EU PPWR FAQs Updated August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 32
VI.
COMPOSTABILITY
1) Article 9(1) mandates a compostability requirement for certain packaging types. Will
these packaging types be allowed in the bio-waste stream even before 12 February
2028?
Indeed, the Regulation changed the definition of packaging to include tea and coffee bags which
are not left empty after use. Such new packaging items will be classified as packaging when the
Regulation becomes applicable, that is on 12 August 2026.
As Article 9 on compostability applies from 12 February 2028, Member States are not required to
accept such packaging in the bio-waste steam before that date, but they are encouraged to accept
them.
2) How should manufacturers deal with the fact that not all industrial composting
facilities operate in accordance with EN 13432:2000? Will waste management
operators in all Member States have to accept compostable packaging if it is certified
according to the harmonised standard EN 13432:2000?
While the Regulation does not state explicitly that composting facilities must operate in accordance
with the harmonised standard, the Commission expects that this will indeed be the case. For
example, Article 9(2) conditions the Member States9 flexibility to add additional packaging items
to the national lists of mandatorily compostable packaging to the existence of 8appropriate waste
collection schemes and waste management infrastructure to ensure that compostable packaging
enters the bio-waste management stream9. The Commission will ensure that associations
representing industrial composting will be fully involved in the development of the updated
industrial compostability standards.
3) If a product is nowadays compostable, and on the market, can economic operators
continue to market it after the Regulation has entered into force and become
applicable?
The answer is 8yes9, if there is a clear legal requirement in the territory of a Member State where
the economic operator is marketing their products that a particular packaging format must be
compostable.
As explained in point 8 of the Commission guidance document, Member States have the possibility
until 12 August 2026 to decide that packaging formats additional to items listed in Article 9(1) and
9(2)(a) must be compostable on their territories.
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