Packaging plays a vital role in protecting and transporting our goods. Unfortunately, it also represents a significant portion of our waste. To reduce packaging waste, European and national governments are implementing increasingly strict regulations. The PPWR aims to limit packaging use and promote the use of reusable packaging. All packaging must be recyclable and partially made from recycled materials. This creates both obligations and opportunities to save money.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation PPWR (2025/40) officially entered into force on 11 February 2025, and the measures will be phased in across all Member States from 12 August 2026, with full implementation as of January 2030.

What does the PPWR mean for you as a packaging material manufacturer, brand owner, caterer, supermarket, exporter of agricultural and horticultural products, or e-commerce company?

PPWR – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU 2025/40)

The PPWR regulations represent a significant change compared to the previous PPWD directives. This new regulation covers the entire lifecycle of all packaging and packaging waste. The aim is to achieve the efficient functioning of the internal market by:

• reducing the amount of packaging waste
• reducing volume and weight
• increasing the reuse of packaging
• making packaging recyclable (design for recycling)
• increasing the share of recyclates in plastic packaging

This PPWR regulation is an integral part of the Green Deal and the New Circular Economy Action Plan. The directive consists of two parts: the requirements that EU Member States must meet to prevent packaging waste, and the requirements that producers/importers must meet.

Requirements for EU Member States

Each EU Member State must reduce the amount of packaging waste per capita, compared to 2018 levels, by 5% in 2030, 10% in 2035, and 15% in 2040.

Requirements for Manufacturers/Importers

Manufacturers/importers and brand owners must comply with the minimum sustainability requirements (Articles 5-12) and report on these requirements accurately, including a packaging file and a declaration of conformity.

Only packaging that complies with Articles 5 through 12 of this regulation may be placed on the European market.

Article 5: Requirements for substances in packaging
Article 6: Recyclable packaging
Article 7: Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging
Article 8: Biobased feedstock in plastic packaging
Article 9: Compostable packaging
Article 10: Packaging minimization
Article 11: Reusable packaging
Article 12: Labeling of packaging

Before placing packaging on the European market, you, as a manufacturer/importer, must conduct a conformity assessment. This involves an assessment procedure in which you, as the manufacturer/importer, declare that the packaging in question meets the requirements of Articles 5 through 12 of this regulation. The assessment includes determining the minimum packaging volume and weight required to ensure functionality. The methodology for conducting this assessment is detailed in Annex IV and documented in accordance with the assessment method in Annex VII. This must be documented in a packaging file.

How can you comply with all the regulations?

We can support you with:

• Determining your strategy, its implementation and monitoring
• A presentation/workshop on the impact of the PPWR regulations on your specific business activities
• Preparing a (basic) packaging file, in accordance with the latest GS1 PAC Standard

More information?

Please contact our experts: Siem Haffmans or Esmée Bakker