Packaging Regulation | PPWR
(Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation)
From 2026, the new EU packaging regulation (PPWR) will come into force and present companies with new challenges. Stricter recycling quotas, reusable packaging requirements, and an extended producer responsibility are intended to reduce packaging waste and strengthen the material loop. Here you will learn what the PPWR means and how you can best prepare your company for it.
What is the PPWR?
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) applies to all companies that are based in the EU or place products on the EU market. Particularly affected are sectors such as retail, the food and beverage industry, and consumer goods manufacturers, as packaging plays a central role here. Logistics companies that rely on shipping packaging must also adapt to the new requirements. It applies to both domestic and imported products and aims to establish clear guidelines for the packaging industry. This includes requirements on material selection, recyclability, and waste reduction. The regulation aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and to make the European economy less dependent on primary raw materials. A central aspect of the PPWR is that all packaging must be designed to be recyclable or reusable. This sets new industry standards that ensure packaging is designed sustainably from the outset. Strict recycling classifications ensure that materials used can be efficiently recycled and reused.
When does the Regulation come into effect?
The PPWR comes into effect on 12 August 2026, accompanied by an 18-month transitional period. So it is important that you familiarize yourself with the new requirements early.
Why is the PPWR being introduced?
The regulation aims to reduce packaging waste and promote a closed material loop. Binding requirements should strengthen environmental protection and the sustainable use of resources in the EU. For example, companies must ensure that their packaging is recyclable at a specified percentage. In addition, the use of secondary raw materials in new packaging is required, and packaging should not be used more than necessary to protect the product. Furthermore, take-back systems shall be mandatory so that used materials can be reused more efficiently.
The Extended Producer Responsibility (Extended Producer Responsibility- EPR) is a central component of the PPWR. It transfers more responsibility to producers for the packaging throughout its entire lifecycle. This should motivate manufacturers to develop more sustainable solutions, as they are financially and operationally responsible for the waste their products generate.
Moreover, the PPWR also emphasizes transparency. Companies must document the lifecycle of their packaging, including the materials used and the waste generated. These reporting requirements are intended to support more informed decisions and to foster greater trust. New technologies such as digital labels can help provide information about a product's lifecycle as well as recycling guidance, thereby increasing efficiency and sustainability.
Waste reduction
By 2040 packaging waste per capita should be reduced by 15% compared with 2018 through
► Introduction of more efficient packaging designs
► Use of reusable materials
► Minimization of unnecessary packaging
Intermediate targets also apply here:
► 5% reduction by 2030 compared with 2018
► 10% reduction by 2035 compared with 2018
► 15% reduction by 2040 compared with 2018
Recycling Strategy
Here it will be necessary to measure the recyclability of packaging in performance levels. These should be indicated from 2030 onwards on the basis of criteria for Design of Recycling (recycling-friendly design) and from 2035 onwards on the basis of criteria for recycling at large scale.
By 2030 the European Commission will adopt a calculation method for the recyclability of packaging. By 2030 all packaging should be fully recyclable through the introduction of binding recycling quotas, in particular for plastic packaging:
► 50% by 2025
► 55% by 2030
Based on the calculation method of the European Commission, the following applies:
From 2030: All packaging, except transport and consumer packaging, must be at least 70% recyclable (Design for Recycling) / performance levels A (≥ 95%), B (≥ 80%) & C (≥ 70%). All packaging whose recyclability is below 70% is considered technically non-recyclable and may not be placed on the market.
From 2035: Recycling of packaging waste "at scale" (Recycling at Scale) -> Requirement: For each packaging category the EU-wide recyclate amount must be at least 55% (exception is wood with 30%)
From 2038: In the market only packaging that meets the recycling standards of performance level A or B (80% or more) may be approved. Packaging from performance level C is no longer allowed.
Strengthening the material cycle
The material cycle shall be strengthened by the following measures:
► Reduction in the use of primary raw materials
► Promotion of the secondary raw materials market
► Reduction of dependence on raw material imports
► Promotion of the use of recycled materials and sustainable packaging solutions (reusable packaging)
Climate neutrality by 2050
Resource conservation plays a decisive role on the way to a sustainable circular economy. Through the deliberate use of recycled materials, innovative production processes, and an optimized supply chain, CO₂ emissions can be significantly reduced. Our goal is to continuously minimize the ecological footprint and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Together with strong partners, we are pursuing sustainable solutions to actively shape the transition toward a resource-saving future.
Harmonization of requirements
To promote a sustainable circular economy and to make the internal market more efficient, the EU relies on uniform regulation of packaging and packaging waste. Uniform standards ensure that materials are used efficiently from production through use to disposal and recycling. This not only contributes to reducing environmental burdens but also facilitates cross-border trade for companies within the EU. The harmonization of the regulations creates transparency, promotes innovative and resource-efficient packaging solutions, and ensures sustainable packaging management throughout the life cycle.
Use of Post-Consumer Recycled Content
From January 2030, all packaging placed on the EU market must have a certain minimum content of post-consumer recycled content (PCR). The condition is that each plastic material used constitutes at least 5% of the total weight of the packaging unit.
The prescribed minimum shares of recycled content come from the recycling of post-consumer waste and are calculated as an average per manufacturing operation per year:
Contact-sensitive packaging from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (except single-use plastic beverage bottles) must contain at least 30% PCR content by 2030, at least 50% by 2040.
Contact-sensitive packaging from plastics other than PET (except single-use plastic beverage bottles) must contain at least 10% PCR content by 2030, at least 25% by 2040.
Single-use plastic beverage bottles must contain at least 30% PCR content by 2030, at least 65% by 2040.
Other plastic packaging must have at least 35% PCR content by 2030, at least 65% by 2040. These new requirements are intended to strengthen the circular economy in the EU and further promote the use of recycled plastics in packaging.
Reusable & Take-back Systems
► Expansion of reusable offerings
► Introduction of take-back systems
► Deposit systems for plastic bottles & metal beverage containers. These systems are intended to ensure that recyclables are collected more efficiently and reused.
Mandatory Labeling
The aim of this measure is to create transparency regarding the recyclability and reusability of packaging, to facilitate waste separation for consumers, and to improve consumers' recycling behavior.
► From 2028 onwards, packaging must include mandatory information on packaging type, material composition, recyclability, recycled content, as well as the correct sorting and disposal route. This information must be provided via a QR code or another data carrier.
► The labeling obligation applies to all packaging – with the exception of transport packaging and packaging with deposit and return systems. The aim of this measure is to create transparency and to improve consumers' recycling behavior.
► Uniform EU-wide symbols should facilitate sorting for consumers.
How can you prepare?
The path to compliance with the PPWR begins with a detailed analysis of your current packaging solutions. You can ask yourself the following questions: Are all materials used recyclable? Where can packaging be reduced without compromising product quality? From 2030, a mandatory quota for recycled plastics applies to food packaging – but there is still uncertainty about the exact requirements. A reusable quota will also be required for transport packaging from 2030, which is controversial in the industry. Transport and sales packaging such as IBCs, FIBCs, barrels, buckets (pails), plastic crates without cartons, canisters, stairs, foldable plastic crates, boxes without carton, pallet wraps, pallets must have a 40% reusable quota from 2030. From 2040, the share increases to 70%. Since many details of the PPWR are not yet finally defined, companies must stay flexible and prepare early for possible adjustments.
SHORT & CONCISE
Here you'll find the most important facts summarized once again!
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) applies to all companies in the EU as well as importers and particularly affects the retail sector, the food and beverage industry, consumer goods manufacturers, and logistics companies. It sets clear guidelines on material selection, recyclability, and waste prevention in order to reduce environmental impact and decrease dependence on primary raw materials. A key objective is to ensure that all packaging is recyclable or reusable. Strict recycling classes ensure that materials can be recycled efficiently. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
The regulation aims to reduce packaging waste and close the material cycle. Companies must ensure that a specified percentage of their packaging is recyclable and contains secondary raw materials. In addition, packaging is to be limited to the necessary minimum and take-back systems are to become mandatory. A key element of the PPWR is extended producer responsibility (EPR). It obliges producers to consider the entire life cycle of their packaging and promotes more sustainable solutions through financial and operational responsibility.
Waste reduction
Packaging waste is to be significantly reduced by 2040. This will be achieved through more efficient packaging design, the use of reusable materials, and the minimization of unnecessary packaging. Companies will receive incentives for sustainable solutions, while violations will be sanctioned.
Recycling strategy
From 2030, all packaging must be fully recyclable. Binding recycling quotas will be introduced, and packaging with low recyclability will no longer be allowed on the market. Recyclability will be recorded in performance levels, and investments in recycling technologies will be required.
Strengthening the material cycle
The aim is to reduce the use of primary raw materials, promote the secondary raw materials market, and reduce dependence on raw material imports.
Sustainable circular economy with low CO₂ emissions
The focus is on conserving resources and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Harmonization of packaging requirements in the EU
Uniform standards for the entire life cycle of packaging are intended to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market. There is a particular focus on the use of recycled materials instead of virgin materials.
Mandatory use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials
From 2030, all packaging in the EU must contain a minimum proportion of PCR. The mandatory recycled content will increase gradually until 2040, depending on material and type of packaging.
Reusable and return systems
Expansion of reusable options and introduction of mandatory return systems. Deposit systems for plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and single-use beverage containers for more efficient collection and recycling of recyclable materials.
Mandatory labeling
Packaging (except transport packaging and deposit/return systems) must contain information on materials, recycled content, and disposal via QR code or data carrier. Uniform symbols across the EU make waste separation easier for consumers.
Analysis of packaging solutions:
Are all materials recyclable? Where can packaging be reduced without compromising product quality?
Mandatory quota for recycled plastics:
From 2030, a minimum quota for recycled plastics in food packaging will apply – exact specifications are still unclear.
Reusable requirement for transport packaging:
From 2030, transport and sales packaging such as IBCs, drums, buckets, canisters, and pallets must meet a 100% reusable quota.
Flexibility required:
As many details of the PPWR are not yet final, companies need to prepare for adjustments at an early stage.
Anyone who ignores the provisions of the Packaging Ordinance must expect consequences:
❌ Fines of up to €200,000
❌ Sales ban for unregistered packaging
❌ Loss of reputation among customers and business partners
An entry in the public register is visible to customers – so a lack of registration can quickly lead to a loss of trust.
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