PPWR Empty Space Ratio: Measure the Box, Not the Impression
Compare shipping-package volume with product volume to quantify modeled empty space.
An empty-space calculation compares the internal package volume with the volume occupied by the packed product. It provides a measurable starting point for packaging-minimisation review rather than relying on visual judgement.
Inputs that matter
Start with the facts that actually change the result. Keep units and definitions consistent so the output can be compared with future jobs or records.
- Internal package length, width and height
- Packed product or grouped-product dimensions
- Number of products per package
- Applicable business rule or target used for planning
Method
- Calculate the usable internal package volume.
- Calculate the packed product volume using the same unit system.
- Subtract product volume from package volume and divide by package volume.
- Use the result to test smaller packaging options while protecting the product.
Common mistakes
- Mixing external box dimensions with internal product-fit assumptions.
- Using different measurement units in one calculation.
- Treating the calculator as an official conformity decision without checking the applicable rule.
Use the free tool for the one-off answer
The connected tool is intentionally narrow: answer this decision, print or export the result, and keep the calculation transparent. It does not force a registration flow or subscription.
When the workflow becomes a system
One calculation is useful once. When the same decision starts repeating across customers, properties, products, events or route days, the valuable part becomes the history: what was decided, what actually happened, and what changed. That is the boundary between the free tool and EU Compliance Manager.
Frequently asked questions
What does the PPWR Empty Space Ratio: Measure the Box, Not the Impression guide help with?
An empty-space calculation compares the internal package volume with the volume occupied by the packed product. It provides a measurable starting point for packaging-minimisation review rather than relying on visual judgement.
Is the connected calculator or planner free?
Yes. The connected Apps That Stay browser tool is free to use. It is designed for one focused decision, while the matching paid app is for keeping records and repeated workflows over time.
Where does the tool data go?
The connected free tool is local-first and keeps working inputs in the browser profile you use. Export important business records separately when the workflow becomes something you need to retain.