PPWR: How the AI-Based Compliance Compass Can Help

The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is putting packaging data centre stage. Many manufacturers are facing the challenge of providing the required evidence to meet their documentation obligations. In Part 2 of our series, we take a closer look at the AI-based PPWR Compliance Compass and how it can support manufacturers.

Artificial intelligence becomes particularly relevant in packaging regulation where large volumes of heterogeneous information need to be processed. Rather than compiling data manually from documents, spreadsheets and emails, modern systems can capture, structure and analyse relevant information in an automated way.

The technology does not replace regulatory expertise. Instead, it creates the foundation for more efficient compliance processes and well-informed decision-making.

What such an approach can look like in practice is illustrated by the new PPWR Compliance Compass, developed by R-Cycle in collaboration with packaging management specialist TILISCO and recently presented at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf.

The PPWR Compliance Compass is provided as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution and was developed specifically to support companies in implementing PPWR requirements. Users access the required functions via a central platform, without needing to build or maintain their own software infrastructure.

A purpose-trained AI extracts relevant packaging information from a range of sources and consolidates it in an automated way. Data from PDFs, spreadsheets, specifications and supplier documents is brought together within a centralised structure.

Missing information can be identified and supplemented through targeted supplier requests. In this way, a complete picture of the packaging portfolio is built up step by step. Rather than painstakingly compiling information from multiple systems, users gain a central overview of the status of their packaging data.

Particularly noteworthy is the system's integrated gap analysis. It automatically compares existing packaging data against the current requirements of the PPWR. Missing information, potential risks or incomplete data sets are made immediately visible.

A traffic light system visualises the compliance status of the entire packaging portfolio, enabling companies to set priorities. Packaging items with critical data gaps can thus be identified at an early stage, before regulatory deadlines become a problem.

What stands out is the operational approach: missing information can be requested directly from the relevant suppliers from within the platform itself. The system therefore does not limit itself to analysing existing data, but actively supports users in closing identified gaps.

Once all required information is in place, the legally required declaration of conformity can be generated automatically. What has until now often involved considerable manual effort is set to become significantly more efficient.

The initial focus is on the requirements that become relevant by the key date of 12 August 2026. At the same time, the platform is designed to scale with future regulatory developments. This gives companies not only support with current requirements, but also orientation in a regulatory environment that is continuously evolving.

A further aspect of the solution lies in its technological foundation. The PPWR Compliance Compass is built on open GS1 standards, which are already used worldwide for the exchange of product and supply chain data. These standards establish a shared data language between manufacturers, suppliers, brand owners and retailers.

In an increasingly interconnected packaging industry, interoperability is becoming a key prerequisite. Regulatory requirements can only be met efficiently when data is available and intelligible across the entire value chain. Open standards can also help avoid siloed solutions and simplify data exchange in the long term.

The development of the PPWR Compliance Compass illustrates a shift that goes far beyond individual software solutions. Regulatory requirements are increasingly becoming a driver of digital transformation. Companies must not only develop more sustainable packaging, but also be able to demonstrate why that packaging meets legal requirements. This brings a resource into focus that has long received little attention: data quality.

The PPWR makes clear that packaging data will be as important in the future as material properties or production processes. Companies that establish transparency over their packaging portfolio will be better placed to meet regulatory requirements efficiently and respond more flexibly to future obligations. AI will not replace this process, but it can help turn complex data structures into reliable foundations for decision-making.

For many companies, the PPWR will initially make itself felt as a regulatory challenge. On closer inspection, however, the real bottleneck often lies elsewhere: in the availability and quality of data.

For packaging manufacturers, this gives rise to three key areas for action:

• Systematically capture and consolidate existing packaging data.
• Identify data gaps along the supply chain at an early stage.
• Establish digital processes to provide evidence and documentation efficiently.

Companies that structure their data foundation early will not only create the prerequisites for PPWR compliance. They will also gain transparency over their entire packaging portfolio – and with it, an important basis for meeting future regulatory requirements.