PPWR: what producers need to consider from 12 August 2026 onwards

The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces changes to packaging producer responsibility. The regulation will begin to apply gradually from 12 August 2026, and the changes will have a wide impact on different market actors. 

From a producer’s perspective, it is essential to ensure that packaging data reporting and the fulfilment of producer responsibility obligations continue smoothly after the changes enter into force. Below, we have summarized the key points producers should take into account. 

Producers – key points from 12 August 2026 onwards  

•  Producer responsibility shifts in transport and branded packaging  
  

For branded packaging, it is important to note that if a company has packaging manufactured under its own name, logo, or brand, the company owning the brand will be considered responsible for that packaging from August 12th. Previously, producer responsibility belonged to the company that filled the packaging or to the importer of the packaging. In the case of service packaging or primary production packaging, producer responsibility was assigned to the manufacturer of the packaging. 

Producer responsibility for transport packaging will shift to the manufacturer, importer, or distributor of the packaging. Previously, producer responsibility for transport packaging was held by the company that filled the packaging or by the importer.

It is also important to consider the impact of branding on transport packaging: if a company’s brand is printed on the transport packaging, the company that commissioned the manufacture of the packaging will be considered responsible for producer responsibility for that transport packaging.

•  New packaging to be reported 
  
  Under the PPWR, tea bags and coffee capsules are also defined as packaging. This means that starting from August 12th, they must be reported together with other packaging data.  
  
  
•  Extended cost responsibility for producers 

Producers’ cost responsibility will expand to cover composition studies of mixed waste, labelling to help consumers sort packaging waste (pictograms), as well as measures aimed at preventing and reducing waste generation.  

Not all changes apply directly to producers  

It is important to note that the following changes will also enter into force, but they primarily apply to packaging manufacturers:

• Heavy metals will be banned in all packaging, and PFAS substances in food contact packaging
• A declaration of conformity for packaging regarding these substances, as well as type, batch and serial number information enabling identification of the manufacturer

European Commission publishes long-awaited PPWR guidance 

The European Commission has published a guidance document and a Q&A document on the implementation of the PPWR, providing additional information and practical guidance. 

The guidance clarifies, for example, the definitions of manufacturer, producer, packaging, and single-use plastic packaging. It also provides guidance on the implementation of restrictions related to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

The Q&A document addresses practical questions raised by stakeholders and Member States.

Before formal adoption, the guidance document will be translated into all official EU languages. The Commission is also preparing several delegated and implementing acts related to the PPWR.

Find the PPWR guidance here
Find the Q&A document here

Register for the PPWR in practice -webinar!

Would you like to understand what these changes mean in practice for your business?

We are organizing a PPWR in practice -webinar on 19 May 2026, where the key changes of the Regulation will be explained clearly and in an accessible way. The webinar will feature experts from TUKES, Marita Hiipakka and Tiia Salamäki.

Please note: the webinar will be held in Finnish.

If you have any questions regarding PPWR you can contact us at info@sumi.fi and we will guide you personally.

Register for the webinar here