EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, is the European Union’s new regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces the previous Packaging Directive. The Regulation entered into force in 2025 and will apply in EU Member States from 12 August 2026 onwards.

The objective of the Regulation is to promote a circular economy and a sustainable future by:

gradually reducing the amount of packaging waste
promoting the recyclability and recycling of packaging
increasing the use of recycled materials, especially in plastic packaging
reducing the use of hazardous substances in packaging
harmonising the EU internal market.

Key impacts of PPWR

PPWR introduces new obligations for packaging producers and new requirements for packaging. The requirements apply to all B2B and B2C packaging placed on the EU market and cover all stages of the packaging lifecycle, from manufacturing and distribution to use, waste management and recycling.

Compared with previous legislation, the Regulation includes, among other things:

more directly applicable and binding requirements instead of general targets only
specific targets for the reuse of packaging materials, refill and recycled content, as well as the share of recyclable plastic components in packaging
stricter design requirements for packaging recyclability and reusability, including requirements related to material composition, labelling and hazardous substances.

More information
PPWR Regulation on the EU website

EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

Key impacts of PPWR

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation EU 2025/40