, material data and documentation. Even if a business has not yet been subject to an inspection, it may be asked to provide clarification by a trading partner.

A well-prepared company responds more quickly to such questions and builds greater credibility in B2B relationships.

PPWR advisory services in the Małopolska Voivodeship and the specific characteristics of local businesses

The PPWR advisory service for the Małopolska Voivodeship should take into account the nature of the local economy, but without artificially generating local data. In Małopolska, it is not only large plants and manufacturing firms that are important, but also smaller enterprises that combine sales, packaging, tourist services, deliveries, e-commerce and cooperation with retail chains.

Kraków: services, retail, e-commerce and consumer brands

In Kraków, many companies serve retail, business and tourist customers simultaneously. This means a wide variety of packaging solutions: in-store sales, postal orders, gift sets, promotional materials, returnable packaging, catering, deliveries and own-brand products.

The environmental audit in Kraków should check whether the company is able to separate these waste streams and assign the correct data to them.

Tarnów, Nowy Sącz and Bochnia: production, trade and distribution

Manufacturing and trading companies in the south-eastern part of the region often deal with packaging for raw materials, components, finished goods and wholesale consignments. In this model, the risk lies in overlooking packaging that does not go directly to the end customer but is generated as waste in the warehouse or during production.

Zakopane, Nowy Targ and Podhale: seasonality and packaging in customer service

Businesses operating in tourist regions may experience significant seasonal fluctuations. A higher number of customers means greater consumption of food service, hotel, gift, transport and postal packaging.

Seasonal fluctuations make analysis difficult, as packaging consumption is not spread evenly throughout the year.

In such cases, the audit should verify whether the environmental data reflect actual periods of increased sales, rather than merely average estimates.

Oświęcim, Chrzanów, Olkusz and Wieliczka: engineering, service and manufacturing companies

Businesses in these sectors may generate packaging waste when receiving deliveries of materials, components, parts, industrial chemicals, service products or items used in the provision of services. The PPWR may not be the first thing that springs to mind for them, but transport packaging and post-delivery waste still need to be managed.

Three scenarios in Małopolska where PPWR could take the company by surprise

1. A restaurant or patisserie is expanding its takeaway service

The business starts by offering an in-store service, then launches online ordering, catering, gift sets and seasonal sales. Each new sales format requires different packaging: boxes, bags, trays, cups, labels, cling film, inserts, security features and shipping cartons.

If a company fails to update its packaging data, the documentation no longer reflects its actual business model.

2. A cosmetics manufacturer is putting together promotional sets

The company offers basic product packaging, but is also introducing festive sets, gift boxes, fillers, wrappers, labels and bulk packaging for shops. This marketing shift could alter the perception of its environmental responsibilities.

At PPWR, the promotional pack is not just a sales campaign. It also features a new packaging design.

3. The online shop uses an external warehouse

The company sells online, but outsources the packing to a logistics provider. The business owner may not be aware of the daily consumption of cardboard boxes, plastic film and packing materials. That does not mean the issue is of no concern to them.

When outsourcing logistics, it is essential to clearly establish who collects data on packaging and how this data is incorporated into environmental records.

Eko-Pro: based in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, serving businesses throughout Poland

Eko-Pro is an experienced environmental consultancy firm. The company states that, since 2015, it has been helping businesses meet their environmental obligations on the Polish and EU markets.

Eko-Pro’s head office is located in Zielona Góra, in the Lubuskie Voivodeship. This is not a limitation, but rather an organisational base for the services provided throughout Poland. Eko-Pro serves clients directly at their premises, carries out audits at clients’ premises and supports companies regardless of their location.

For businesses in the Małopolska Voivodeship, this means they can access specialist consultancy without having to limit themselves to providers in the immediate vicinity. Distance is no obstacle to carrying out audits, PPWR analyses, environmental consultancy or ongoing support.

Eko-Pro’s nationwide experience offers added value to local businesses. A consultant working with businesses across various sectors and regions can identify recurring errors more quickly: incomplete packaging data, inconsistencies in the BDO, a lack of update procedures, the omission of transport packaging, or an unclear division of responsibilities between departments.

Depending on its needs, a company based in Małopolska can make use of services such as PPWR audit, environmental audit, comprehensive environmental consultancy and environmental outsourcing.

An environmental audit in Kraków as the first step towards assessing PPWR’s obligations

An environmental audit in Kraków is a good solution for businesses wishing to check whether their documentation, processes and data meet the requirements relating to packaging. Eko-Pro points out that an environmental audit allows for an objective assessment of whether a company’s operations comply with current environmental regulations.

In the context of the PPWR, the audit should cover not only documents but also the actual flow of packaging within the company.

What should be checked during an audit?

An environmental audit prior to the implementation of PPWR measures should address the following questions:

• what types of packaging are used by the company,
• Does the company distinguish between individual, bulk and transport packaging,
• Where does the data on the weights of the packaging come from,
• whether the data from suppliers is complete,
• Are the packaging materials used in e-commerce included in the documentation,
• Does the company take into account packaging from deliveries,
• Is packaging waste properly recorded,
• Does BDO reflect actual processes,
• Who is responsible for updating the data following a change to the packaging,
• Does the seasonality of sales affect packaging consumption?.

The audit should result in a list of actions to be taken, rather than merely a description of the current situation.

An audit is particularly important when a company is growing rapidly

If a company is growing, changing its sales channels, expanding its product range, launching a delivery service, partnering with an online marketplace or entering retail chains, its environmental obligations may change faster than its procedures.

In such cases, an audit helps to prevent data chaos and clarify responsibilities.

Outsourcing environmental protection in the Małopolska Voivodeship: when is it worth considering?

Outsourcing environmental management in the Małopolska Voivodeship is a solution for companies that need ongoing support but do not wish to set up an in-house environmental department. It works particularly well where responsibilities are routine, data comes from multiple departments, and changes in sales or production quickly affect documentation.

Eko-Pro points out that, as part of its ongoing collaboration, it provides comprehensive support with day-to-day environmental obligations, including, amongst other things, the interpretation of regulations, operational advice, the preparation of documents and representing the company before administrative authorities.

When is outsourcing better than ad hoc consultancy?

A one-off consultation answers a single question. Outsourcing ensures continuity.

Ongoing support is particularly useful when a company:

• introduces products in packaging,
• operates an online shop,
• runs a restaurant, hotel, catering business or a chain of outlets,
• uses a number of packaging suppliers,
• imports products or components,
• changes its product range seasonally,
• generates packaging waste,
• is led by BDO,
• does not have its own environmental protection officer,
• wants to prepare for the PPWR without overburdening the administration.

Outsourcing does not replace an entrepreneur’s responsibility. However, it helps to ensure that duties are carried out in an organised and well-documented manner, and in a way that is less reliant on any one individual within the company.

Ongoing support helps to keep things in order following an audit

An audit highlights what needs to be improved. Outsourcing helps to ensure that these improvements do not remain merely on paper.

In practice, a permanent consultant can assist a company with updating data, verifying new packaging, liaising with suppliers, dealing with BDO, reporting, waste records and preparing environmental documentation.

How can a company in Małopolska prepare for the PPWR, step by step?

Step 1: create a packaging map

The company should compile a list of all packaging used in its operations: product packaging, transport packaging, dispatch packaging, catering packaging, promotional packaging and packaging used for deliveries.

Without a packaging map, the company does not know what it is actually analysing.

Step 2: Assign the data to the sources

The weight, material and type of packaging should be backed up by a verified source. This may be a supplier’s specification, a product data sheet, a measurement, technical documentation or other reliable data.

Out-of-date estimates provide a poor basis for managing environmental obligations.

Step 3: Check the BDO and the waste register

It is worth analysing the PPWR alongside the environmental documentation. If a company does not have a well-organised waste management plan, waste records and reporting procedures, it will find it more difficult to prepare for the new requirements.

Step 4: clarify responsibilities between departments

Purchasing, warehousing, production, sales, marketing and administration should be aware of when their decisions have an impact on environmental data. The lack of a designated process owner is one of the most common causes of errors.

Step 5: Decide whether you need ongoing support

If a company operates on a seasonal basis, uses several sales channels, is developing its e-commerce business or frequently changes its packaging, a one-off audit may not be sufficient. In such cases, it is worth considering ongoing environmental compliance outsourcing.

Frequently asked questions

Does the PPWR apply to companies in the Małopolska Voivodeship?

Yes, if a company markets products in packaging, imports goods, operates an online shop, uses transport packaging, operates in the catering, hospitality, manufacturing or retail sectors, or generates packaging waste. Being based in Kraków, Tarnów, Nowy Sącz, Zakopane or Bochnia does not exempt a company from its obligations under the PPWR.

Does Eko-Pro provide services to companies in Małopolska, despite being based in the Lubuskie Voivodeship?

Yes. Eko-Pro is based in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, but provides services throughout Poland. The team travels to clients, carries out audits at company premises and supports businesses regardless of their location.

Where should I start when preparing for the PPWR?

It is best to start with an audit of packaging and environmental documentation. It is necessary to establish what types of packaging are used within the company, where the data on their weights and materials comes from, who updates this information, and whether the BDO reflects actual processes.

Can an environmental audit in Kraków cover catering or a hotel?

Yes. An environmental audit may cover businesses in the hospitality, hotel, catering and tourism sectors if they use packaging, generate packaging waste or have environmental protection obligations. In these sectors, single-use packaging, deliveries, seasonality and back-of-house waste are particularly important.

When is it worth opting for environmental outsourcing?

Outsourcing is a good option when a company has regular environmental obligations, carries out environmental audits, generates waste, markets packaged products, changes its product range, or does not have its own environmental specialist. Ongoing support reduces the risk that documentation will fall behind changes within the company.

Does a PPWR consultancy firm in the Małopolskie Voivodeship have to have an office in Kraków?

No. What matters more are experience, the ability to travel to the client’s premises, knowledge of the regulations and the ability to analyse real-world processes. Eko-Pro operates nationwide, which is why it can serve companies in Małopolska despite being based in Zielona Góra.

Please contact Eko-Pro

If you run a business in the Małopolska Voivodeship and would like to check whether your packaging, BDO, waste and environmental documentation are ready for the PPWR, please contact Eko-Pro. Our team can carry out an audit at your company’s premises, analyse your packaging processes, identify any gaps in your data and propose a practical action plan.

Eko-Pro serves businesses throughout Poland. Distance is no obstacle — our advisers travel to clients, analyse processes on site and support companies with PPWR consultancy, environmental audits, BDO services and environmental protection outsourcing.

Visit the website Contact Eko-Pro and find out how to organise your company’s packaging obligations before they become an urgent organisational issue.