With the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), stricter requirements are being placed on packaging efficiency - and companies must be able to demonstrate how much empty space they are actually shipping.
Today, e-commerce packages are estimated to contain, on average, more than 56% empty space. This is not only an economic and logistical waste - it is also on its way to becoming a regulatory violation.
Starting in 2026, excessive packaging will not only be bad for your brand reputation; it may also result in fines and reporting requirements.
This means that:
All packaging must be optimized based on volume and weight.
Empty space must be measurable, documented, and verifiable.
Companies need digital tools to monitor, track, and report compliance.
"Soon, shipping air won’t just be inefficient - it will be illegal."
The new EU requirements regarding package fill rates place a new level of responsibility on logistics operations.
It is no longer enough for a package to simply “look okay” - you must be able to demonstrate exactly how much empty space you are actually shipping.
This is not just about complying with regulations. It is about:
Avoiding unnecessary shipping costs,
Gaining control over what you are actually shipping,
And being able to take immediate action when something goes wrong.
By measuring the volume and weight of every outbound parcel, you not only create a data-driven logistics flow, but also equip your business to handle audits, customer requirements, and future regulatory changes.
What if every parcel got a second chance?
Waiting until 2026 is not a strategy - it’s a risk. Today, you already need the ability to measure, monitor, and document the fill rate of every package leaving your warehouse. This is not just about regulatory compliance - it’s about control, efficiency, and trust.
Waiting until 2026 is not a strategy - it’s a risk. Today, you already need the ability to measure, monitor, and verify the fill rate of every package leaving your warehouse. This is not just about regulatory compliance - it’s about control, efficiency, and trust.
By integrating a volume and weight measurement system directly into your packing process, such as the e-motions DWS solution, you automatically gain access to the data required to meet these new requirements.
Example:
An order contains products with a total volume of 6.2 dm³.
The assigned packaging is measured at 9.5 dm³.
Fill rate: 6.2 / 9.5 = 65%
= 35% empty space
With DWS technology, this calculation is performed automatically - without manual handling or estimations.
This provides:
Real-time fill rate data for every parcel
The ability to prevent overpackaging before it happens
Documentation to support compliance with upcoming regulations (PPWR)
Starting to measure today is not only a way to avoid future penalties - it is a way to gain control over shipping costs, improve the customer experience, and strengthen your sustainability data.
We're here to help. Contact us if you'd like to learn more about logistics solutions tailored to your business.
