The packaging industry is preparing for the implementation of key requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, PPWR, which will take effect on August 12, 2026. In response to difficulties related to collecting and organising data, R-Cycle and packaging management specialist Tilisco are announcing the presentation of a new software-as-a-service solution. The PPWR Compliance Compass is intended to support packaging manufacturers in preparing the data needed to meet regulatory requirements. The tool will be presented during Interpack in Düsseldorf, in Hall 7a, at booth C10 in the Start-up Zone. According to the companies, the solution uses artificial intelligence to capture data from dispersed sources and aggregate it in a single working environment.
As the developers of the system indicate, one of the main obstacles to implementing PPWR requirements is incomplete and fragmented packaging data. Information is often stored in different systems and formats, including PDFs, Excel sheets and emails from suppliers. The PPWR Compliance Compass is designed to automatically extract relevant packaging data from such sources and then compile it in a transparent format. Missing information can be completed through targeted enquiries sent to suppliers. The user receives an overview of the entire packaging portfolio in a dashboard. Once the required information has been collected, the system is intended to enable the legally required declaration of conformity to be generated with a single click.
Gap analysis and compliance status
One of the core functions of the solution is a built-in GAP analysis that compares the available data set with current PPWR requirements. The compliance status of the entire portfolio is visualised using an intuitive traffic light system. This is intended to allow rapid identification of missing data and information that is critical from a regulatory compliance perspective. The system also enables users to request missing data directly from the relevant suppliers within the tool, which is intended to accelerate the closing of information gaps.
According to the announcement, the PPWR Compliance Compass has been designed to enable rapid implementation of currently relevant requirements while also evolving alongside regulatory changes. At present, the focus is on the information required to comply with PPWR from the date the key obligations become effective, August 12, 2026. This approach is intended to simplify implementation and enable timely preparation also for companies that do not yet have the appropriate internal resources or specialist expertise. The scope of the tool is to be gradually expanded in line with growing legal requirements. R-Cycle also emphasises that it draws on a network of expert communities dealing with the interpretation and application of regulatory requirements.
Presentation at Interpack
Visitors to Interpack will be able to familiarise themselves with the operation of the tool at the R-Cycle booth, from AI-based data capture to the final generation of the declaration of conformity. The demo version covers various types of packaging, including packaging for fast-moving consumer goods, industrial packaging and logistics packaging, and guides users step by step through the use of the system. Dr Benedikt Brenken, Director of R-Cycle, comments: "Packaging manufacturers should be able to focus on what matters most, rather than wasting valuable time manually searching for and preparing data. That is why we offer an AI-powered solution that enables users to achieve rapid PPWR compliance through a streamlined and easy-to-use platform."
One element of the technological backbone of the solution is the use of open and global GS1 standards. According to the companies, these are intended to provide the basis for infrastructure enabling interoperability between manufacturers, suppliers and retailers, while supporting the further development of the system in the longer term.
Partnership between ProData and Tilisco
The PPWR Compliance Compass was created as a result of a partnership between ProData GmbH and Tilisco GmbH. The collaboration combines Tilisco’s competencies in technical and regulatory packaging management with the R-Cycle platform developed by ProData for the digitisation of packaging data. As stated, the software is based on R-Cycle data standards, which are already used by a community of more than 50 companies operating across the entire value chain. According to the partners, the solution is intended to combine the expertise needed to comply with complex EU regulations with a ready digital infrastructure for data management.
