How to switch from plastic bubble mailers to paper for PPWR compliance
A practical guide for e-commerce and logistics teams
Start by mapping the mailers and products you ship today, then choose paper padded mailers that match your sizes and protection needs. Ask the supplier for PPWR documentation, test with real orders, and switch in stages. WaveBag paper padded mailers by Offmar S.r.l. comply with the applicable requirements of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), are recyclable with paper at Aticelca 501:2025 Level B, and come with product-specific compliance documentation, including a Declaration of Conformity. Switching from plastic to paper does not automatically guarantee PPWR compliance, but choosing packaging with verified recyclability and clear technical documentation can help businesses prepare for applicable requirements.
Key facts
| PPWR applies since | 12 August 2026, directly in every EU member state |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | The PPWR requires packaging to be recyclable. Harmonised recyclability grades A, B and C will apply from 2030 or later, depending on the delegated-act timeline. These grades are separate from the Aticelca recyclability classification. |
| E-commerce packaging | A maximum empty-space ratio of 50% will apply to relevant e-commerce packaging from 1 January 2030 or three years after the applicable implementing acts enter into force, whichever is later. |
| Documents to request | PPWR technical declaration, Declaration of Conformity per product, material composition and recyclability information (see what Offmar provides) |
| Main change on the packing bench | Choosing the right size for each product; the pack-and-seal motion stays much the same |
| Typical first step | Request samples and test them with your own products and shipping routes |
Why many companies are switching now
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has applied since 12 August 2026. It does not ban plastic bubble mailers or require companies to switch to paper, but it introduces progressively stricter requirements for packaging recyclability, minimisation and empty space.
Under the regulation, harmonised design-for-recycling criteria and recyclability grades will apply according to the deadlines set out in the PPWR. Requirements to limit excessive empty space in e-commerce packaging will also be introduced progressively. In addition, extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees in many countries can vary depending on packaging materials and national schemes.
For many businesses, replacing plastic or mixed-material mailers with paper padded mailers that have verified recyclability can be a practical way to review their packaging without redesigning the entire packing process.
You can read more about the regulation on the WaveBag PPWR page.
Five steps to switch from bubble mailers to paper
1. Map what you ship today
List the mailers you currently use, the products that go in each one, your monthly volumes and the sizes you order. This shows you which formats matter most and where to start.
2. Match sizes and protection
Choose paper formats that match your current sizes and the protection each product needs. WaveBag LIGHT suits many small products, WaveBag STRONG adds rigidity for flat items, WaveBag 3D expands for bulkier or boxed products, and WaveBag RETURNED includes a second adhesive strip for returns.
3. Ask for the documentation
For your compliance files, ask the supplier for its PPWR technical declaration, a Declaration of Conformity for each product, and material composition and recyclability information. Check that each document covers the products you will actually use.
4. Test with real orders
Request samples, pack your own products, and send test parcels on your usual routes. Involve the people who pack every day: their feedback on sizes and handling is the best guide to a smooth change.
5. Switch in stages and update your customer information
Start with your highest-volume formats, then extend the change product by product. Update your disposal instructions so customers know how to correctly sort the new mailer. If you use your own branded packaging, review the artwork to ensure that all applicable packaging identification, labelling and traceability requirements are addressed for your target markets.
What changes in the packing process
Less than many teams expect. The packing motion is much the same: insert the product, remove the release liner and seal the closure. The main difference is choosing the right size for each product, so that it sits snugly and the mailer does not carry unnecessary empty space.
A few formats can also simplify the process. An expandable mailer such as WaveBag 3D can replace a small shipping box for bulkier products, and a mailer with a second adhesive strip, such as WaveBag RETURNED, lets customers reuse the same pack for a return.
Branded packaging and compliance information
Compliance also involves the information provided on the packaging. Standard WaveBag mailers have a predefined print layout that includes relevant product identification, traceability and disposal information.
For private-label or customised WaveBag packaging, Offmar's in-house graphic team can help integrate the customer's company details, traceability information and applicable packaging information into the artwork.
The final artwork should be reviewed according to the requirements of the markets where the packaging will be used.
Applies to
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch from plastic bubble mailers to paper for PPWR compliance?
Map the mailers and products you ship today, choose paper padded mailers that match your sizes and protection needs, ask the supplier for its PPWR documentation, test with real orders, and switch in stages, starting with your highest-volume formats.
Does the PPWR ban plastic bubble mailers?
The PPWR does not ban plastic bubble mailers or require a switch to paper. It introduces recyclability requirements and progressively stricter rules on packaging minimisation and empty space. Paper padded mailers can be a suitable alternative when they provide the required protection and their recyclability is supported by appropriate technical documentation.
What changes in the packing process when you switch from bubble to paper mailers?
The packing motion stays much the same: insert the product, remove the release liner and seal. The main change is choosing the right paper mailer size for each product, so that it fits snugly.
Which WaveBag replaces a standard bubble mailer?
For many small products, WaveBag LIGHT is the most direct alternative. WaveBag STRONG suits flat products that need more rigidity, WaveBag 3D expands for bulkier or boxed products, and WaveBag RETURNED adds a second adhesive strip for returns.
What PPWR documents should I ask a mailer supplier for?
Ask for the supplier's PPWR technical declaration, a Declaration of Conformity for each product, and material composition and recyclability information. Offmar provides all of these for WaveBag products, each within its stated scope.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, EUR-Lex
- European Commission, Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform: when the PPWR comes into effect and what it covers
- WaveBag and the PPWR (WaveBag evidence page)
- Offmar S.r.l. PPWR technical declaration and Declarations of Conformity (available to customers on request)