The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a new set of guidelines established by the European Union aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting circular packaging practices. The PPWR seeks to minimize the environmental impact of packaging through enhanced recycling, reduced use of hazardous substances, and improved packaging design. The PPWR went into effect on February 12, 2025, and will be enforced in all EU Member States starting August 12, 2026.
PPWR introduces several key changes including:
Harmonize packaging and packaging waste across the EU
PPWR is a united set of rules applicable to packaging used in EU and imported.
Packaging must be labeled with material composition, sorting instructions, and reuse instructions where applicable. Reusable packaging will also require a QR code or other type of standardized, open, digital data carrier.
Reduce packaging material and empty space in packaging
Based on 2018 levels, EU countries must reduce packaging waste per capita by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. Packaging optimization: maximum 50% empty space ratio for grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging by 2030. Using reusable packaging within a system of reuse is exempt from this obligation.
Reusable packaging
From 2030, the Regulation imposes reuse targets on specific packaging types like transport, grouped, and sales packaging for beverages. A portion of these must be reusable within a reuse system. Exemptions include cardboard boxes from transport and grouped packaging reuse targets.
Recycle packaging and recycled content in plastic packaging
Starting in 2030, all packaging must be recyclable and recycled on a larger scale by 2035 as per PPWR regulations. This is essential to enter the EU market. The EU Commission will develop Design for Recycling Criteria for each packaging category to assess recyclability. Packaging will receive a recyclability score, and performance grade based on these criteria. By 2030, packaging must achieve at least 70% recyclability, increasing to 80% by 2038, to access the market. In addition, plastic packaging must contain a minimum of 35% recycled content by 2030.
The PPWR went into effect on February 12, 2025, and will be enforced in all EU Member States starting August 12, 2026. Achieving the PPWR's goals, such as recyclability and reuse, depends on numerous secondary legislations that the EU Commission must establish in the future.
At Nefab, we specialize in providing cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions that align with PPWR requirements. By partnering with us, your business gains access to strategies that go beyond compliance, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Our solutions allow businesses to reduce their carbon footprints while remaining fully compliant. For example, our packaging systems have, on average, helped companies cut environmental impacts by as much as 30%.