EU PPWR FAQs Updated August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 53
The PPWR does not contain a general exemption for single-use beverage packaging in a deposit
and return system, but it provides a large number of exemptions and flexibilities. These includes:
o
All final distributors with a sales area under 100 m2 are fully exempted (Article 29(10))
o Member States can exempt final distributors on small islands with less than 2000
habitants (Article 29(11))
o
Member States can exempt final distributors if their sales area is located in a municipality
with population density of less than 54 persons/km2. However, the targets will apply to
final distributors with a sales area in population centres with more than 5000 inhabitants
(Article 29(11)).
o
Member States can allow final distributors to form pools for the purpose of meeting their
reuse obligations jointly. This means that up to 5 final distributors, for example in
densely and remote areas, can share the reuse obligation (Article 29(12)).
o
All final distributors, who are micro-enterprises and do not make more than 1000 kg. of
packaging available in a Member State a year, are fully exempted (Article 29(13))
o
Member States can provide further exemptions for final distributors under certain
conditions according to Article 29(14) and specified in point 25 of the Commission
guidance document.
If all exemptions and flexibilities are fully applied in a Member State, the number of final
distributors that are required to fulfil the reuse targets for beverages, will be limited. These final
distributors would enjoy a high degree of flexibility in meeting the targets ensuring that national
circumstances can be taken into consideration.
16) The reuse targets for beverages apply from 2030, which allows time to make the
necessary adjustments to apply to the 10 % target. The Commission will review the
reuse targets in 2034 in the light of the experiences gained. Under what circumstances
will the Commission use its empowerment to exempt certain packaging formats or
economic operators from the reuse targets?
The Regulation empowers the Commission to adopt delegated acts supplementing the harmonised
reuse targets for transport packaging, grouped packaging and beverages provided for in Article 29.
Such delegated acts can be adopted under strict legal conditions, and only if it is necessary to take
account of the latest scientific and economic developments.
The empowerment to adopt delegated acts can only be used to exempt economic operators who
face particular economic constraints, or specific packaging formats where achievement of the reuse
targets is hindered due to either hygiene and food safety issues or environmental issues following
the proper impact assessment as specified under the better regulation guidelines (Better regulation:
guidelines and toolbox).
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