German wood packaging industry tackles EU regulations and geopolitical risks at annual conference

Around 140 members of the German Wood Packaging, Pallets, and Export Packaging Association (HPE) met in Mainz for their annual spring conference. The event covered regulatory changes, geopolitical risks, and digital advancements in the wood packaging industry. The conference opened with discussions on the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Marcus Kirschner, HPE’s managing director, and Dr. Patrick Krampitz from Pauly Rechtsanwälte explained its legal requirements. Many questions about its practical use remained unresolved, prompting HPE to release a new 150-page guide tailored to wood packaging businesses.

Fabian Häckler updated attendees on the HPECycle network, designed to simplify PPWR compliance. Digital innovation also took centre stage, with presentations on 3D design software and AI applications for the sector.

Geopolitical risks and their effects on supply chains were another major focus. Retired Lieutenant General Christian Badia and Rob Driessen of CONNEC3 Group analysed the challenges, while Gordon Schnieder, the designated minister-president of Rhineland-Palatinate, engaged with participants on opportunities and obstacles for SMEs. The conference highlighted the need for resilience in the face of regulatory and geopolitical uncertainty. HPE’s new guide and the HPECycle network aim to support businesses in adapting to the PPWR. Digital tools and expert insights provided practical solutions for the industry’s evolving demands.