About this article
The EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) impacts which food packaging is allowed and what’s not. In this article, we break down the key objectives, timeline, and rules outlined in the PPWR, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
- PPWR in short
- A timeline
- PPWD versus PPWR
- Who is affected?
- What is a packaging?
- Rules for packaging
- Delegated acts
- What’s next
The Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in short
The objective of the PPWR is to:
- Reduce the amount of packaging
- Prevent packaging waste
- Recycle or reuse packaging as much as possible where packaging waste still occurs
The PPWR aims to create a level playing field for producers and importers of packed products within the European Union. The main objective is to reduce the average amount of packaging waste per EU resident.
A timeline
- 2020 – 2022: The European Commission starts revision of the Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) as part of the EU Green Deal and the Circular economy action plan (CEAP)
- 2023: Political negotiations
- 2024: Legislative process including trilogue between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, with the objective of reaching a final agreement
- 2025: On 11 February 2025, the PPWR entered into force
- 2026: 18 months after the adoption, on 12 August 2026, the PPWR will be effective in the EU member states
- 2030: Key objectives of the PPWR in force, including:
- 5% reduction in packaging waste compared to 2018
- Strict rules for recyclable and reusable packaging
- Compulsory % of recycled content in plastic packaging
- 2035: Recyclable packaging needs to be recycled in practice and packaging waste should be reduced by 10% compared to 2018
The PPWD versus the PPWR: what’s the difference?
The PPWD defined minimum norms, which led to different implementations across EU member states. The PPWR replaces the PPWD and strives for harmonization.
Who is affected by the PPWR?
Different groups have different responsibilities:
- Suppliers of packaging need to provide the required information and documentation to the manufacturer that is going to pack its products in it.
- Manufacturers of products that are packed in the packaging as well as parties importing packed goods in the EU need to assess compliance of the entire packaging as a whole and report on this to local authorities.
- EU member states need to report on packaging and packaging waste.
If you own a small business with under 10 employees and your annual turnover is less than 2 million Euros, you are exempt from the rules.
What is considered a ‘packaging’?
A packaging can be defined as an article meant to enclose, protect or offer a product to another market party, and that can be appointed to a packaging category based on function, material and design.
Considering this definition, the very same item can be considered both packaging and product, depending on the context:
- When you buy a box of Verive bamboo cups at a horeca wholesaler, the cup is considered a product
- When you buy a coffee served in a Verive bamboo cup, the cup is considered a packaging
In the PPWR, different rules apply to different packaging categories (e.g., transport packaging, e-commerce packaging, take-away packaging, primary product packaging).
Does my packaging comply?
Article 5 to 12 of the PPWR cover sustainability requirements packaging needs to comply with. Deadlines vary per article. In some cases, a delegated act applies: the requirements will be defined further at a later stage.
Article 5. Hazardous substances
This article states that hazardous substances in packaging should be kept to a minimum. With this article, the PPWR further reduces the maximum amounts of substances like PFAS allowed in packaging that are already covered in REACH.
As of 12 August 2026, further restrictions on the use of PFAS apply. Check out this article if you want to know more about PFOA and PFAS in food packaging.
Article 6. Recyclable packaging
According to the PPWR, all packaging should be recyclable. Both design for recycling and existing recycling streams play a part. In the table below, you will find classifications of recyclability of the packaging as a whole, including sleeves, lids and other separatable parts. When a packaging is likely to be separated in use, in general parts need to be assessed separately.
As of January 2030, packaging that is not recyclable for >70% is banned.
The EPR fees will be tied to the classifications above. Specific details of how percentages should be determined and how recycling at scale is defined are yet to be announced.
Article 7. Recycled material in packaging
The PPWR provides a minimum percentage of recycled content for plastic packaging. At the moment, PET is the only EFSA approved plastic that can be used for food contact after recycling. All Verive’s rPET products already comply with the minimum percentages of 2040.
Some exceptions apply. For example, for medical products. Exceptions will be revised on 1 January 2028.
Article 8. Biobased materials
The PPWR doens’t say much about biobased materials. They are currently assessed in the same way as packaging that’s not made of biobased materials. This will be evaluated latest 12 February 2028.
Article 9. Compostable packaging
In general, the PPWR focuses on recycling as end-of-life. However, some packaging needs to be industrially compostable:
- Teabags, coffee pads or similar packaging for drinks
- Labels on vegetables and fruit
- Very lightweight plastic bags
These rules apply from 12 February 2028. Learn more about EN:13432 for industrial composting here.
Article 10 and 24. Minimizing packaging
The PPWR wants to reduce packaging where possible to avoid empty spaces, double walls, or additional layers when it’s not necessary. By 2030, the maximum amount of empty space allowed (including filling materials) in e-commerce, group and transport packaging is 50%.
Article 11. Reusable packaging
Also included in the PPWR are reusable packaging systems. Different rules apply for different types of packaging. To learn all about transport packaging, pay a visit to Bunzl Retail & Industry’s website.
For food packaging, the following deadlines are important:
- From 12 February 2027, foodservice establishments need to allow for bring-your-own reusable packaging: your customer needs to be enabled to get their food or drink in a packaging of their own.
- From 12 February 2028, you need to have a wash and reuse system implemented for take-away food and drinks.
Do you want to start with reusables, but don’t know where to start? Get in touch with us. We can support you in finding a reusable packaging system that works for your business, including collecting and washing options.
Article 12. Labeling of packaging
Labeling is an important factor in achieving harmonization across EU member states. Requirements of packaging labels per August 2028 include:
- Information on materials to simplify sorting for recycling by consumers
- Icons on packaging labels must correspond with icons on recycling bins
- Recycled content in plastic packaging
- Deposits
Reusable packaging will need to carry a QR code or other information carrier that provides access to all relevant information needed to enable reuse.
Delegated acts
With the PPWR entering into force, a clear direction is set. As you may have noticed, not everything is set in stone yet: so-called ‘delegated acts’ allow the European Commission to further work out details and revise parts of the regulation.
We aim to keep this page up-to-date, so you know what to expect.
Need support in a future-proof packaging strategy?
New legislation might seem complex. We’re here to break it down and make it simple for you, so you can confidently move forward. Contact us today on info@verive.eu, or reach out to one of our partners near you.
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