Reusable Labeling
No Reuse Without IdentificationCYCLE
Reusable products need an identity.
PPWR needs transparency.
PMG delivers both.
Reusable systems often lack end-to-end transparency regarding individual packaging items. Containers get lost in circulation, inventory is difficult to track, and manual processes create additional work. Unique identification provides a solution: Each container becomes visible and uniquely identifiable within the cycle. This makes circulation more transparent, reduces losses, and makes processes significantly more efficient to manage.
At the same time, new regulatory requirements, such as the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), are increasing the pressure for transparent and traceable reusable systems.
To address this, the Plöckl Media Group develops durable, reliable labeling systems for reusable containers, load carriers, and returnable packaging.
No identification, no reuse.
No data, no circulation.
Digital labeling is the foundation of effective reusable systems.
Reusable systems only work with end-to-end identification
Reusable systems have long been a reality in industry, logistics, the food industry, and retail.
Whether it’s transport boxes, pallets, plastic containers, or pooling systems—reusable load carriers are in circulation everywhere. In addition, reusable systems are now becoming part of people’s everyday lives.
What happens without a digital identity?
Without unique identification, reusable packaging quickly loses its traceability—processes become inefficient and returns become difficult to track.
However, as the number of units in circulation and the
number of users increase, so does the complexity:
- Containers constantly change hands, which often leads to them being lost
- Cleaning processes alter surfaces
- Labels must withstand extreme conditions
- Traceability becomes a challenge (inefficient traceability)
- Losses and delays in circulation result in high costs
Typical challenges in reusable systems:
- Lack of unique identification in circulation
- Damaged or illegible labels
- No end-to-end traceability
- Manual data entry processes
- Lack of transparency regarding locations and inventory
The new PPWR addresses precisely these challenges
The EU Packaging Regulation significantly tightens these requirements and makes traceability, reuse
and documentation mandatory standards.
What is PPWR?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the new EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces existing national regulations and, for the first time, establishes uniform, binding requirements for all EU member states.
The goal of the PPWR is to significantly reduce packaging waste and accelerate the transition to reusable, recyclable, and circular packaging systems.
For companies, this means in concrete terms:
- less single-use
- more reusable
- higher requirements for traceability, documentation and system transparency
WHY DOES THE PPWR INCREASE THE PRESSURE?
From Single-Use to Circular: Packaging Becomes a Regulated Asset
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is consistently driving the shift from single-use to reusable systems.
In the future, companies must:
- Reuse packaging multiple times
- Ensure traceability
- Document circulation cycles
- Reduce waste
- Demonstrate circularity
Packaging is thus no longer a consumable but a manageable asset within
regulated circular systems.
As a result, labeling and traceability become key success factors in the reusable packaging cycle.
Label reusable items correctly.
Implement PPWR correctly. Get started now.
Digital Identity as the Foundation for Efficient Reusable Systems
Unique digital identification makes reusable items easy to manage, simplifies tracking, and supports a closed-loop recycling system.
THE ROLE OF SMART LABELING
For reusable systems to work, each unit must remain uniquely identifiable — across years, cycles, and cleaning processes.
Plöckl Media Group GmbH provides the technological foundation for this:
- Unique serial and object identification
- Machine-readable 1D/2D codes
- RFID-based asset identity
- Durable readability under extreme conditions
- Integration into digital supply chain systems
The label is not just a mark; it is the digital identity of a reusable asset.
PMG TECHNOLOGIES FOR REUSABLE PRODUCTS
Technologies for Reliable Identification Throughout the Cycle
Reusable systems place the highest demands on labeling and data capture. The Plöckl Media Group offers robust, industrial-grade identification solutions for the entire circulation process —
from automated data capture to permanent object labeling. Different labeling technologies are available depending on the application.
Label materials are tailored to the specific type of plastic to enable single-material recycling — without the need for additional effort to remove the labels.
RFID Labels for Reusable Assets
- Contactless detection without line of sight
- Simultaneous reading of multiple objects
- Real-time tracking along the supply chain
- High processing speed in automated systems
- Ideal for pooling, logistics, and industrial applications
RFID provides the digital data foundation for controlled reusable systems
Visual identification for universal system compatibility
- Machine- and human-readable identification
- Universally applicable without special infrastructure
- Easy integration into existing processes
- Reliable tracking throughout the entire circulation process
- Ideal as a standard or supplementary system in reusable processes
Barcodes ensure broad compatibility and reliable visual identification
Labeling Solutions for Industrial Reusable Applications
- Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and mechanical stress
- Reliable over many cycles
- Optimized for demanding cleaning and logistics processes
- Designed for long-term readability and process reliability
- Decades of experience and Plöckl Media Group’s proven development
Quality is not just a feature—it’s the Plöckl Media Group standard
🔧 Technical Specifications of Our Labeling Solutions
Damit die Kennzeichnung im gesamten Mehrwegkreislauf zuverlässig funktioniert, sind unsere Lösungen für industrielle Anforderungen ausgelegt:
- Temperature Resistance
Depending on the material, suitable for applications ranging from -40 °C to 110 °C—even under varying conditions in the circulation process. - Washing and Cleaning Cycles
Designed for repeated use in industrial cleaning processes and high circulation rates within the reusable system. - Material Properties
Resistant to moisture, cleaning agents, abrasion, and mechanical stress during daily operation. - Recyclability
The label materials are tailored to the respective type of plastic and enable single-material recycling—without the need for additional effort to remove the labels. - Certifications (depending on the version)
Suitable for use in food-contact applications, for example (e.g., ISEGA-certified materials and adhesives). - Zertifizierungen (je nach Ausführung)
Beispielsweise für den Einsatz im Lebensmittelumfeld geeignet (z. B. ISEGA-zertifizierte Materialien und Klebstoffe).
Our labeling solutions are designed to reliably accompany the entire life cycle within the reusable container system — from initial use through to recycling.
Labeling where cycles must function properly
Plöckl Media Group solutions are used wherever reusable packaging, containers, and load carriers need to be reliably identified and tracked. Consistent identification throughout the entire circulation process is crucial.
Reusable shipping containers
Labeling of crates, boxes, containers, and load carriers in industrial circulation.
Pooling & Circulation Systems
Unique identification in shared reusable systems with many participants and distribution stations.
Food & Fresh Produce Logistics
Labeling of reusable crates and transport containers in the food and fresh produce supply chain. Particularly relevant for temperature-controlled and hygiene-critical reusable systems.
Industrial Production Logistics
Tracking of components, intermediate products, and material flows within production and plant processes.
Supply Chain & Intralogistics
End-to-end traceability of reusable assets across multiple locations and systems.
Cleaning & Recirculation Processes
Durable labeling that withstands washing, cleaning, and reprocessing cycles.
The Plöckl Media Group develops industrial labeling solutions that make reusable systems reliable, scalable, and PPWR-compliant.
We lay the foundation for digital and controllable circular processes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reusable Product Labeling & PPWR
Everything You Need to Know About Implementing Reusable Container Labeling and PPWR Requirements
Is it possible to track reusable packaging in real time?
Yes. By using RFID technology in combination with an integration into existing software or ERP systems, reusable containers can be digitally recorded and tracked. This allows companies to maintain a clear overview of the inventory, locations, and movements of their packaging pool at all times.
Why is labeling so important in a reusable system?
Only clearly identified containers and load carriers enable transparent control, traceability, and efficient inventory management.
Can the labels withstand industrial cleaning processes?
PMG marking solutions are designed to withstand many cycles of use and are resistant to mechanical, chemical, and thermal stresses.
How does the recycling of labeled reusable packaging work?
The labeling materials can be tailored to the specific type of plastic so that they optimally support the recycling process. This preserves the ability to sort and recycle the plastic without the need for labor-intensive removal of the labels beforehand. This reduces the effort involved and contributes to an efficient recycling cycle.
What is the difference between RFID and barcodes?
RFID enables automated, contactless real-time tracking. Barcodes provide universal, visual identification for manual and existing systems.
What does the PPWR mean for businesses?
The PPWR is the new EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste, which requires companies to increase the use of reusable packaging, recycling, and traceability in packaging systems.
Would you like to label your reusable packaging in a future-proof way?
Have your reusable packaging uniquely identified—we’ll advise you on the right barcode or RFID solution for your specific application.
More Than Just Labeling –
Measurable Added Value Throughout the Entire Cycle
Cost-Effectiveness
Fewer losses, better inventory control, and more efficient logistics processes lead to direct cost savings in operations.
Reusable packaging becomes predictable, scalable and cost-effective
Process reliability
Automated and reliable identification reduces manual errors and improves data quality throughout the entire supply chain.
Stable processes instead of error-prone data entry
Transparency in the Cycle
Every packaging unit, every container, and every load carrier is uniquely identifiable and traceable — across all cycles.
Complete visibility in the reusable system
Sustainability Through System Efficiency
Reusable systems are sustainable only if losses are minimized and circulation is optimized.
PMG helps reduce the proportion of single-use items and maintain stable circulation.
Sustainability through effective systems, not through isolated measures
PPWR Readiness
PMG labeling solutions help companies comply with future EU requirements regarding reusable packaging, traceability, and circular economy documentation.
The foundation for compliant and future-proof packaging systems