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, per capita packaging waste is to be reduced by 15% compared to 2018 through
► The introduction of more efficient packaging designs
► The use of reusable materials
► The minimization of unnecessary packaging
Interim targets also apply here:
► A 5% reduction by 2030 compared to 2018
► A 10% reduction by 2035 compared to 2018
► A 15% reduction by 2040 compared to 2018
Recycling Strategy
The PPWR calls for evaluating the recyclability of packaging in the future based on defined criteria and performance levels. Starting in 2030, requirements for design for recycling are to take effect more strongly. Starting in 2035, additional consideration will be given to whether packaging can be recycled on a large scale.
The specific assessment of recyclability depends on the particular packaging, material composition, packaging category, collection and sorting infrastructure, and the calculation methods that will apply in the future.
Therefore, statements regarding recyclability should always be verified on a product- and packaging-specific basis and supported by the relevant technical information and evidence available.
Based on the European Commission’s calculation method, the following applies:
Starting in 2030: All packaging, except for transport and retail packaging, must be at least 70% recyclable (Design for Recycling) / Performance Levels A (≥ 95%), B (≥ 80%), and C (≥ 70%). All packaging with a recyclability rate below 70% is considered technically non-recyclable and may not be placed on the market. Starting in 2035: “Large-scale” recycling of packaging waste (Recycling at Scale) -> Requirement: For each packaging category, the EU-wide recycled content must be at least 55% (with the exception of wood, which is 30%) Starting in 2038: Only packaging that meets the recycling standards of performance level A or B (80% or more) may be placed on the market. Packaging from performance level C will no longer be permitted.
Strengthening the Material Cycle
The PPWR aims to promote the use of secondary raw materials in certain packaging sectors and to align material use more closely with regulatory requirements, recyclability, and packaging minimization.
- Assessing the use of recycled content, to the extent required by regulations and technically feasible.
- Reducing unnecessary packaging components, provided that product protection and functionality are still ensured.
- Taking recycling-related requirements into account in packaging design.
- Documenting relevant material and packaging information.
Emissions- and resource-related requirements
The PPWR is part of European guidelines on resource use, packaging reduction, recyclability, and the use of secondary raw materials. For companies, this means that in the future they will need to evaluate packaging more closely based on specific requirements regarding materials, recycling, and documentation. Statements regarding CO₂ impacts, resource use, or environmental effects should only be used if they are based on a verifiable calculation with clearly defined system boundaries, methodology, time frame, and basis for comparison.
Harmonization of Requirements
The PPWR is intended to establish more uniform requirements for packaging and packaging waste across the EU. The goal is to harmonize the single market while at the same time establishing more binding regulations regarding packaging minimization, recyclability, recycled content, labeling, and producer responsibility. For companies, this may mean more thoroughly documenting and regularly reviewing packaging data, material compositions, supporting documentation, and labeling requirements.
Use of Post-Consumer Recycled Material
Starting in January 2030, all packaging placed on the market in the EU must contain a specified minimum percentage of post-consumer recycled content (PCR). For this requirement to apply, each type of plastic material used must account for at least 5% of the total weight of the packaging unit. The specific requirements depend on the type of packaging, the material, contact requirements, exemptions, and the calculation method.
The mandated minimum percentages of recycled content come from the recycling of post-consumer waste and are calculated as an average per manufacturing facility per year: Food-contact packaging made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (excluding single-use plastic beverage bottles) must contain at least 30% PCR content starting in 2030 and at least 50% starting in 2040. Food-contact packaging made from plastics other than PET (excluding single-use plastic beverage bottles) must contain at least 10% PCR content starting in 2030 and at least 25% starting in 2040. Single-use plastic beverage bottles must contain at least 30% PCR content starting in 2030 and at least 65% starting in 2040. Other plastic packaging must contain at least 35% PCR content starting in 2030 and at least 65% starting in 2040. These new requirements are intended to strengthen the circular economy in the EU and further promote the use of recycled plastics in packaging. The specific requirements for recycled content depend on the type of packaging, material, contact requirements, exemptions, and the applicable calculation method. Recycled content should therefore always be reported on a product- and material-specific basis and documented with appropriate evidence.
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.
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