EU Packaging Regulation: Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

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The EU Packaging Regulation brings many changes for companies that produce packaging, place it on the market or produce packaging waste.

EU-Verpackungsverordnung - Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

We provide you with an overview of the most important contents of the PPWR.

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Was ist die EU-Verpackungsverordnung (PPWR)?

What is the EU Packaging Regulation?

The European Commission’s proposal for an EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to promote the transformation to a circular economy through uniform Europe-wide requirements for the sustainability and labelling of packaging as well as the collection and recycling of packaging waste.

Who does the PPWR apply to?

Companies that manufacture and/or place packaging on the market within the EU will be confronted by the PPWR with Europe-wide standardised requirements for the design of packaging with regard to its recyclability and the use of recyclates. While the current EU Directive (EU Directive 94/62/EC) is a “Directive” according to its title and can therefore be implemented differently by each member state, the PPWR will be a “Regulation”.

With the EU Packaging Regulation, the Commission is therefore aiming to change the legal form from a directive to a regulation, the provisions of which are in principle directly applicable throughout the European Union and therefore no longer require transposition into national law.

When is the PPWR coming?

The EU Commission published its proposal for the PPWR on 30 November 2022. The proposal was subsequently discussed in a so-called trilogue procedure between representatives of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. On 4 March 2024, the parties were finally able to agree on a compromise text — just in time to enable a resolution to be passed during the current legislative period.

At the end of 2024, the final linguistically and legally verified version of the planned regulation will be submitted to the European Parliament for adoption in all official languages. If it is adopted, the European Parliament is expected to give its consent (without objections) immediately, so that it can be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The new EU Packaging Regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal and will be generally applicable 18 months after entry into force. (Status November 2024)

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Our range of services relating to the EU packaging regulation (PPWR) in detail:

The EU Packaging Regulation comprises 71 articles and 13 annexes totalling 326 pages. It contains numerous powers for the Commission to adopt implementing provisions and guidelines via delegated acts and to carry out reviews. We offer you comprehensive services on the core content of the PPWR and the associated requirements for all affected stakeholders (manufacturers, suppliers, importers, distributors, authorised representatives).

RecycleMe Angebot zur PPWR EU-Verpackungsverordnung

Recyclability (Article 6)

Packaging must be recyclable. Recyclability is assessed according to performance classes (A-C), whereby a recycled content of less than 70 % is considered non-recyclable. The manufacturers’ financial contributions are determined on the basis of these classes.

Recyclate use in plastic packaging (Article 7)

Plastic packaging must contain a minimum proportion of recycled material. There are two target years for the fulfilment of the defined quotas, 2030 and 2040, which must be achieved depending on the type of packaging.

Packaging minimisation (Article 9)

All packaging must be reduced to the necessary minimum in terms of weight and volume. Packaging without a functional purpose and excessive packaging (e.g. with a double base) must not be put into circulation and empty space in the packaging must be kept to a minimum.

Labelling of packaging and waste containers (Article 11 & 12)

Packaging, including e-commerce packaging, but with the exception of transport packaging, must be labelled according to its material composition. Corresponding waste containers should bear the same labelling in order to facilitate correct waste separation.

Ban on certain single-use plastic packaging from 2030 (Article 22)

The ban affects, among other things, unnecessary plastic packaging (such as shrink-wrap), plastic food and drink containers for the catering industry and single-serve packaging for products such as sauces, milk and sugar, with the exception of on-the-go consumption.

Prevention of packaging waste (Article 38)

Certain transport, sales and collection packaging must have a mandatory reusable content. Member states are to introduce deposit systems for single-use plastic bottles and single-use metal containers. The total amount of packaging waste is to be reduced by 5 % by 2030, 10 % by 2035 and 15 % by 2040.

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