EU PPWR FAQs Updated August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 8
I.
INTRODUCTION ON THE SUBJECT MATTER AND SCOPE
This is the second version of this document. It includes new and updated information as
compared to the first version published in March 2026. Changes made since the first
version are marked as 8NEW9 or 8UPDATED9 as appropriate throughout the document.
Regulation (EU) 2025/401 establishes a harmonised legal framework for packaging and packaging
waste across the European Union. Its primary objective is to ensure the smooth functioning of the
internal market while significantly reducing the environmental and health impacts associated with
packaging throughout its life cycle. By replacing Directive 94/62/EC2, this regulation introduces
clearer, stricter, and more uniform requirements for all economic operators and Member States,
fostering a transition towards a circular economy.
The scope of the Regulation is comprehensive. It applies to all packaging placed on the EU market,
whether empty or filled, regardless of the material used, and whether produced within the Union
or imported from third countries. It also covers all packaging waste generated within the EU.
Packaging is defined broadly, as any item intended for containment, protection, handling, delivery,
or presentation of products, including its components. However, items that form an integral part of
a product and are disposed of together with it are excluded.
Through these provisions, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 seeks to harmonise national measures on
packaging, prevent market fragmentation, and promote sustainable practices. It introduces
obligations such as recyclability and reuse targets, restrictions on hazardous substances, and
requirements for eco-friendly design and labelling. In doing so, it not only addresses pressing
environmental challenges but also creates a level playing field for businesses operating across
multiple Member States.
The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025, and its general application date is 12 August
2026, but certain provisions apply later (e.g., recyclability, recycled content targets, packaging bans
and reuse targets by 2030).
Some of the main provisions of the PPWR are:
-
Waste Prevention Targets: 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, 15% by 2040 (compared to 2018
levels) (Article 43).
Recyclability: All packaging must be recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030
(Article 6).
Reuse Targets: For transport, e-commerce, and beverage packaging (Article 29).
Restrictions: Ban on certain single-use formats from 1 January 2030 (Article 25 and
Annex V); compliance with PFAS in food contact packaging from 12 August2026
(Article 5(5)).
Empty Space threshold: Max 50% for grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging
(Article 24).
Mandatory Deposit-Return Systems: For beverage cans and plastic bottles (Article 50).
Labelling: Harmonised sorting labels for all packaging (Article 12(1)).
(1) Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on
packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904,
and repealing Directive 94/62/EC (OJ L, 2025/40, 22.1.2025).
(2) European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging
waste (OJ L 365 31.12.1994, p. 10).
5
