PPWR – Everything businesses need to know
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a new EU regulation that will bring about lasting change to the packaging industry. It came into force on 11 February 2025 and will become mandatory from 12 August 2026. Its aim is to reduce packaging waste, promote the circular economy and improve the recyclability of packaging.
For companies that produce, import or distribute packaging, the PPWR brings far-reaching changes and new obligations. On this page, you can find out what the regulation means, who is affected and what practical steps you need to take to meet the requirements.
What is the PPWR?
The PPWR replaces the previous EU Packaging Directive and establishes uniform rules for packaging and packaging waste across all EU Member States. It has the following objectives:
Reducing packaging waste: using less packaging material and banning unnecessary packaging.
Improving recyclability: All packaging must be recyclable by 2030.
Promoting the circular economy: increased use of recycled materials and improved collection and recycling systems.
The regulation applies directly across the EU and affects all businesses that place packaging on the market – regardless of their size or sector. Online retailers are a particular focus: they must ensure that their packaging is made from recyclable materials and that packaging sizes are kept to a minimum to avoid wasting materials.
Who is affected by the PPWR?
The PPWR Regulation applies to all businesses that place packaging on the market or use it. This includes, amongst others, online retailers operating in particular in cross-border shipping within the EU, as well as manufacturers who sell products with packaging, and importers who bring packaged goods into the EU from third countries. Marketplace sellers and providers of dropshipping solutions also fall under the regulation. In addition, catering businesses offering takeaway or delivery services, as well as packaging manufacturers and service providers, are affected.
The PPWR presents new challenges, particularly for online retailers. In future, they will have to comply with stricter requirements regarding the design of their shipping packaging, for example with regard to recyclability or the use of certain materials. Another new requirement is the obligation to appoint an authorised representative for shipments to EU countries where the company does not have its own registered office.
Practical obligations under the PPWR for businesses
The PPWR sets out a number of specific requirements in its § articles that companies must comply with. Here is an overview of the key obligations:
1. Designing recyclable packaging
By 2030, all packaging must be designed to be fully recyclable.
Design for recycling: Packaging should consist of separable components that can be recycled individually, based on established collection, sorting and recycling processes.
This often requires adapting the materials or redesigning the packaging, for example by avoiding combinations of materials that are difficult to separate.
2. Meet recycling targets
The PPWR sets binding targets for the recycling of packaging materials.
Companies must demonstrate that a certain proportion of their packaging is recycled and that recycled materials are used in new packaging.
3. Technical documentation and declaration of conformity
Companies must produce technical documentation demonstrating that their packaging complies with the PPWR requirements.
In addition, a declaration of conformity is required to confirm compliance with the regulations.
4. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Companies are responsible for the disposal and recycling of their packaging.
This includes registration with national packaging registers (e.g. LUCID in Germany), the payment of disposal fees and regular reporting on packaging volumes.
5. Labelling requirements
Packaging must be clearly labelled to inform consumers about its recyclability and how to dispose of it properly.
A QR code containing further information is often required.
6. Data collection and quantity reporting
Companies must keep detailed records of the quantities of packaging they place on the market and report this data regularly.
There are concessions for smaller businesses, but the documentation requirement remains in place.
Here you will find much more detailed information on the obligations the PPWR imposes on your business and how you can prepare for them.
What is the declaration of conformity under the PPWR?
Article 39 of the PPWR requires a so-called declaration of conformity for packaging. This is a comprehensive self-declaration by the manufacturer or distributor that the packaging regulations have been duly complied with.
The PPWR introduces a conformity assessment procedure for packaging for the first time. From 12 August 2026, distributors (producers, manufacturers, importers) must carry out the assessment procedure set out in Annex VII of the Regulation before their packaging is placed on the market. This is intended to assess and document compliance with the various design and labelling requirements. To complete this assessment procedure, an EU declaration of conformity for the packaging must be issued in accordance with Annex VIII. This must be submitted to the relevant authorities for inspection upon request.
PPWR: New developments and challenges
According to the latest reports and analyses on the PPWR, there have been further significant developments:
Reusability requirement: Certain types of packaging, particularly in online retail and the catering industry, must be reusable in future.
Stricter plastic regulations: Some plastic packaging will be phased out, particularly non-recyclable composite materials.
Digitisation of evidence: Companies will increasingly be required to provide digital evidence of recycling rates and material compositions.
Simplified approval procedures: Smaller businesses could benefit from simplified reporting requirements to reduce the administrative burden.
Impact on the logistics sector
The logistics sector is particularly affected, as packaging is essential for the safe transport of goods. Companies in this sector must develop innovative solutions to comply with PPWR standards whilst ensuring that products remain protected.
Good to know: Key points in the PPWR:
Minimum recycled content requirements for plastic packaging are to become mandatory:
Under the PPWR, manufacturers must incorporate specified proportions of recycled plastic into packaging. These minimum quotas for recycled content are set at:
30% for PET bottles from 2025
35% for plastic packaging overall from 2030
50% for single-use plastic packaging from 2040
These minimum quotas will be increased gradually and vary according to the type of packaging. The regulations aim to reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and boost plastic recycling. Compliance with these quotas must be documented and verified.
Ban on certain single-use packaging
From 1 January 2030, certain types of packaging may no longer be placed on the market. The PPWR builds on the EU Directive on single-use plastics. Bans on the use of single-use plastic packaging will be expanded. The following will be affected from 1 January 2030:
Single-use plastic outer packaging for bundling goods at the point of sale
Single-use plastic packaging for fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg
Single-use plastic packaging for food and beverages consumed on the premises
Single-use plastic packaging for single-portion sachets of condiments, spices, sauces, coffee cream and sugar
Single-use packaging in hotels, e.g. toiletries
Very lightweight plastic carrier bags under 15 µm
Compostable packaging
From 12 February 2028, the PPWR will require certain types of packaging to be compostable. The aim is to increase the amount of biodegradable packaging in circulation. The products affected include tea bags, coffee pods and stickers for fruit and vegetables.
Individual Member States may prescribe further applications of this requirement: for example, bin liners for bio-waste or coffee capsules. This applies where a collection and disposal infrastructure is in place and further requirements are met.
Labelling of packaging and transparency
According to the PPWR, from 12 August 2028, packaging must be clearly labelled with a standardised or harmonised label. This measure is intended to inform consumers about recyclability and the correct disposal method. This serves to facilitate recycling and reduces the amount of packaging waste disposed of incorrectly.
How can you prepare for the PPWR?
To meet the requirements of the PPWR by the deadline, you should take the following steps:
Conduct an audit: Check your current packaging for recyclability and PPWR compliance.
Adapt your packaging: Invest in sustainable materials and optimised designs.
Prepare documentation: Prepare the technical documentation and the declaration of conformity.
Ensure registration: Register with the national packaging registers and clarify the fee structure.
Train staff: Inform your team about the new requirements and how to implement them.
Early adaptation to the PPWR requirements can not only help avoid penalties but also create competitive advantages. Sustainable packaging and efficient recycling management are increasingly seen as hallmarks of responsible businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PPWR and when does it come into force?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is an EU regulation that came into force on 11 February 2025 and will become mandatory from 12 August 2026. During this 18-month transition period, you have time to prepare. The provisions of the PPWR are to be implemented in stages. Their aim is to reduce packaging waste, promote the circular economy and improve the recyclability of packaging.
Which companies are affected by the PPWR?
The regulation applies to all businesses that place packaging on the market or use it. This includes online retailers, manufacturers, importers, marketplace sellers, drop-shipping providers, catering businesses offering takeaway or delivery services, as well as packaging manufacturers and service providers.
What obligations does the PPWR impose on businesses?
Companies must ensure that their packaging is fully recyclable by 2030, meet specific recycling targets, prepare technical documentation and a declaration of conformity, and assume extended producer responsibility (EPR), including registration and reporting to national authorities.
What does the ‘design for recycling’ requirement in the PPWR mean?
A key element of the PPWR is ‘design for recycling’. Packaging should be designed in such a way that it can be recycled as effectively as possible. There is a rating scale from A to E for this purpose – in future, only packaging with a recycling class of at least C (from 2030) or A (from 2035) will be permitted on the market. The aim is to establish an EU-wide standard for packaging design.
PPWR: What are the key changes compared to the current regulations?
The key differences are: There are now uniform EU-wide requirements that replace individual national regulations. Under the PPWR, all packaging must be recyclable from 2030 onwards. Labelling via QR codes on packaging providing information on materials, recycling and reuse. New, stricter material requirements, which, for example, prohibit unnecessary combinations of materials. A centralised registration system for packaging instead of individual registrations in individual countries.
Does the PPWR make packaging registration easier?
The new PPWR significantly simplifies the registration requirement. Packaging intended for placing on the market will no longer need to be registered individually in each EU Member State. The new regulation aims to introduce a centralised EU-wide registration system. This system is expected to be centrally operated or coordinated by the European Commission. The details (e.g. technical implementation, transition periods) are yet to be set out in implementing regulations.
How does the PPWR affect online retail?
Online retailers are equally affected by the PPWR if they are manufacturers or distributors of packaging. As online retailers, you must therefore also adapt your packaging in line with the new EU Packaging Regulation. For example, under the PPWR, packaging must no longer be unnecessarily large, and so-called ‘deceptive packaging’ is now prohibited.
When are companies considered manufacturers under the PPWR?
A manufacturer is defined as any person who places packaging or packaged products on the market for the first time in an EU Member State. You are considered a manufacturer if: you distribute transport, service or primary production packaging for the first time in the country of origin; you sell products in other packaging directly to end users; you deliver packaging to end users; or you unpack products without being the end customer for those products yourself.
Does the PPWR have an impact on deposit-refund schemes?
Yes, the PPWR provides for the further expansion of deposit and return schemes across the EU. By 1 January 2029, deposit schemes must be in place for the following products: single-use plastic beverage bottles and single-use metal beverage containers, such as aluminium cans, with a capacity of 0.1 to 3 litres. Single-use glass beverage bottles, as well as beverage cartons and reusable packaging. Wine, aromatised wine products, spirits, and milk and milk products are exempt from this requirement.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with the PPWR?
According to the PPWR, various consequences are envisaged for non-compliance with the regulations. Packaging that does not meet the PPWR requirements may then no longer be placed on the market within the EU. Financial penalties in the form of fines will also apply. Exclusion from the market is another measure. In the case of particularly serious infringements, legal sanctions could even be imposed. Details of the sanctions and measures are still being finalised at this stage.