The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) represents a major update to EU packaging legislation, shifting from a directive to a directly applicable regulation as of January 2025, with enforcement starting mid-2026. Its core goals are to harmonize requirements, reduce waste, boost recyclability, and stimulate reuse across all packaging types.
Some key highlights of the PPWR:
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Harmonization across the EU:
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Standardized rules on packaging design, labeling (e.g. sorting symbols, recycled content), and producer registration.
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Clear requirements for recyclability and reuse to ensure a level playing field and efficient circular systems.
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Packaging waste prevention targets:
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Reduction of packaging waste per capita by:
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5% by 2030,
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10% by 2035,
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15% by 2040 (compared to 2018 levels).
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Goal: decouple economic growth from resource consumption.
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Design for recycling (DfR):
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Packaging must be easy to dismantle, preferably monomaterial, with limited use of glues/additives.
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Performance grades and “eco-modulated” EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) fees apply from 2030.
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Recycling at scale:
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Packaging must be recyclable in a proven, operational process, meeting strict recycling targets per material type (e.g. PET, cardboard, glass, metals).
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Mandatory recycled content:
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Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging becomes obligatory, varying by packaging type and product sensitivity.
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Exemptions apply for medical, infant food, and hazardous goods packaging.
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Reusable packaging:
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Defined by durability, multiple-use design, and compliance with hygiene and safety standards.
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Specific reuse targets apply to sales, transport, and intra-company packaging from 2030, with clear exemptions.
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This regulation marks a shift toward more circular, sustainable packaging systems in Europe, requiring businesses to act now to ensure compliance and competitiveness.
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