PPWR – The European Packaging Regulation

Currently, more than 80 million tons of packaging waste are generated in the EU every year. The PPWR (short for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) aims to change this. Regulation (EU) 2025/40 serves to harmonize packaging requirements. It came into force on February 11, 2025. From August 12, 2026, most of the requirements will be binding in all EU member states.

The objectives of the PPWR:

• Reduce packaging waste
• Increase recycling rates
• Strengthen the circular economy

Core obligations for companies:

• Reusability of packaging (reusable quotas)
• Design for recycling: Only recyclable packaging permitted
• Recyclate content: Minimum quotas for recyclates mandatory
• Uniform labeling for consumers
• Data and documentation requirements for manufacturers, importers, and distributors

Types of packaging affected:

• Sales packaging
• Collective packaging
• Transport packaging
• Service packaging
• Primary production packaging
• Reusable packaging

Substance bans and restrictions have also been established. For example, no carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxins may be used, nor may any substances with known environmental or health risks. A limit of ≤ 100 ppm has been set for lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium.

In addition, the Digital Product Passport (DPP) will be mandatory for certain packaging from 2030.

Penalties for violations can range from product recalls and market bans to fines (e.g., €50,000 for missing labeling) and will inevitably damage a company’s reputation.

What companies should do now:

• Analyze their packaging portfolio
• Involve suppliers and collect data
• Adapt design processes
• Incorporate reuse and recycling into their planning at an early stage
• Find out about EPR systems and licenses

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