Printed shipping box: branding and PPWR-compliant packaging in the warehouse

The European Packaging Regulation (PPWR) has been in force since 12 August 2026. Anyone who has a printed shipping box made under their own name is therefore often considered the manufacturer. Packaging specialist Newpack explains what this means for size, design and print run.

Why a printed shipping box starts in the warehouse

For a logistics manager, the benefits of a printed shipping box are right there on the packing table. A printed shipping box shows which online shop the parcel is from even before it is opened and can make a sticker unnecessary. Instructions for returns can also be printed on the box.

Newpack, an independent supplier based in Berkel-Enschot with over 25 years’ experience, describes itselfas “the leading specialist in large-volume corrugated cardboard packaging”. The company supplies both printed and unprinted packaging to the business market. Regarding its approach, Newpack states: “We are happy to work with you to find the perfect transport solution.” For each enquiry, the company works with the customer to identify the best solution, striking a balance between price, quality, delivery time and reliability.

What the PPWR means for a printed shipping box

The PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) has been directly applicable in all Member States since 12 August 2026, according to RVO. Since then, packaging may only be placed on the market with a valid EU declaration of conformity.

Under the PPWR, a ‘manufacturer’ also includes anyone who has packaging produced under their own name or brand. An online shop that orders a printed shipping box featuring its own logo therefore often falls into this category. This means a technical dossier must be retained for five years in the case of single-use packaging. The packaging must also bear the name, postal address and a type, batch or serial number. A printed shipping box provides space for this information.

Both printed and unprinted boxes are subject to the regulations. Stock that was already on the market before 12 August 2026 may be used up. Some questions regarding interpretation remain unresolved, so companies would be well advised to have their own situation assessed.

The ink also plays a part. For packaging materials, there is a maximum limit of 100 milligrams per kilogram for substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium. Anyone ordering a printed shipping box is advised to ask the printer about the composition of the ink and coating. Regarding the cardboard itself, Newpack states: “Our boxes are up to 100 per cent recyclable.”

Customised printed shipping box

Since August, the PPWR has introduced a general obligation not to make packaging unnecessarily large or heavy. The limit of a maximum of 50 per cent empty space in e-commerce shipping packaging will not come into force until 1 January 2030. As printed shipping boxes are ordered in batches, a box of the wrong size will remain in circulation for a long time.

Newpack warns: “An unnecessary amount of space is often wasted because boxes that are too large are used.” A printed shipping box that is too spacious can also cause damage, as, according to the company, “the product may shift around”. According to Newpack, bespoke boxes save space and money, as less filling material is required and the products are better protected. This reduces damage and returns.

When placing an order, Newpack uses internal dimensions in millimetres and recommends adding 3 to 5 millimetres to the product’s dimensions. This ensures the product fits and the customer can remove it easily. For fragile goods, extra padding material should be taken into account.

Each size with its own design requires separate preparation for printing. Reducing the number of sizes first helps keep the cost of printed shipping boxes affordable.

Printed shipping box: digital or large print runs

Once the size has been determined, the next step is to choose a printing technique. For small quantities, digital printing is the logical choice. Newpack explains: “The advantage of digital printing is that there are virtually no set-up costs.” This means the design of the printed shipping box can be changed for every order, for example to suit a particular season or a public holiday. Via the company’s own webshop, Your Box Shop, a customer selects a size, uploads the design and specifies the quantity.

For large print runs, Newpack operates via an online quotation service. The company works with various box manufacturers and selects the best producer for each order. Anyone wishing to have shipping boxes printed can choose from one or more colours up to full colour, and from single or double-wall corrugated cardboard. The quotation form asks for the type of packaging, the dimensions, the cardboard quality and the quantity.

Checklist for logistics managers

1. Determine whether the company complies with the PPWR as specified by the manufacturer and have this verified.

2. Include the name, postal address and model or serial number in the design of the printed shipping box.

3. Ask the supplier for the declaration of conformity and technical data, and keep the file for five years.

4. Enquire about the composition of the ink and coating used on the printed shipping box.

5. Take stock of your box sizes, remove anything unnecessary and allow for 50 per cent empty space from 1 January 2030.

6. Choose the printing technique for your printed shipping box based on the print run: digital for small quantities, request a quote for large quantities.

7. Only order new stock with the correct documentation, as packaging placed on the market after 12 August 2026 will be subject to the new requirements.

Newpack is based at Ordelven 21 in Berkel-Enschot and uses an online quotation form for bespoke orders.