Pharmaceutical and cosmetics packaging
Reusable packaging for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics: EURO-NORM ESD containers, ALC tradeline containers for the pharmacy and drugstore return loop, and transport containers for cosmetic chemicals.
Cosmetics: the targets apply to transport packaging.
PPWR sets re-use targets for transport packaging used in the cosmetics industry – in contract cosmetics manufacturing and in distribution to retail – not for cosmetic products themselves: at least 40% from 1 January 2030 and an endeavour to reach 70% from 1 January 2040 (Article 29(1)). Only packaging operating within a re-use system counts towards the target.
2035 is not a pharmaceutical exemption.
It is a packaging waste reduction target placed on Member States (−10% per capita against 2018, Article 43): the provision is addressed to the state, not to a single company, although every sector will feel the effects.
Circulation within the company from 1 January 2030.
PPWR provides that from 1 January 2030, transport packaging used between sites of the same company and between linked and partner enterprises will be packaging that is reusable within a re-use system (Article 29(2)).
ESD is growing alongside med-tech.
bekuplast makes EURO-NORM ESD containers (PP-ESD material that permanently dissipates electrostatic charge) – used wherever components sensitive to electrostatic discharge are moved, including in diagnostics, medical devices and sensors.
CHALLENGES
Three challenges in pharmaceuticals and contract cosmetics manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals and contract cosmetics manufacturing need packaging that combines the right contact materials, ESD protection and PPWR compliance in transport logistics.
Contact materials
Pharmaceuticals and contract cosmetics manufacturing call for transport packaging with a confirmed material composition. We match the material to the application: for selected series we use HDPE approved for food contact – a material that meets the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. That Regulation covers food contact materials (it is not a pharmaceutical standard); we confirm compliance with a declaration of conformity for the specific product.
ESD for medical devices and diagnostics
The med-tech sector (diagnostics, monitoring devices, sensors) is growing quickly. ESD requirements in med-tech are close to those in electronics – PP-ESD material permanently dissipates electrostatic charge and protects sensitive components. EURO-NORM ESD containers.
Re-use targets in transport and distribution
PPWR sets re-use targets for transport packaging – in pharmaceutical logistics and in cosmetics distribution just as in other sectors: at least 40% of packaging within a re-use system from 1 January 2030 and an endeavour to reach 70% from 1 January 2040 (Article 29(1)); grouped packaging in the form of boxes – excluding cardboard boxes – used outside sales packaging to group products into a stock-keeping or distribution unit has a separate target: at least 10% of packaging within a re-use system from 1 January 2030 and an endeavour to reach 25% from 1 January 2040 (Article 29(5)). Returnable ESD containers and ALC tradeline support the pharmacy and drugstore return loop.
CHALLENGES
Three challenges in pharmaceuticals and contract cosmetics manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals and contract cosmetics manufacturing need packaging that combines the right contact materials, ESD protection and PPWR compliance in transport logistics.
Contact materials
Pharmaceuticals and contract cosmetics manufacturing call for transport packaging with a confirmed material composition. We match the material to the application: for selected series we use HDPE approved for food contact – a material that meets the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. That Regulation covers food contact materials (it is not a pharmaceutical standard); we confirm compliance with a declaration of conformity for the specific product.
ESD for medical devices and diagnostics
The med-tech sector (diagnostics, monitoring devices, sensors) is growing quickly. ESD requirements in med-tech are close to those in electronics – PP-ESD material permanently dissipates electrostatic charge and protects sensitive components. EURO-NORM ESD containers.
Re-use targets in transport and distribution
PPWR sets re-use targets for transport packaging – in pharmaceutical logistics and in cosmetics distribution just as in other sectors: at least 40% of packaging within a re-use system from 1 January 2030 and an endeavour to reach 70% from 1 January 2040 (Article 29(1)); grouped packaging in the form of boxes – excluding cardboard boxes – used outside sales packaging to group products into a stock-keeping or distribution unit has a separate target: at least 10% of packaging within a re-use system from 1 January 2030 and an endeavour to reach 25% from 1 January 2040 (Article 29(5)). Returnable ESD containers and ALC tradeline support the pharmacy and drugstore return loop.
PPWR · COMPLIANCE
PPWR, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics – what is actually covered
PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – entered into force on 11 February 2025, applies from 12 August 2026) introduces re-use targets for transport packaging. They also cover transport and distribution packaging in pharmaceutical logistics and transport packaging used in the cosmetics industry – just as in other sectors. The date 2035 in PPWR is not a pharmaceutical exemption but a packaging waste reduction target placed on Member States (−10% per capita against 2018, Article 43). It is addressed to the state, not to a single company – but meeting that target will have consequences for every sector.
NEXT STEPS
What you can do now
Preparing the company for the new requirements early – a review of the transport packaging in use, a pilot of reusable solutions and an implementation plan – makes it easier to keep pace with the timetable set out in the Regulation.
in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR)
PPWR COST
The cost of switching to reusable packaging
Compare the cost of single-use packaging with returnable ESD containers in pharmaceutical and cosmetics logistics – the calculator gives you the break-even point and the CO₂ emissions profile.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the pharmaceutical sector covered by PPWR?
Yes – for transport and distribution packaging. Transport packaging in pharmaceutical logistics and transport packaging used in the cosmetics industry fall under the re-use targets in the same way as in other sectors (Article 29 PPWR).
What are ESD containers and when are they needed in pharmaceuticals?
ESD (electrostatic discharge) containers are made from a dedicated PP-ESD material with conductive particles added, which permanently dissipates electrostatic charge and protects components against discharges. In pharmaceuticals they are used for medical devices, diagnostic sensors and IoT modules. Conformity with IEC 61340-5-1.
What about PFAS in cosmetics packaging?
The PFAS restriction (Article 5(5) PPWR, from 12 August 2026) applies to packaging intended for food contact – it does not cover packaging for cosmetics or chemicals. The remaining requirements in Article 5, including the cap on the total content of heavy metals, do apply to all packaging. We confirm the material composition of our containers with a material declaration for the specific product.
Are bekuplast containers suitable for use in the cosmetics industry?
Yes – for selected series we use HDPE approved for food contact (a material that meets the requirements for plastics in contact with food). We use the same material in transport packaging for cosmetic chemicals. We issue the declaration of conformity for the specific product.
Is it worth investing in reusable transport packaging (RTP) in pharmaceuticals now?
Yes. PPWR provides that from 1 January 2030, transport packaging used between sites of the same company and between linked and partner enterprises will be packaging that is reusable within a re-use system (Article 29(2)), and for operators using transport packaging – including in distribution to wholesalers, pharmacies and drugstores – it sets a general target of at least 40% of packaging within a re-use system from 1 January 2030 and an endeavour to reach 70% from 1 January 2040 (Article 29(1)). The obligation rests with the operator using the transport packaging, also where that operator is not its manufacturer. An early pilot builds an operational advantage.
CONTACT
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