BlogpostIn a world where sustainability regulations often face pushback and delays, one European law is quietly proving that progress is possible.
In the ANP Business podcast Verstand van Vandaag, our CEO Leontien Hasselman-Plugge joined Frank Boer to discuss why the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is succeeding — while other environmental laws struggle to move forward.
When Regulation Meets Reality
Across Europe, many sustainability laws — from the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) to the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) — have been postponed, weakened, or challenged. Businesses often describe them as complex, costly, or difficult to implement.
Meanwhile, global efforts such as the “Plastic Summit” have fallen through, highlighting how fragmented our approach to plastic pollution still is.
Yet, the PPWR continues to gain momentum.
Why? Because it focuses on something tangible — the packaging we use every day — and translates sustainability goals into practical, actionable standards.
What the PPWR Aims to Achieve
The PPWR seeks to:
- Phase out single-use plastics and promote reuse
- Ensure packaging is recyclable and safe by design
- Reduce overall packaging waste and material intensity
- Harmonize packaging rules across all EU member states
This clarity makes it easier for companies to understand what’s expected — and for consumers to see the difference.
As Leontien shares in the podcast, this regulation demonstrates how legislation can be both ambitious and effectivewhen designed with real-world impact in mind.
From Compliance to Transformation
At Impact Buying, we see the PPWR not as another regulatory hurdle but as a catalyst for change. It’s a chance for organizations to redesign their packaging systems and strengthen the transparency of their entire supply chain.
Here’s how we help companies move from compliance to leadership:
✅ Mapping and analyzing supplier data to identify environmental and social risks
✅ Evaluating packaging materials to ensure alignment with circular principles
✅ Supporting procurement teams with actionable sustainability insights
✅ Building digital traceability solutions to prove responsible sourcing
Through our expertise, companies can transform their legal obligations into meaningful, measurable progress — creating supply chains that respect both people and the planet.
A Call for Collaboration
The PPWR’s progress shows that when policy, purpose, and practice align, real change is possible. But it also reminds us that regulation alone isn’t enough — we need collaboration across industries, governments, and consumers.
At Impact Buying, we are proud to contribute to that conversation — and to support companies in turning regulation into lasting impact.
📰 Read the related article in De Telegraaf:
Rotterdamse haven in crisis – bedrijven, groene investeerders en banen stromen weg
🎧 Listen to the full conversation between Leontien Hasselman-Plugge and Frank Boer: