The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on January 22, 2025, after the legislative process was concluded in December 2024. This now sets deadlines for its implementation.
Most provisions will come into effect on August 12, 2026, but there are numerous transitional periods. With the implementation of the PPWR starting August 12, 2026, the previous EU Packaging Directive (PPWD) will be repealed – with the exception of certain provisions that will remain in effect until 2028 or 2029.
The first obligations, particularly relevant for manufacturers, importers, and distributors, will come into force at the following times:
End of 2025: Beginning of a gradual tightening of recycling targets.
August 2026:
- Requirements for packaging recyclability.
- Conformity assessment and declaration for packaging.
- Restrictions on certain substances in packaging.
- New obligations for importers of packaging from third countries to the EU.
- Additional due diligence obligations for packaging and packaged product distributors.
- Requirements for environmental claims regarding packaging.
- New due diligence obligations for fulfillment service providers.
Expected end of 2026:
- Obligation to appoint an authorized representative for packaging in countries without a local establishment.
- Introduction of new EPR obligations for countries, manufacturers (national first sellers), marketplaces, and take-back systems.
Further changes by/after 2028:
- By January 1, 2028: The EU Commission is required to set criteria for recyclability and recycling performance.
- End of 2028: Certain rules from the previous Packaging Directive, such as the counting of reusable packaging toward recycling quotas, will remain valid until then.
- Early 2029: Ban on certain single-use packaging made of EPS/XPS and other single-use plastic products.
- End of 2029: Reporting obligations for member states on the recyclability of packaging will remain in effect.
- By January 1, 2030: Member states may maintain national bans on certain packaging.
- By August 2034: The Commission will assess the impact of the PPWR on the internal market and ecological sustainability.
Other Key Points and Deadlines of the PPWR:
- Recycling obligation by 2030: All packaging must be recyclable.
- Minimum shares of recycled plastic: 30% for bottles (by 2030), 35% for other packaging (by 2040).
- Ban on certain single-use packaging: For example, packaging for food and drinks on-site and mini-shampoo bottles in hotels.
- Reusable packaging targets: Companies must promote reusable packaging (e.g., 10% for take-away cups by 2030).
- Reduction of packaging volume: Max. 40% air space in shipping packaging, ban on unnecessary double packaging.
- Unified recycling labeling for consumers.
- Harmonization of regulations in the EU: Avoidance of national special regulations.
The PPWR will have significant impacts on the packaging and recycling industry and reshape the value chains for packaging and plastics.
You can find the full legal text at the following link:
Regulation – EU – 2025/40 – EN – EUR-Lex
If you have any questions regarding the PPWR, feel free to contact the Go4Recycling team at any time.