(EU) 2025/40
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is the EU’s new legislation that replaces the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC). It sets harmonized rules for all Member States to reduce packaging waste and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
PPWR is part of the European Green Deal and the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. It is designed to reduce environmental impact from packaging and support Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050.
For businesses, this means that packaging is no longer just a technical detail — it is a strategic issue. Companies will need to adapt their packaging portfolios, processes, and data management to meet the new requirements.
If a Member State finds that packaging does not meet PPWR requirements, the company may be required to correct the issue or withdraw the packaging from the market. Persistent non-compliance can result in national sanctions or sales bans.
All packaging must be recyclable by 2030, following EU-wide criteria. This means materials, inks, adhesives, and formats need to be designed for effective recycling at scale.
Packaging must not contain unnecessary material. From 2030, empty space in grouped, transport, or e-commerce packaging may not exceed 50%.
Plastic packaging must include minimum levels of recycled plastic by 2030. Targets differ depending on packaging & plastic type (Example PET bottles or contact-sensitive packaging have specific requirements).
New binding targets require companies in sectors like beverages, take-away, and e-commerce to use reusable packaging and enable refill options.
Certain packaging, like tea bags, coffee capsules, and very lightweight carrier bags, must be compostable in industrial facilities. For most other packaging, recyclability is the main requirement.
From 2026, manufacturers must prepare technical documentation and EU declarations of conformity, and mark packaging with manufacturer details.
From 2031, companies must report packaging data to the EU — covering recyclability, recycled content and minimisation.
At Pacspace, we combine expertise in EU legislation, circular design, and packaging strategy. Together, we support companies in understanding PPWR, building compliance roadmaps, and turning regulatory demands into practical, sustainable packaging solutions.
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