An alliance comprising the IHK Schleswig-Holstein, UVNord, Die Familienunternehmer and the Verband der Unternehmerinnen is demanding improvements to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). With the campaign „Stop the Clock for the PPWR“, companies are to be mobilised until 5 October in favour of a temporary suspension of certain requirements.
At the heart of the campaign initiated by the IHK Schleswig-Holstein is the obligation to appoint an authorised representative for certain cross-border transactions. Companies can send symbolic mandates for representation to Members of the European Parliament. Through this, the alliance aims to draw attention to the additional administrative burden. The PPWR has been applicable since 12 August 2026. For online and mail-order retailers, an obligation to appoint an authorised representative in the respective member state may apply in the case of cross-border direct sales to final consumers.
Criticism of labelling requirements
The participating business organisations also see a need for improvement regarding labelling regulations. They particularly criticise requirements that could lead to the contact details of manufacturers or upstream suppliers appearing on packaging. In their view, this could disclose internal supplier relationships.
As an alternative, the alliance is proposing a so-called „Responsible Economic Operator“ solution. According to this, it should be sufficient to state a responsible company that serves as a point of contact for authorities. In the view of the associations, this would ensure traceability and market surveillance without having to list further participants in the supply chain on the packaging.
Symbolic mandate for MEPs
„We aren't saying: away with the PPWR. We are saying: make it workable,“ says Thomas Buhck, President of the IHK Schleswig-Holstein. According to the alliance, it is demanding time for improvements and the clarification of open questions before companies have to set up additional structures.
According to the information from Kiel, companies can take part in the campaign until 5th October. Alongside the symbolic mandates of authority, the IHK is also calling for boxes with the inscription „Stop the clock“ to be photographed and the pictures published on social networks.
Source: IHK Schleswig-Holstein
