The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), adopted by the European Union, marks a significant step in the management of packaging and plastic waste. This regulation aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging while harmonizing measures within the European single market. Entering into force on February 11, 2025, the PPWR introduces objectives to prevent waste production, promote recycling, and encourage packaging reuse. It will become applicable after an 18-month transition period.
Main Objectives of the PPWR
The PPWR pursues several key objectives:
- Prevention of packaging waste: Reducing the amount of waste generated by limiting unnecessary packaging and encouraging more sustainable designs through the reduction of single-use products.
- Universal recyclability by 2030: Ensuring that all packaging on the EU market is economically recyclable. Packaging design must therefore take recyclability into account.
- Increase in recycled content: Setting minimum percentages of recycled materials in new plastic packaging.
- Standardizing packaging formats and improving labeling for reusable packaging to enable consumers to make more sustainable choices. The European Commission's Directorate-General for the Environment oversees the regulation’s implementation.
- Transition towards climate neutrality by 2050: Reducing the use of virgin raw materials and lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with packaging production.
Restrictions on Hazardous Substances
Consumer safety and environmental protection are priorities of the PPWR. In accordance with Article 5, packaging placed on the market must be designed to minimize the presence and concentration of hazardous substances in packaging materials and components, including emissions and waste treatment by-products. These requirements also aim to reduce the harmful effects of microplastics from packaging on the environment.
A report will be prepared by the European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on the presence of hazardous substances in packaging and packaging components. Risk assessments will be conducted for substances that negatively impact the reuse and recycling of packaging materials. Following these risk assessments, additional restrictions may be introduced.
From 2026, restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will be applied. As of August 12, 2026, packaging containing PFAS concentrations exceeding the limits set in Article 5 of the PPWR will be banned. This measure aims to limit exposure to these persistent and potentially harmful chemicals.
Reduction of Packaging Waste
Waste prevention is a core principle of the PPWR. EU Member States are required to reduce packaging waste per capita by:
- 5% by 2030
- 10% by 2035
- 15% by 2040, compared to 2018 levels.
This progressive reduction encourages businesses to rethink their packaging strategies, eliminating unnecessary elements and optimizing design to minimize material use. From 2030, grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging must comply with a maximum empty space ratio of 50%, limiting unnecessary over-packaging.
Recyclability and Recycled Content
To achieve full recyclability by 2030, the PPWR sets strict design-for-recycling criteria. Packaging must be designed to facilitate sorting and recycling, with recyclability performance rated from A to E. From 2030, only packaging classified A, B, or C (with a recyclability rate of at least 70%) will be allowed on the market.
Additionally, specific targets have been set for recycled content in plastic packaging:
- By 2030:
- 30% for PET packaging intended for food contact.
- 10% for other plastic packaging in contact with food.
- 30% for single-use plastic bottles.
- By 2040:
- 50% for PET packaging intended for food contact.
- 50% for other plastic packaging in contact with food.
- 65% for single-use plastic bottles.
These measures aim to reduce dependency on virgin resources.
Promotion of Reuse and Refill Systems
The PPWR strongly encourages reuse and refill systems. It defines specific criteria for reusable packaging. Packaging meets these criteria if it is designed to be refilled multiple times without damage and without posing a risk to users.
Harmonization of Labeling and Consumer Information
To facilitate sorting and recycling, the PPWR introduces a harmonized labeling system across the EU. Packaging must display material composition information and provide clear recycling instructions. Reusable packaging must also include information on its reusability and collection points, with additional details accessible via QR codes.
This standardization aims to enhance waste management and raise consumer awareness of sustainable practices.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The PPWR reinforces the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, including collection, recycling, and disposal.
Producers must register with national databases and financially contribute to waste management systems, incentivizing the design of more sustainable packaging and waste reduction at the source.
Bans and Restrictions on Certain Types of Packaging
To reduce pollution from unnecessary packaging, the PPWR introduces a phased ban on specific types of packaging deemed non-essential. The main restrictions include:
- Ban on single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables from 2030.
- Elimination of mini shampoo bottles and small disposable packaging in hotels.
- Reduction of complex multi-layered packaging, which is often difficult to recycle.
Impact on Businesses and Consumers
The implementation of the PPWR could lead to major changes for economic players and consumers.
Manufacturers will need to rethink their packaging design to comply with the new recyclability and reuse standards. Similarly, the increase in recycled content quotas will require companies to secure their supply of secondary materials. Finally, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will impose higher financial contributions based on the environmental impact of the packaging placed on the market.
Consumers will need to adapt to evolving consumption habits, particularly regarding waste sorting and the phase-out of single-use packaging. Additionally, the higher cost of reusable packaging could be passed on to consumers, although long-term savings and environmental benefits are expected.
Conclusion
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) represents a turning point for the packaging industry and waste management in Europe. By prioritizing consumer safety and environmental protection, along with packaging reduction, recyclability, and reuse, the regulation aligns industrial practices with the EU’s sustainability objectives.
A major initial measure will be the ban on packaging containing excessive levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These compounds, known for their persistence in the environment and potential toxicity, will be subject to strict thresholds set by the PPWR.
As EU Member States transpose these rules into national legislation, it will be crucial to support stakeholders in ensuring a smooth transition towards a more circular and environmentally friendly packaging model.
Any questions? Contact us free of charge and with no obligation!
Would you like an overview of the main packaging requirements? See our last PPWR article.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), adopted by the European Union, marks a significant step in the management of packaging and plastic waste. This regulation aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging while harmonizing measures within the European single market. Entering into force on February 11, 2025, the PPWR introduces objectives to prevent waste production, promote recycling, and encourage packaging reuse. It will become applicable after an 18-month transition period.
Main Objectives of the PPWR
The PPWR pursues several key objectives:
- Prevention of packaging waste: Reducing the amount of waste generated by limiting unnecessary packaging and encouraging more sustainable designs through the reduction of single-use products.
- Universal recyclability by 2030: Ensuring that all packaging on the EU market is economically recyclable. Packaging design must therefore take recyclability into account.
- Increase in recycled content: Setting minimum percentages of recycled materials in new plastic packaging.
- Standardizing packaging formats and improving labeling for reusable packaging to enable consumers to make more sustainable choices. The European Commission's Directorate-General for the Environment oversees the regulation’s implementation.
- Transition towards climate neutrality by 2050: Reducing the use of virgin raw materials and lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with packaging production.
Restrictions on Hazardous Substances
Consumer safety and environmental protection are priorities of the PPWR. In accordance with Article 5, packaging placed on the market must be designed to minimize the presence and concentration of hazardous substances in packaging materials and components, including emissions and waste treatment by-products. These requirements also aim to reduce the harmful effects of microplastics from packaging on the environment.
A report will be prepared by the European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on the presence of hazardous substances in packaging and packaging components. Risk assessments will be conducted for substances that negatively impact the reuse and recycling of packaging materials. Following these risk assessments, additional restrictions may be introduced.
From 2026, restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will be applied. As of August 12, 2026, packaging containing PFAS concentrations exceeding the limits set in Article 5 of the PPWR will be banned. This measure aims to limit exposure to these persistent and potentially harmful chemicals.
Reduction of Packaging Waste
Waste prevention is a core principle of the PPWR. EU Member States are required to reduce packaging waste per capita by:
- 5% by 2030
- 10% by 2035
- 15% by 2040, compared to 2018 levels.
This progressive reduction encourages businesses to rethink their packaging strategies, eliminating unnecessary elements and optimizing design to minimize material use. From 2030, grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging must comply with a maximum empty space ratio of 50%, limiting unnecessary over-packaging.
Recyclability and Recycled Content
To achieve full recyclability by 2030, the PPWR sets strict design-for-recycling criteria. Packaging must be designed to facilitate sorting and recycling, with recyclability performance rated from A to E. From 2030, only packaging classified A, B, or C (with a recyclability rate of at least 70%) will be allowed on the market.
Additionally, specific targets have been set for recycled content in plastic packaging:
- By 2030:
- 30% for PET packaging intended for food contact.
- 10% for other plastic packaging in contact with food.
- 30% for single-use plastic bottles.
- By 2040:
- 50% for PET packaging intended for food contact.
- 50% for other plastic packaging in contact with food.
- 65% for single-use plastic bottles.
These measures aim to reduce dependency on virgin resources.
Promotion of Reuse and Refill Systems
The PPWR strongly encourages reuse and refill systems. It defines specific criteria for reusable packaging. Packaging meets these criteria if it is designed to be refilled multiple times without damage and without posing a risk to users.
Harmonization of Labeling and Consumer Information
To facilitate sorting and recycling, the PPWR introduces a harmonized labeling system across the EU. Packaging must display material composition information and provide clear recycling instructions. Reusable packaging must also include information on its reusability and collection points, with additional details accessible via QR codes.
This standardization aims to enhance waste management and raise consumer awareness of sustainable practices.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The PPWR reinforces the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, including collection, recycling, and disposal.
Producers must register with national databases and financially contribute to waste management systems, incentivizing the design of more sustainable packaging and waste reduction at the source.
Bans and Restrictions on Certain Types of Packaging
To reduce pollution from unnecessary packaging, the PPWR introduces a phased ban on specific types of packaging deemed non-essential. The main restrictions include:
- Ban on single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables from 2030.
- Elimination of mini shampoo bottles and small disposable packaging in hotels.
- Reduction of complex multi-layered packaging, which is often difficult to recycle.
Impact on Businesses and Consumers
The implementation of the PPWR could lead to major changes for economic players and consumers.
Manufacturers will need to rethink their packaging design to comply with the new recyclability and reuse standards. Similarly, the increase in recycled content quotas will require companies to secure their supply of secondary materials. Finally, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will impose higher financial contributions based on the environmental impact of the packaging placed on the market.
Consumers will need to adapt to evolving consumption habits, particularly regarding waste sorting and the phase-out of single-use packaging. Additionally, the higher cost of reusable packaging could be passed on to consumers, although long-term savings and environmental benefits are expected.
Conclusion
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) represents a turning point for the packaging industry and waste management in Europe. By prioritizing consumer safety and environmental protection, along with packaging reduction, recyclability, and reuse, the regulation aligns industrial practices with the EU’s sustainability objectives.
A major initial measure will be the ban on packaging containing excessive levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These compounds, known for their persistence in the environment and potential toxicity, will be subject to strict thresholds set by the PPWR.
As EU Member States transpose these rules into national legislation, it will be crucial to support stakeholders in ensuring a smooth transition towards a more circular and environmentally friendly packaging model.
Any questions? Contact us free of charge and with no obligation!
Would you like an overview of the main packaging requirements? See our last PPWR article.
