Frequently Asked Questions about the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR)
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is a new EU regulation (EU 2025/40) that establishes harmonized rules for packaging and packaging waste across Europe. It replaces the previous EU Packaging Directive and defines binding requirements for which packaging may be placed on the EU market. The PPWR sets rules on packaging design and material composition, recyclability, minimum recycled content, and the promotion of reuse and refill systems. As a regulation, it applies directly in all Member States without the need for national transposition.
PPWRify is designed for all companies that place packaging on the market in the EU. This includes, in particular, packaging manufacturers, producers of packaged goods, importers, brick-and-mortar retailers and online sellers. Since the PPWR applies in all 27 EU Member States and affects all actors offering packaging or packaged products, all of these companies require a solution like PPWRify.
The PPWR is published in the EU Official Journal as Regulation (EU) 2025/40 and can be accessed via the EU legal portal EUR-Lex. Additional information and references to the full text can be found on official EU Commission websites, such as the “Packaging waste” pages on ec.europa.eu.
From 12 August 2026, the new PPWR provisions will enter into force across the EU. From this date, the regulation will apply directly and bindingly in all Member States. All packaging placed on the market must then comply with the new requirements, such as recyclability, minimum recycled content, empty space limits and reuse quotas (see the European Commission’s timeline).
Companies must promptly review their packaging and adapt it accordingly, as from 2030 only fully PPWR-compliant packaging will be permitted. If packaging does not meet the requirements, material substitutions, design changes or the use of recycled content should be planned. In the short term, non-compliance may result in sanctions such as sales bans; in the long term, a transition to recyclable and resource-efficient packaging solutions is unavoidable. A comprehensive inventory is recommended: analyze packaging components for compatibility with PPWR objectives (recyclability, reduced empty space, avoidance of harmful substances) and optimize them step by step.
PPWRify is currently working on building a consulting offering, including personal consultations with qualified experts as well as online seminars and project-based support.
PPWRify covers a wide range of EU Member States. As the PPWR applies to the entire internal market, we provide country-specific QR codes and Declarations of Conformity for many EU countries. PPWRify can also support exports to non-EU countries by centrally managing information and adapting it as required.
PPWRify is modular and provides multiple integration options. Product and packaging master data can be imported via XML, CSV or Excel. We support standardized APIs to connect PPWRify with ERP or PIM systems. Existing compliance or licensing databases can also be integrated. Via the user interface, Declarations of Conformity can be generated and QR-code references exported for each language. In short, PPWRify enables seamless data exchange with your systems (e.g. SAP, Microsoft Dynamics) and automatically returns all PPWR-relevant information.
Yes. The PPWR aims to harmonize packaging labeling across Europe. National recycling symbols such as the French Triman logo conflict with this harmonized approach. Under the PPWR, operators may not use national symbols that provide conflicting information to consumers. Once the EU-wide system is implemented, the Triman logo must be replaced. The European Commission has already initiated infringement proceedings against France over Triman. In the future, standardized EU labels or QR codes will apply, and national logos may only remain if they complement, rather than replace, the EU system.
Yes. The PPWR requires shipping and sales packaging to contain as little unnecessary empty space as possible. For example, from 2030, shipping boxes may contain no more than 50% empty volume. Filling material must be minimized, and the product should fit the packaging as closely as possible. This rule aims to improve transport efficiency and reduce waste.
Your data is secure with PPWRify. All information is stored in encrypted form and separated from other customers (tenant isolation). Our servers and data centers meet high security standards (ISO-certified, SSL/TLS, regular backups). Only you and your authorized users have access to your data. We fully comply with the GDPR and apply industry-standard technical and organizational measures to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability at all times.
- February 11, 2025: Entry into force of the regulation (20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal).
- August 12, 2026: General application date (18 months after entry into force).
By August 2028: Harmonized consumer labeling for proper separation on all packaging. - From January 1, 2029: 90% separate collection target for single-use plastic and metal beverage packaging; deposit return systems (DRS) for this purpose, with exceptions for high collection rates.
- From January 1, 2030: All packaging must be recyclable (performance grades A–C); further stages to follow.
- By 2040: −15% packaging waste per capita compared to 2018.
Overview of important dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| February 11, 2025 | PPWR enters into force (EU Official Journal published on January 22, 2025) |
| December 8, 2026 | Start of application for most obligations |
| Until August 2028 | EU-wide harmonized separation labels mandatory |
| January 1, 2029 | 90 % separate collection target & DRS minimum requirements (with exceptions) |
| January 1, 2030 | Packaging must be recyclable (Performance Grades A–C) |
| 2040 | −15 % packaging waste per capita |
In future, recyclable will mean practicable on a practical scale (“at scale”) and economically viable – not just in theory. From 2030, recyclability performance grades (A–C) will apply; from 2038, C is expected to no longer be permitted (only A & B). Elements of the “at scale” assessment will be introduced gradually (including from 2035).
The PPWR focuses on the waste hierarchy: Avoid → Reuse → Recycle.
- Minimization: including max. 50% empty space in bulk, transport, and e-commerce packaging.
- Reuse/refill: binding reuse targets in selected segments and bring-your-own-container options in takeaway areas.
Restrictions apply to, among other things, single-use plastic packaging for fruit/vegetables, HORECA sachets (sauces, sugar, etc.), small hotel containers (shampoo), and very light plastic carrier bags. Details and exceptions are defined in the legal text and subsequent legal acts.
The PPWR stipulates binding minimum recycled content requirements (primarily post-consumer recycled content) for certain plastic packaging, with milestones for 2030/2040 and exceptions (e.g., for certain compostable plastics or low plastic content < 5%). Details will follow/be updated in implementing/delegated acts.
- EU-harmonized pictograms for separate collection until 08/2028.
- Digital media (e.g., QR codes) can provide additional information (material mix, reusability, collection points) – specifics to follow by legal act.
To achieve the 90% collection rate by 2029, DRS are planned for single-use plastic and metal beverage containers. Exceptions: existing systems that will reach 90% by 2029, as well as member states with >80% (2026) plus an implementation plan.
A structured 4-step plan has proven successful:
- Record and cluster portfolio (sales, re-packaging, transport packaging).
- Digitize specifications (materials, layers, weights, colors, adhesives).
- Conformity assessment per “packaging family” (DfR, minimization, recycled material, material restrictions)
- Technical documentation & EU declaration of conformity (mandatory from August 12, 2026 for each type of packaging; observe conformity procedures).
DfR is at the heart of it all: material compatibility, sortability, labels/sleeves, colors, adhesives, and much more influence whether packaging can be recognized, sorted, and processed into high-quality recyclate—which will be crucial for performance grades from 2030 onwards.
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