With the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which has been applicable since August 2026, the regulatory framework for packaging and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Europe is changing significantly.
For companies, this means that potential changes and – depending on the country, material and type of packaging – rising packaging compliance and licensing costs should be taken into account when planning budgets for this year and for 2027. In particular, additional costs for an authorised representative are expected to arise in almost all countries. Under the PPWR, an authorised representative is required for foreign companies that do not have their own legal entity in the respective target country.
Germany: Challenges for EPR packaging take back systems
In Germany, the new Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG) has been in force since August 2026. Requirements relating to recycling, producer responsibility and the ecological design of participation fees are becoming more stringent.
Additional requirements resulting from the PPWR and VerpackDG, as well as rising costs for collection, sorting and recycling, may therefore also affect future cost developments. In addition, the recyclability of packaging is expected to play a greater role in determining participation fees in the future.
We currently expect all packaging schemes in Germany (Duale Systeme) will increase their recycling fees for packaging in 2027. However, at this stage, we are not yet able to provide our customers with reliable information regarding the extent of these increases. We will, of course, keep our customers informed of any developments.
Other EU Markets are also confronted with new challenges
In several European markets, EPR recycling fees for packaging were already increased in 2026 or are expected to increase in 2027.
You can find information on the latest fees in our customer portal.
If you have any questions regarding the PPWR or EPR requirements for packaging, please feel free to contact the Go4Recycling team at any time.