EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
The new EU Packaging Regulation came into full force on August 12, 2026 , introducing new obligations and requirements for supply chain operators. Understanding the regulatory framework and planning the necessary actions in advance is essential to ensuring compliance.
Below is an overview of what PPWR is, its objectives, the obligations it entails for the various players in the supply chain, and how Interzero can support companies with dedicated solutions and expertise.
What you will find on this page:
What is PPWR?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the new European legislation on packaging . The Regulation replaces and repeals EU Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste.
The new Regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025 and is generally applicable from 12 August 2026. Some requirements have later deadlines.
The PPWR is directly applicable in the Member States: its provisions are immediately binding and do not require transposition into national law. However, Member States must adopt the necessary measures for their national implementation.
Learn all about PPWR by downloading our free whitepaper.
The main stages of the PPWR
- 2022 – Draft published: The European Commission publishes the draft PPWR, with concrete targets for reducing packaging waste and requirements for packaging.
- 2024 – Approval in trilogue: The European Parliament and the Council of the EU approve the Regulation.
- 2025 – Entry into force: The PPWR enters into force on 12 February 2025, 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal.
- 2026 – Applicability: 18 months after entry into force, the PPWR becomes binding from August 12, 2026.
- 2030 – Minimum recycling quotas: the recycling quotas, currently only required for single-use beverage bottles, will be extended to all types of packaging.
Objectives of the PPWR
The PPWR is a central element of the European strategy for sustainability and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050. It aims to promote the circular economy of packaging and reduce negative environmental impacts, making producers and other operators more responsible.
Main objectives:
- Reduction of packaging waste: reduction of waste per capita in Member States, elimination of unnecessary or oversized packaging
- Increased reuse: diffusion of multi-use packaging systems and refills
- Strengthening recycling and the circular economy: by 2030, all packaging must be recyclable, with recyclability already considered at the design stage.
- Greater use of recycled material: more recycled plastic in packaging, to reduce the consumption of virgin raw materials
- Clearer labelling: Standardised labels to make it easier for consumers to recycle properly.
- Uniform rules across Member States: a harmonized regulatory framework to ensure compliance by economic operators
What changes for businesses?
The new Regulation introduces stringent and uniform rules at the European level that force manufacturers and distributors to rethink their packaging strategies.
Compliance and documentation
• Each type of packaging will have to pass a conformity assessment procedure.
• Manufacturers will have to draw up a technical file and an EU Declaration of Conformity.
• Only correctly labelled and PPWR compliant packaging may be placed on the market.
Circular design and recyclability (from 2030)
• All packaging must be designed for end-of-life recycling.
• Non-recyclable packaging will be banned in the EU from 2030.
Minimum recycled content quotas
• Some plastic packaging will have to include a mandatory quota of recycled material.
• Retailers will only be able to sell packaging that complies with these requirements.
Packaging reduction and efficiency
• Binding targets to reduce packaging waste.
• Stringent limits on empty space, weight and dimensions: unnecessary packaging equals non-compliance.
Transparent labeling
• Harmonized icons and codes to simplify separate waste collection for consumers.
• Clear information requirements for producers and importers.
Compostability and bio-based materials
• The Commission will evaluate the use of bioplastics.
• Some types of packaging will have to become compostable.
Reuse and charging systems
• Mandatory requirements for reusable packaging.
• Compliance shall be demonstrated in the evaluation process.
In short, the PPWR requires companies to invest in eco-friendly materials, intelligent design, and rigorous compliance processes. Early adopters reduce risks , secure market access, and strengthen their sustainability leadership.
Are you aware of your role and the measures you now need to implement?
For every economic operator, the first step is to identify their role, from which specific obligations arise.
Please note: the same operator can hold multiple roles at the same time, such as producer and manufacturer.
- The manufacturer produces packaging or packaged products, or outsources their design or production to third parties under its own brand. It must ensure that the packaging complies with sustainability and labeling requirements.
- The producer is the first person to place packaging or packaged products on the market in the Member State where the packaging becomes waste. This role may be held by the manufacturer, the importer, or the distributor, and is responsible for EPR obligations at the national level.
- The importer is the first operator to place packaging from third countries on the EU market, and can only do so if it complies with the PPWR.
- The distributor makes packaging or packaged products available on the market without being the manufacturer or importer; he or she must verify the presence of the labeling and the conformity of the packaging.
- The supplier supplies packaging or packaging materials to the manufacturer and makes available the data required for PPWR documentation (material composition, technical data sheets, test reports).
Overview of key responsibilities and application timelines
The PPWR requires companies to invest in materials with reduced environmental impact, sustainable design solutions, and integrated compliance processes across the entire value chain. Acting promptly helps secure market access, reduce regulatory risks, and strengthen their position as sustainability leaders.
PPWR Documentation
Deadline: First obligations to be fulfilled by August 12, 2026 Who is involved: Manufacturers; distributors and importers must verify that the required documentation is available
Key points:
- All packaging placed on the EU market must have completed a conformity assessment procedure
- Technical documentation is required along with a PPWR declaration of conformity
- All packaging placed on the market must comply with the PPWR
How Interzero can help: To simplify the compliance process, Interzero has developed the Check for Recycling tool, an online service for managing packaging, having it assessed, and generating declarations of conformity.
PPWR and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)
Deadline: The PPWR maintains EPR obligations, strengthening their harmonization at EU level; EPR contributions will be increasingly linked to eco-modulation based on recyclability.
Who is involved: the “producer” for EPR purposes may coincide with the manufacturer, importer or distributor, who must fulfil national EPR obligations (registration, membership in a system or financing of disposal, declaration of quantities)
Key points:
- EPR obligations remain unchanged in substance, but the PPWR strengthens their harmonisation at EU level
- For cross-border distribution, an EPR authorised representative in the relevant Member State may be required
- EPR contributions will increasingly reflect the environmental characteristics of the packaging, in particular the recyclability class
How Interzero can help: Interzero organizes packaging licensing throughout Europe and offers consulting on all EPR issues. The Lizenzero digital platform is the ideal solution for small and medium volumes.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The further development of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a key aspect of the European Packaging Regulation , which promotes the assumption of responsibility by packaging producers and distributors in the form of financial participation. This concept requires companies to assume full responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, including the take-back, reuse, and recycling of packaging. The goal is to encourage the use of sustainable materials, exploit recycling options, and reduce companies’ environmental footprint. This will reduce waste, strengthen the circular economy, and encourage the transition to more sustainable production and consumption practices.
EPR systems are designed to cover the costs of collecting, sorting, and recycling used packaging waste while simultaneously incentivizing the use of recyclable packaging and post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. In the future, EPR systems tailored to environmental impact should encourage companies to switch to more sustainable packaging alternatives, thus making a positive contribution to environmental protection.
Currently, Europe has a large number of different EPR systems for packaging, implemented by individual member states. To remain compliant, companies must take into account the applicable packaging regulations in their respective countries.
Recycled materials and PCR (post-consumer recycled material)
Recycled materials are derived from post-consumer plastic waste, sorted, cleaned, and transformed into new granules. Interzero operates plants that transform plastics such as PE, PP, PET, or EPS into high-quality granules, the basis for new products in industry and commerce.
With PPWR, the use of recycled plastic becomes even more central: companies will be required to demonstrate a mandatory percentage of recycled material in their packaging and ensure it is designed for recycling. As a recycling partner, Interzero supports companies with certified processes and recycled granules that already meet these requirements.
The use of PCR (post-consumer recycled) in particular helps close the packaging loop, reduce CO₂ emissions, and effectively implement the transition to a circular economy. From 2030, in addition to the general recyclability requirement, binding minimum quotas for the use of PCR will be established, which vary based on the type of packaging and the material used.
An industry study commissioned by Interzero shows that, even in the most favorable scenario, approximately 1 million tons of high-quality PCR will be missing, potentially impacting brands and packaging manufacturers in terms of fines, production shutdowns, and increased costs. The study identifies the causes of the future shortage and proposes solutions, from design for recycling to long-term supply contracts. Request the full study by filling out the form.
Main packaging categories involved
The PPWR applies generally to all packaging placed on the EU market , regardless of material, sector, and whether it is empty or filled. This includes sales, secondary, and transport packaging, e-commerce and service packaging, and primary production packaging. All materials are covered (plastic, paper/cardboard, glass, metal, wood, etc.), although individual requirements apply only to certain materials:
- Plastic packaging : recycled content, recyclability, PFAS limits (where relevant)
- Transport packaging : reuse targets, empty space limits
- E-commerce packaging : limits on empty space (maximum 50% by 2030)
- Beverage packaging : recycling targets, deposit systems, separate collection, (partial) reuse targets
- Compostable packaging : industrial compostability requirements and labeling
- Food packaging : some exceptions and specific requirements, for example for the share of recycled content in food contact materials and the new PFAS limits
Please note: exemptions from individual obligations (never from the PPWR as a whole) are very limited, for example for the healthcare sector or for packaging with specific hygiene or safety requirements.
The importance of recyclable packaging
Saving resources
Reduced use of raw materials, energy and water.
Waste reduction
Transforming materials into new products, reducing overall waste volumes.
Environmental protection
Lower CO₂ emissions and less air pollution.
Circular economy
Creating a closed loop where materials are continuously reused.
Consumer preferences
The demand for products with sustainable packaging is growing rapidly.
Long-term sustainable investment
Initial costs offset by future savings and a lasting competitive advantage.
How recyclable is your packaging today?
Our scientific analysis provides the answer to this question. Our experts analyze your packaging samples according to standardized criteria. We offer comprehensive consulting and work with you to develop practical proposals for sustainable packaging optimization. This way, you will be optimally prepared for the requirements of the European PPWR Regulation.
Risks in case of non-compliance
Failure to comply with PPWR obligations poses significant risks . As it is an EU Regulation, its provisions apply directly in all Member States; enforcement (sanctions, penalties) is entrusted to national authorities.
Possible consequences:
- Market surveillance measures: Authorities can challenge non-compliant packaging, require corrective action or ban its placing on the market.
- Sanctions: Member States must provide for effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, in accordance with their national legislation.
- Sales or delivery bans: Non-compliant packaging may be withdrawn from the market, with possible interruptions to production or supply
- Civil and contractual risks: Violations may lead to breaches of contract, warranty claims or compensation, especially if supply agreements require compliance with the PPWR
- Reputational and competitive risks: recalls, public reports or negative media coverage can damage the company’s image among customers, partners and investors.
On 30 November 2022, the European Commission presented its proposal for a Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR). Unlike the previous Directive, this new Regulation will be immediately binding in all Member States upon entry into force.
As part of the European Green Deal, the PPWR aims to make Europe more sustainable by 2030 by reducing the environmental impact of packaging and promoting a circular economy.
Main requirements provided by the PPWR:
- Reducing packaging waste
Obligation to design packaging that minimizes material consumption, avoiding unnecessary or non-recyclable solutions. - Recyclability
Packaging must be designed to be easily recycled. - Use of recycled material (PCR)
Plastic packaging must include a minimum amount of post-consumer recycled material, varying depending on the type (food contact packaging, single-use beverage bottles, other packaging). - Labelling and information
Clear labeling requirements and instructions for proper disposal. - Declarations of conformity
Manufacturers will be required to provide detailed declarations at packaging level, which will be used for checks and verifications. - Reuse
Introduction of binding targets for reuse, both in the catering sector and in industrial and transport packaging. - Waste Responsibility
Producers remain subject to EPR and, under national regulations, must finance or organize the collection and recycling of used packaging. - Authorized Representative
Companies distributing packaging in an EU country without a local registered office will have to appoint an authorized representative to fulfill their obligations.
In Europe, each person produces an average of 180 kg of packaging waste per year. Packaging accounts for approximately 40% of plastic and 50% of paper used in the EU. Without action, this waste is expected to increase by 19% by 2030.
Today, EU countries have very different regulations regarding the collection, reduction, and recycling of packaging. Some are pioneers, while others are still lagging behind, especially in terms of recycling rates. This regulatory patchwork represents a huge challenge for international manufacturers and distributors, as well as for e-commerce companies selling across borders.
The PPWR was created precisely to harmonize the rules and simplify the legislative framework, ensuring uniform standards throughout the Union.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is binding for:
- companies with registered offices in an EU country,
- importers of packaging in the European Union,
- domestic and imported products.
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