EU Packaging Regulation PPWR
Key facts about the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
The EU Packaging Regulation replaces the existing European Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste of 20 December 1994 (European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC). The Regulation aims to minimise the negative impact of packaging on the environment more effectively by imposing even greater obligations on producers to act responsibly. It also aims to promote the further development of a sustainable, closed-loop economy.
Among other things, the regulation includes ambitious waste reduction targets and extends the scope of extended producer responsibility, notably through requirements for recyclability of packaging and promotion of the use of recycled materials.
The PPWR will be clarified by means of delegated acts; nevertheless, companies should proactively prepare for the upcoming requirements at an early stage.
- When does the PPWR come into force?
- What does the PPWR regulation mean for businesses?
- Why do we need recyclable packaging?
- To what extent is your packaging recyclable?
- What is PCR (post-consumer recycled material)?
- PCR gap
- What is EPR (extended producer responsibility)?
- Are there regulations governing chemical recycling?
- Frequently asked questions on the EU Packaging Regulation
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Milestones of the EU PPWR packaging regulation
1994 On 20 December, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. The aim of the Packaging Directive is to protect the environment by preventing packaging waste.
2022 The European Commission publishes the draft EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) , which sets out specific targets for packaging waste reduction, detailed packaging design requirements and specifications for the use of recycled materials.
2024 At the end of April 2024, both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union approved the regulation in a tripartite procedure. It was then translated into all 24 official languages and a linguistic and legal review was carried out. The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union approved the revised versions. National regulations, such as the German Packaging Act (VerpackG), are still in force in the EU Member States. However, the European Packaging Regulation will enter into force at EU level as soon as the legislation is finalised and in force.
2025 The regulation entered into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (22 January 2025).
2026 The PPWR will become legally binding 18 months after its entry into force, i.e. in August 2026.
2030 Requirements for the minimum use of recycled materials: so far, the provisions on the use of recycled materials have only applied to single-use beverage bottles. The limits on the minimum proportion of recycled materials are to be extended to all types of packaging.
How PPWR promotes environmental protection
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) is a key element in building sustainability in Europe. It combines climate protection, resource efficiency and waste prevention in a holistic approach.
- Contribution to EU climate objectives
PPWR supports the 2050 climate neutrality target and helps to sustainably reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Saving resources and a circular economy
Through the efficient use of raw materials, EU regulations are accelerating the transition to an ecologically sustainable, closed-loop economy.
- Uniform standards in all Member States
The PPWR applies directly in every EU country - so companies have clear, harmonised requirements.
- Recycling as a driver of economic growth
Better recyclability of packaging strengthens the market for secondary raw materials and reduces the need for virgin materials.
- Waste prevention and reuse
The focus is on reducing packaging waste and increasing the number of reuse options to produce no waste at all.
Through these activities, PPWR is making a tangible contribution to environmental protection and paving the way towards a resource-efficient Europe.
PPWR: What the new European Packaging Regulation means for businesses
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) heralds a new era: it tightens requirements, standardises standards and forces manufacturers and retailers to fundamentally rethink their packaging strategies.
Compliance and documentation
- Each type of packaging must undergo a conformity assessment procedure.
- Manufacturers prepare technical documentation and issue an EU declaration of conformity.
- Only packaging that is correctly labelled and complies with the requirements of the PPWR may be placed on the market.
Closed-loop design and recyclability (from 2030).
- Packaging must be designed to be recyclable at the end of its life.
- From 2030, non-recyclable packaging will not be allowed in the EU.
Minimum recycling quotas
- Some plastic packaging requires a certain percentage of recycled materials.
- Retailers can only buy packages that meet these minimum quotas.
Reduction and efficiency of packaging
- Specific reduction targets for packaging waste.
- Stricter limits on empty space, weight and size: any unnecessary packaging is considered a breach.
Clear signage
- Uniform symbols and information on the composition of materials make it easier for consumers to segregate waste.
- Clear information obligations for manufacturers and importers.
Compostability and bio-based materials
- The Commission will first examine the use of bioplastics.
- Compostability will become mandatory for certain types of packaging.
Reuse and reusable packaging
- Binding criteria for reusable packaging.
- Compliance is demonstrated through the conformity assessment procedure.
Conclusion: the PPWR forces companies to invest in environmentally friendly materials, smart designs and smooth compliance processes. Those who comply at an early stage will secure market access, minimise risk and position themselves as sustainability pioneers.
Read more about minimum recycling levels in our report
Do you know your role and the measures you need to put in place now?
The new EU Packaging Regulation (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation - PPWR) is gradually coming into force across Europe from 2025 and brings significant changes to the entire value chain: the new PPWR legislation provides a new impetus for sustainable packaging solutions.
Companies now have the opportunity to future-proof their processes and benefit from innovative solutions.
What does this mean specifically for your business?
Our report provides a clear overview of the individual points of the European Packaging Regulation, indicating who is fully or partially affected and to what extent, as well as what measures businesses should implement in the coming years. Download the report free of charge now!
Need for recyclable packaging
Saving resources
Using recyclable packaging helps to save valuable resources such as energy and water by reusing materials instead of making new ones.
Waste reduction
Recycling removes packaging from the waste stream and transforms it into new products. This contributes to the reduction of waste.
Environmental protection
Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, as less energy is needed to produce new packaging.
Closed loop economy
Packaging recycling creates a closed material cycle in which packaging is reused instead of being discarded after a single use.
Consumer preferences
Many consumers already prefer products in recyclable packaging. By switching to recyclable packaging, companies can gain the trust of consumers and enhance their brand reputation.
Sustainable long-term investments
Despite the initial cost of switching to recyclable packaging, companies can reduce their costs in the long term by using environmentally friendly packaging. This sustainable investment not only positions companies as environmentally conscious players, but also gives them a clear competitive advantage.
To what extent is your current packaging recyclable?
Our research-based packaging analysis provides the answer to this question. Our experts analyse packaging samples according to standardised criteria. We offer comprehensive advice and work with you to develop practical solutions for optimising packaging for sustainability. This ensures that you are ideally prepared for the requirements of the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR).
PCR 2030 gap: Post-consumer recycled materials will become a bottleneck
PCR materials (post-consumer recycled) recycled comes from plastic waste disposed of by end consumers in the yellow bin.
The new EU Packaging Regulation imposes minimum quantities for the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials from 2030. The exact requirements and targets for PCR content vary depending on the type of packaging and the material used. The increasing use of PCR poses challenges, especially with regard to the availability and quality of recycled materials.
A recent study commissioned by Interzero and conducted by bp consulting reveals that even in the best-case scenario, there will be a shortfall of around one million tonnes of high-quality PCR (post-consumer recycling). Consequences for brands and packaging manufacturers include fines, production interruptions and rising costs. The analysis identifies the causes of the predicted shortage, assesses the regulatory implications and presents potential solutions - from designing for recycling to long-term supply contracts. Taking immediate action will safeguard supply chains and provide a competitive advantage.
Full report concerning the study "CIRCULAR PACKAGING 2030: Strategies for Action
at a time of shortage of recyclate". includes detailed market data and recommendations for action.
Competence centre for recycled plastics
In our own competence centre, accredited to EN/ISO17025, in Maribor, Slovenia, we consolidate our research and development activities in the field of plastics recycling.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Further development of Extended Producer Responsibility (ROP or EPR) is a key aspect of the EU Packaging Regulation, which promotes greater responsibility of packaging producers and distributors through financial participation. The concept obliges companies to take full responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, including the take-back, reuse and recycling of packaging. This aims to encourage the use of sustainable materials, take advantage of recycling opportunities and reduce the environmental footprint of companies. In this way, waste can be reduced, a closed-loop economy can be strengthened and the transition to more sustainable production and consumption practices can be accelerated.
EPR schemes aim to cover the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling used packaging waste, while encouraging the use of recyclable packaging and post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Incorporating environmental modulation, EPR schemes aim to encourage companies to move towards more sustainable packaging alternatives, thereby contributing to environmental protection.
There are currently a number of different extended responsibility schemes (ROP) for packaging in Europe, implemented by individual EU countries. In order to be compliant, companies must comply with the packaging regulations in place in their country.
EU-wide licensing and compliance for packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and textiles
We help you stay up to date and comply with all the legal requirements in Europe.
New EU packaging legislation increases importance of chemical recycling
Chemical recycling breaks down plastic waste into chemical components that can be used to make new plastics. Unlike mechanical recycling, which returns plastics to their original form, chemical recycling allows plastics that are difficult or impossible to recycle mechanically to be processed.
There are not yet legally binding limits on chemical recycling, which includes processes such as pyrolysis and solvolysis. However, the aim should be to establish regulations that promote innovation, as all plastic waste that can be recycled in a technically, environmentally and economically viable manner should be used. A holistic approach, promoting both mechanical and chemical recycling, is crucial to ensure the sustainable management of plastic waste, saving resources and minimising environmental impact.
At the end of November 2022, the European Commission presented the draft Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), a development of the Packaging Directive. The new EU Packaging Regulation contains provisions on packaging and its disposal in the Member States of the European Union. The existing Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive will be replaced by a regulation which, unlike the previous regulation, will be directly binding on all EU countries and those subject to its obligations when it comes into force.
The following specific requirements have been proposed:
- Reduction of packaging waste:
Regulations require manufacturers to design packaging in a way that minimises the use of materials. Redundant or non-recyclable packaging should be avoided. - Recyclable packaging:
The regulation requires packaging to be designed in such a way that it can be easily recycled. - Use of recycled materials:
With few exceptions, the regulations require all plastic packaging to contain a certain percentage of recycled material (post-consumer recycled material, PCR). The minimum percentage of recycled content depends on the type of packaging. A distinction is made between touch-sensitive packaging, single-use plastic beverage bottles and other types of packaging. - Signage and information:
Each package must be specially labelled and contain information on proper disposal. - Declarations of conformity:
Distributors and manufacturers must make comprehensive declarations at packaging level confirming their compliance. This information is used for monitoring and enforcement. - Re-use:
To increase the reuse of packaging, the PPWR provides for the establishment of reuse limits. These are used in the catering sector, for example, but are also widely used for industrial packaging (transport packaging). - Responsibility for disposal:
As before, producers across Europe are subject to extended producer responsibility (ROP). Under this responsibility, depending on national legislation, they have a financial and, where applicable, organisational responsibility for the take-back and recycling of used packaging in order to achieve certain recycling limits. - Authorised Representative:
Manufacturers distributing packaging in an EU country will in future be required to appoint an Extended Producer Responsibility (ROP) representative in each Member State where they first make packaging available, with the exception of the Member State in which they are established. For manufacturers based in third countries, Member States may also require the designation of an authorised representative when packaging products are first made available on the market in their territory. We will be happy to advise you and appoint an authorised representative
According to the European Commission, on average, around 180kg of packaging waste is generated per person per year. Packaging consists mainly of primary raw materials: in the EU, around 40% of plastic and 50% of paper are used for packaging. This percentage is expected to increase by 19% by 2030 if no countermeasures are taken. The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) aims to reduce consumption and promote a circular economy.
Many countries, many regulations: Across the EU, there are currently very different approaches and regulations at national level regarding the collection, reduction and recycling of packaging. Some countries are leading the way, while others are lagging behind, especially in terms of recycling rates. Manufacturers and retailers operating internationally are constantly faced with the challenge of knowing and complying with all country-specific regulations. This also applies to online retailers sending goods to international markets. Article 1 of the regulation sets out the objective of raising the level of regulations in each country and harmonising them.
The EU PPWR is binding on companies based in EU Member States, as well as on companies importing packaging into the EU. It applies to both domestic and imported products.
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