PPWR -
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is a new European Union regulation, directly applicable in the Member States, which aims to reduce packaging waste, improve the recyclability of packaging and promote circular economy throughout the EU. It replaces the previous Packaging Directive and introduces stricter, uniform obligations for all market players.
A summary of the key objectives and impacts of the PPWR
Reduction of packaging waste:
The Regulation sets targets for the reduction of packaging waste, both in terms of volume and in relation to the population, for example, in Finland the target is to reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040 compared to 2018 levels.
Increasing recycling:
The regulation requires improving the recyclability of packaging and increasing the use of recycled materials.
Promoting reuse:
The regulation encourages companies to switch to reusable packaging and packaging systems.
Ban on certain single-use plastic packaging:
The regulation bans certain single-use plastic packaging, such as plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg and plastic group packs.
Increasing the use of recycled plastic:
The regulation sets targets for the use of recycled plastic in plastic packaging, for example, the proportion of recycled plastic in plastic bottles must be at least 30% by 2030 and 65% by 2040 .
Corporate responsibilities:
The PPWR imposes new obligations on packaging producers, affecting, among other things, raw material sourcing and contracts with suppliers of recycled materials.
Transition periods and application:
- The regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025, but will apply from 12 August 2026.
- The Regulation contains a number of transitional periods and exemptions to the various requirements.
PPWR - Important dates
| SCHEDULE | EVENT | ARTICLE |
|---|---|---|
18 months after the PPWR enters into force (summer 2026) |
Ban on PFAS in food contact materials |
Art. 5.5 |
24 months after the entry into force of the PPWR (Q4 2026) |
Adoption of the tourism weighting by Member States |
Art. 43.2 |
12.8.2026 |
Implementing legislation on labelling ready (JRC work) |
Art. 11-12 |
36 months after the entry into force of the PPWR (Q4 2027) |
Compostable packaging requirements in force |
Art. 9.1 and 9.3 |
1.1.2028 |
Confirmation of the details of the pooling systems |
Art. 29.12 |
1.1.2030 |
New reuse targets in force (several forms) |
Art. 29.1-29.6 |
1.1.2030 |
Ban on packaging formats listed in Annex V on the EU market |
Art. 25 and Annex V |
1.1.2030 |
Packaging waste prevention targets in place (5% in first phase) |
Art. 43 |
1.1.2030 |
Packaging labelling (separate collection and material codes) widely enforced |
Art. 11 |
1.1.2030 |
Wide application of the new producer responsibility rules (EPR) |
Art. 40-47 |
1.1.2030 |
Specific take-back obligations for reusable packaging |
Art. 29.9 |
1.1.2030 (Special extension) |
Extension of Annex V prohibitions (Member States may maintain their own additional prohibitions) |
Art. 70.4 |
1.1.2035 (mid-term review) |
First impact assessment and possible revision of the PPWR |
Art. 68 |
1.1.2040 |
Higher targets for reusable packaging (e.g. 70% B2B) |
Art. 29.1-29.6 |
7 years after the entry into force of the PPWR |
European Commission assessment of the impact of the Annex V bans and, if necessary, further restrictions |
Art. 25.5 |