Only a few months remain until 12 August 2026 - and many procurement, packaging and compliance teams are asking the same question: Which software will actually help us achieve PPWR compliance? Not just superficially, but fully, audit-ready and without an excessive use of resources.
From 12 August 2026, the PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) will be binding on all companies placing packaging on the market in the EU. Those who by then cannot provide a full Declaration of Conformity, an EPR registration, and auditable packaging documentation risk market exclusions and substantial fines.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) comes into force on 12 August 2026. It requires companies to maintain the correct packaging documentation, comply with design and material standards, register for extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems and hold verified supplier documentation for every type of packaging they place on the EU market.
In the DACH region, around 30 providers currently offer various tools and services related to PPWR and packaging compliance. The range stretches from specialized packaging software and portfolio management software to broad ESG compliance suites. Choosing the wrong solution means you may have to introduce a second tool later - or risk getting stuck halfway.
This article compares the five most relevant PPWR compliance software solutions based on concrete, objective criteria - so you can make a well-founded decision.
Which features does PPWR compliance software really need?
Not every piece of packaging software is automatically a PPWR compliance solution. And not every compliance tool covers all the relevant requirements. For FMCG companies that distribute packaging in multiple EU markets, software should support the following core capabilities:
- EU-wide recyclability assessment: Automated assessment of recyclability according to PPWR criteria and country-specific EPR rules
- EPR fee analysis: Calculation and simulation of EPR costs across multiple markets and eco-modulation scenarios
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC): Automated creation and management of declarations of conformity in line with PPWR Annex VIII for every packaging type
- LCA / CO₂ analysis: Life cycle assessment and sustainability evaluation at article level
- Portfolio management: Centralized management of thousands of packaging SKUs, suppliers and materials
- Data integration and import: AI-powered digitization of existing specifications from Excel, PDF and ERP exports
Many providers enter the PPWR software market with one single core capability - for example recyclability assessment, EPR reporting or supplier document management. Only a few offer fully end-to-end coverage.
And that completeness is crucial: a platform that covers the DoC workflow but does not support EPR reporting forces companies to add a second tool - effectively doubling the data management effort.
The 5 PPWR compliance software solutions at a glance
1. Packa - Integrated PPWR compliance and packaging management
Packa is a specialized SaaS platform for digital packaging management and PPWR compliance, built for FMCG, food, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers. With over 300 customers and 850+ projects, Packa is one of the most experienced providers for FMCG packaging data in the DACH region.
What makes Packa stand out:
- AI-powered specification digitization: Automated import and structuring of packaging data from Excel, CSV, PDF and ERP exports - including expert validation and data gap analysis. Typically, Packa identifies 30-70% missing data points in existing packaging specifications.
- Complete DoC generation: Automated creation and management of PPWR declarations of conformity for every packaging type - directly from existing specification data.
- EPR fee analysis: Integrated EPR calculations and eco-modulation scenarios for multiple EU markets - so you understand exactly how material decisions affect your EPR costs. Learn more in our article on EPR fees in Europe.
- Portfolio management: Central management of your entire packaging portfolio - from technical specifications and supplier collaboration to approval workflows and audit documentation.
- LCA and sustainability analysis: Automated recyclability assessment and CO₂ calculation at article level to support PPWR-compliant sustainability reporting and robust life cycle assessment.
- Savings of 15-40%: Enabled by real-time price analysis, portfolio harmonization and optimized supplier selection.
Best suited for: FMCG companies with 500+ packaging items that need a fully integrated system for compliance, data management and sustainability analysis - without having to combine several standalone tools.
Strength: The only solution on the market that unites AI-based specification automation, EPR analysis, DoC generation, portfolio management and life cycle assessment in a single platform.
2. Recyda - Specialist for recyclability assessment and EPR
Recyda is a specialized platform for packaging sustainability and recyclability assessment with international expertise in country-specific EPR systems.
This all-in-one software solution targets companies with extensive and diverse packaging portfolios and simplifies complex regulatory requirements. Recyda enables cross-country recyclability assessments, portfolio-wide performance analysis and comprehensive evaluations with actionable reports.
In the context of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2026, Recyda supports the consolidation of packaging data and the creation of declarations of conformity. A central system links documents, certificates and evidence across all SKUs. The software guides users through PPWR requirements and helps them close any missing steps. Once all relevant information is available, DoCs can be generated.
Strength: Deep expertise in country-specific recyclability assessments and EPR declarations, with SAP integration available.
Limitation: Less advanced in AI-based mass digitization of existing specifications and in integrated FMCG portfolio management.
Best suited for: Companies primarily seeking a powerful recyclability assessment and EPR declaration platform with broad international coverage.
3. Consust - Workflow-focused PPWR software
Consust positions itself as a process-oriented PPWR compliance solution with a focus on structured workflows and status tracking.
Digital processes ensure clear task assignment and progress tracking. Dashboards and target-versus-actual comparisons provide transparency on recycling rates, material usage and labelling requirements. In addition, the software automatically generates EU-compliant declarations, labels and volume reports that are audit-ready.
Strength: Clear process structure, assignment of responsibilities and monitoring of compliance status via dashboards.
Limitation: Weaker AI integration for data import, and less depth in EPR fee analysis and life cycle assessment calculations.
Best suited for: Companies looking for a structured workflow for task management and status tracking in the PPWR process - with a manageable packaging portfolio.
4. Packaging Cockpit - Strong LCA and technical depth
Packaging Cockpit is an established tool for technical recyclability assessments and life cycle assessment of packaging systems.
The tool calculates the technical recyclability and the environmental footprint of packaging systems. Long-term consulting-style projects can be run for an entire packaging portfolio in line with current and future PPWR requirements. Interface solutions with ERP and PIM systems as well as Excel bulk data uploads are also possible.
Strength: Particularly strong in technical life cycle assessment calculations and recyclability evaluation. A complementary solution to Packa for scientific LCAs.
Limitation: No integrated AI-powered specification management, no automated EPR fee analysis, and no complete DoC workflow management.
Best suited for: Packaging engineering teams with a strong focus on life cycle assessment and technical recyclability evaluation - as an add-on to a broader compliance management system.
5. osapiens - Broad ESG compliance platform
osapiens is a cross-industry compliance and transparency platform that, in addition to PPWR, also covers EUDR, CSRD and other EU regulations.
The osapiens HUB automates PPWR data management across the entire value chain. Supplier requests are standardized, packaging data is centralized and PPWR requirements are reliably fulfilled.
The strength of osapiens lies in its broad application scope, supporting EU regulations (PPWR, EUDR) across industries. However, osapiens is less specialized in supply chain collaboration and supplier data capture and does not offer an end-to-end platform for detailed packaging capture and analysis.
Strength: Suitable for large enterprises that want a unified compliance automation layer across multiple EU regulations.
Limitation: No packaging-specific depth in AI-based specification digitization, EPR fee analysis or FMCG portfolio management.
Best suited for: Large multinationals with several active EU regulatory obligations (PPWR, EUDR, CSRD) that need a platform for cross-industry compliance reporting.
Comparison table: The 5 PPWR software solutions side by side
| Evaluation Criterion | Packa | Recyda | Consust | Packaging Cockpit | osapiens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-wide recycling assessment | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| EPR Fees Analysis | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| DoC generation (Declaration of Conformity) | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| LCA/CO2 analysis | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Portfolio Management | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| AI-powered data integration | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| FMCG Focus / Industry Expertise | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Supplier Communication | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Rating scale: ✅✅✅✅✅ = fully integrated | ✅✅ = basic coverage | Ratings are based on publicly available product information from the providers.
Interactive software comparison: Radar chart
Visualize the strengths of all five solutions in a direct comparison - and show or hide individual providers as needed:
Conclusion: Which solution is right for whom?
The market for PPWR compliance software is growing fast. But not every solution covers all requirements - and not every tool fits every company profile.
Our assessment:
Packa is the best choice for FMCG companies with extensive packaging portfolios that need a fully integrated system for PPWR compliance, EPR analysis, declaration of conformity generation, portfolio management and AI-powered data digitization. It is the only platform that combines all of these functions in a single integrated environment - backed by proven FMCG expertise from more than 300 customer projects.
Recyda is recommended as a complementary or alternative solution for companies that primarily need in-depth recyclability assessments and international EPR declarations and already use SAP.
Consust is suitable for companies that want a structured process workflow to prepare for PPWR and manage a relatively lean packaging portfolio.
Packaging Cockpit is a valuable addition for packaging engineers who require in-depth life cycle assessment calculations and technical recyclability evaluations.
osapiens is relevant for large multinationals that need a cross-industry compliance platform spanning multiple EU regulations - but that do not require packaging-specific depth.
If you are an FMCG company placing packaging on the EU market and need to ensure full compliance with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2026 by August 2026 - without juggling three separate tools - Packa is the most effective option. You centralize your packaging data, automate compliance checks, generate declarations of conformity and analyze EPR costs - all within a single piece of packaging software.
Also read our guide to the PPWR declaration of conformity to understand which requirements your DoC must fulfil, as well as our PPWR compliance overview for 2026 with all key obligations and deadlines.
Frequently asked questions about PPWR compliance software
When does the PPWR come into force and which obligations apply from August 2026?
The PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) came into force on February 11, 2025 and will become binding from August 12, 2026. From that date, all companies placing packaging on the EU market must maintain a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for each packaging type, meet the PPWR recyclability assessment, comply with EPR obligations, and implement relevant labeling requirements. Additional requirements (e.g., recycled content quotas, reuse targets) will be phased in through 2030.
What is the difference between PPWR-compliance software and a classic packaging management tool?
Classic packaging management tools focus on specifications, print artwork approvals, and supplier processes. PPWR-Compliance-Software goes beyond: it evaluates recyclability according to EU criteria, calculates EPR fees, generates conformity declarations, and delivers auditable documentation. The best solutions like Packa unite both worlds on an integrated platform.
Which PPWR software is best suited for FMCG companies with a large portfolio?
For FMCG companies with 500+ packaging items, needing a complete system for compliance, EPR analysis, DoC generation, portfolio management, and AI-powered data digitization, Packa is the most suitable solution. It is the only platform that unites all of the mentioned functions in one integrated system and is specifically tailored to the needs of FMCG, food and cosmetics manufacturers.
What does PPWR non-compliance cost?
The PPWR provides for significant penalties that will be implemented by EU member states. In addition to direct fines, distribution bans for non-compliant packaging and market exclusions are at stake. For companies with large packaging portfolios, the absence of a DoC from August 2026 poses a substantial market risk. (Note: The final lists of sanctions from the member states are yet to be determined.)
How long does the implementation of a PPWR-compliance software take?
Implementation duration varies depending on the solution and portfolio size. With a specialized solution like Packa, initial data landscape analyses and compliance checks can start within a few weeks after onboarding. What matters is the quality of the existing packaging data — here Packa typically identifies 30-70% missing data points and supports closing them in a structured manner.
