PPWR roles explained: supplier, manufacturer, producer

Under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), your obligations depend on your role in the supply chain. The same company can hold different roles depending on the packaging type, the supply chain structure, and the Member State where packaging first becomes available.

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

PPWR roles made simple:
a plain-language guide for packaging supply chains

Under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), your obligations depend on your role in the supply chain. The same company can hold different roles depending on the packaging type, the supply chain structure, and the Member State where packaging first becomes available.


What this guide covers

• Five roles, clearly defined: Supplier, manufacturer, distributor, importer, and producer: who they are, what they are responsible for, and an easy way to remember each one.
• Real supply chain scenarios: Six worked examples covering sales packaging, grouped packaging, transport packaging, service packaging, stretch film on a roll, and distributor chains across Member States.
• Documentation and reporting by role: A practical overview of what Trioworld typically handles as a supplier or manufacturer, and what typically sits with the customer as manufacturer or producer.
• One important distinction: The manufacturer is responsible for packaging compliance. The producer is responsible for extended producer responsibility (EPR) registration and reporting in the relevant Member State. These are not always the same company.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Regulatory requirements may vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. Trioworld is not a legal authority, and the content shared represents our interpretation for informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. Please consult qualified legal counsel regarding your organisation's obligations and compliance approach.