PPWR -
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

The Regulation started to apply on 12 August 2026.

Please note that on Sumi’s website, the PPWR is primarily addressed from the perspective of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging.

REGULATION (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and packaging waste (PPWR)

Guidance Document for PPWR

FAQ Document

PPWR in Practice Webinar Materials

You can access presentation materials from the PPWR in Practice webinar held on 19 May 2026 here. The page also includes answers to questions asked during the webinar.

PPWR - Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is a European Union regulation aimed at reducing packaging waste, improving recyclability of packaging, and promoting circular economy across the EU. The Regulation introduces stricter and harmonised obligations for all market operators.

As an EU regulation, the PPWR has entered into force directly in all EU Member States and takes precedence over national packaging legislation.

Key Objectives of the PPWR

Reduce the amount of packaging waste
Ensure that all packaging is recyclable or reusable by 2030
Increase the use of recycled materials, particularly in plastic packaging
Reduce harmful chemicals in packaging
Harmonise the EU internal market

The Regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025, and its provisions started to apply gradually from 12 August 2026.

Branded packaging

If a company has packaging or a packaged product manufactured under its own name or trademark, the company is considered the manufacturer and will therefore be responsible for extended producer responsibility and reporting obligations for such branded packaging.

In these cases, producer responsibility has transferred from one operator to another as of 12 August 2026.

Transport packaging

For transport packaging, the producer responsible will be the manufacturer, importer, or distributor of the packaging. Previously, the responsibility typically rested with the packer or importer.

In these cases, producer responsibility has transferred from one operator to another as of 12 August 2026.

New packaging types subject to reporting

Tea bags and coffee capsules used in coffee machines will be classified as packaging and will fall within the scope of extended producer responsibility. Consequently, they must be reported.

From 12 August 2026, tea bags and coffee capsules are reported in SumiOn.

Authorised Representative for Distance Sellers

For distance selling within the EU, the producer must appoint an authorised representative in each Member State where it sells packaged products directly to end users. The authorised representative must be established in that Member State.

Sumi can act as an authorised representative in Finland for its distance-selling customers.

Restricted substances in packaging

Heavy metals (Pb, Cr6, Cd, Hg) are prohibited in all packaging, and PFAS substances are prohibited in food-contact packaging.

Packaging placed on the market after 12 August 2026 must comply with the limit values set for the substances mentioned above.

Compliance requirement

Manufacturers will be required to provide a Declaration of Conformity (EU DoC) for packaging concerning PFAS compounds and heavy metals. The declaration must include identification details such as the type, batch, serial number, or other equivalent information enabling traceability.

PPWR - Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation ​