The new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was officially published by the EU this week (22 January 2025). It is now clear when it will come into force and what deadlines need to be observed.
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was published on 22 January 2025. in the Official Journal of the EU under number 2025/40 has been published. This means that the exact dates for entry into force and the start of application have now been set:
The new regulation applies to all packaging placed on the market in the European Union and all packaging waste, regardless of the type of packaging or the material used. The regulation is therefore relevant for companies in all sectors. It defines comprehensive requirements for recyclability and sustainable packaging design. At the centre of the new regulation is the obligation to regulate the entire life cycle of packaging in order to strengthen the principles of the circular economy, reduce packaging waste and protect consumers from substances of concern in packaging.
February 2025
End of 2025
Gradual introduction of stricter recycling quotas
August 2026
Expected 2nd half of 2026
The new Packaging Ordinance is based on the revised EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC, which was last updated by the amending Directive (EU) 2018/851. This earlier directive laid the foundation for the harmonisation of packaging and waste management in the EU and has now been significantly tightened by the new provisions.
The regulation brings clarity to the terms "manufacturer" and "producer", which are defined differently in the regulatory context:
Producer refers to the producers of the packaging itself.
In contrast, a company becomes Manufacturerby placing packaging on the market, regardless of whether it is produced in its own country or internationally. Example: A yoghurt manufacturer that has pots produced in China and sells them in the EU.
The term manufacturer covers extended producer responsibility and refers in particular to the second stage of the packaging's life after it has been placed on the market in a Member State. This includes disposal and recycling, which must be organised by the manufacturer.
From 2030, all packaging must be designed in such a way that it can be recycled.
Mandatory use quotas for recyclates in plastic packaging from 2030
Different materials within a package must be easily separable.
Binding reusable quotas are introduced, for example for drinks packaging.
Restriction of certain single-use packaging from 2030: e.g. disposable plastic outer packaging or small disposable packaging for the catering industry.
According to the new regulations, producers must assess the conformity of packaging with the regulation and then issue a declaration of conformity.
Environmentally orientated awarding of public contracts: To this end, the PPWR stipulates binding minimum requirements to promote the demand for sustainable packaging.
Member States shall take measures to achieve the recycling target of at least 65 % by weight of all packaging waste generated by 31 December 2025.
Packaging in e-commerce must be designed more efficiently in order to minimise unnecessary empty spaces.
Clearer and mandatory labelling will provide consumers with better information on recycling options and the correct disposal of packaging.
The use of PFAS in packaging that comes into contact with food may no longer be placed on the market.
On the one hand, the regulation addresses the previous weaknesses of the 1994 Packaging Directive and, on the other, sets a dynamic framework through the introduction of delegated acts, which will be further developed in the coming years. Among other things, these legal acts will regulate details on material composition, labelling and other specific requirements.
(created with materials from TÜV Süd)
