ComplyMatrix

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Overview

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), officially Regulation (EU) 2025/40, is a new EU regulation that overhauls the rules for packaging and packaging waste. It applies from 12 August 2026 and sets mandatory requirements for all packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of the product inside. The regulation aims to make packaging more sustainable by requiring it to be recyclable, minimised, and properly labelled, and by setting reuse targets and extended producer responsibility obligations.

Timeline

Adoption: The regulation was adopted in 2025.
Application: The regulation applies from 12 August 2026.
Recyclability requirement: By 2030, all packaging must be recyclable.

Who is affected / Scope

The PPWR applies to all packaging and packaging waste placed on the EU market (Article 2). This includes packaging for products sold to consumers and businesses, regardless of the material (plastic, paper, glass, metal, etc.) or the product inside. If your company places packaged products on the EU market, you are affected.

Key obligations

Recyclability: Packaging must be designed for recycling, with a requirement that all packaging be recyclable by 2030.
Packaging minimisation: Packaging must be minimised to the amount necessary for safety, hygiene, and acceptance of the product.
Labelling: Packaging must be labelled with material identification information to facilitate sorting and recycling.
Reuse targets: The regulation sets targets for the reuse of certain packaging types.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR): Producers must comply with EPR obligations for packaging waste management.

What it means for your business

Your company must assess its packaging to ensure compliance with the new requirements. This includes verifying that packaging is recyclable, minimised, and correctly labelled. You may need to redesign packaging, update labelling, and implement systems to track and report on packaging data. Non-compliance could result in restrictions on placing your products on the EU market, so early preparation is essential.

Verification checklist

[ ] Conduct a packaging recyclability assessment to ensure your packaging meets the 2030 recyclability requirement.
[ ] Verify that your packaging is minimised according to the regulation's criteria.
[ ] Ensure that packaging labels include the required material identification information.
[ ] Check if your packaging types are subject to reuse targets and develop a plan to meet them.
[ ] Review your extended producer responsibility obligations and ensure you are registered and reporting as required.
[ ] Stay informed about any delegated acts or implementing rules that may provide further details on compliance.