Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation — Supplier Intelligence
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 · In force since 22 January 2025
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is the EU regulation that sets requirements for packaging and packaging waste — covering design, materials, labelling, reuse and recycling. The regulation applies to everyone who places packaging or packaged products on the EU market.
Important: Many obligations take effect from 12 August 2026 (18 months after entry into force).
PPWR affects virtually everyone who places packaging or packaged products on the EU market. The role must be established per packaging type and SKU:
Manufacturer
of packaging or packaged product
Importer / Distributor
placing products on EU market
Producer (EPR)
may vary per member state
Packer / Filler
fills product into sales or transport packaging
Rule of thumb: If packaging is placed on the market under your own name/brand, importers and distributors may take on "manufacturer" obligations (PPWR Art. 21).
Applies to: primary/sales packaging, grouped and transport packaging (B2C and B2B).
Recyclability / design-for-recycling
All packaging must be "recyclable" per PPWR criteria. Deadline: all packaging recyclable by 2030.
Recycled content (plastic)
Plastic packaging must contain a percentage of recycled material, with increasing targets towards 2030/2040.
Minimisation / no unnecessary packaging
Less empty space, fewer unnecessary layers. Concrete deadlines 2028/2030 depending on packaging type.
Labelling / end-user information
Harmonised labels: material info, disposal instruction, return instruction for reuse.
Reuse / refill / deposit-return
Promotion of reuse and deposit & return systems. Certain single-use plastics will be restricted or banned.
Substances of concern (incl. PFAS)
PFAS ("forever chemicals") will be restricted and banned in packaging. Effective from 12 August 2026.
Conformity assessment + Declaration of Conformity
From 12 Aug 2026: packaging must demonstrably comply via conformity assessment, with DoC and technical documentation.