PPWR: Promoting Recyclable Reusable Systems

The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), also known as the EU Packaging Regulation, entered into force in February 2025. Parts of the regulation have applied in all EU Member States since 12 August 2026. It therefore largely replaces the previous Packaging Directive 94/62/EC. Its aim is to reduce packaging waste in the EU, improve recycling and strengthen the reuse of packaging. As an EU regulation, it establishes a uniform legal framework for all EU Member States. Companies must gradually prepare for new requirements, particularly with regard to packaging design, recyclability and the use of reusable and circular systems.

The new requirements are intended to reduce the amount of waste generated and promote the circular economy. Reusable quotas are also being introduced in certain industries. Depending on the application and implementation, this can help conserve resources and reduce CO_2e emissions.

The PPWR was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 22 January 2025 and entered into force on 11 February 2025. It therefore largely replaces the previous Packaging Directive 94/62/EC.

With the date of application on 12 August 2026, the first specific requirements will apply in all EU Member States. Among other things, companies will be required to prepare technical documentation and issue an EU declaration of conformity for packaging.

Further requirements of the PPWR will take effect gradually. The requirements that apply and the date on which they apply depend, among other things, on the type of packaging and the role of the respective company in the supply chain. We are monitoring the further specification of the PPWR and supporting our customers in identifying and implementing the requirements relevant to their reusable load carriers.

The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) applies to almost all types of packaging throughout the entire supply chain. This includes sales packaging for end consumers, as well as transport packaging, outer packaging and packaging for industrial products.

Both single-use and reusable packaging – such as plastic bags, films or reusable load carriers – are covered by the regulation, although different requirements apply depending on the type of packaging.

The EU regulation PPWR defines requirements covering the entire life cycle of packaging – from manufacturing and use through to collection, sorting and recovery.

It establishes framework conditions and targets for the use of materials, recyclability and the use of recycled materials. It also contains specific requirements for packaging design in line with the circular economy (“Design for Recycling”) and aims to reduce packaging waste and strengthen reuse.

The objectives of the Packaging Regulation are to reduce packaging waste and strengthen the circular economy in Europe. To this end, the reuse of packaging is to be promoted and recyclability improved.

A key aim is to close material cycles by reusing packaging after use or returning it to the production process as secondary raw materials. In addition, the regulation aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and make the use of resources more efficient. In this context, implementing these measures can also help to reduce CO_2 emissions.

• Recyclability: Packaging must be designed in such a way that it can be efficiently recycled in existing systems (“Design for Recycling”).
• Use of recyclates: In future, certain types of packaging will be required to contain minimum proportions of recycled plastic or recycled content.
• Reduction of packaging material: Packaging should be optimised in terms of weight and volume in order to avoid unnecessary use of material.
• Reusable quotas: Minimum quotas for reusable packaging will be introduced in selected industries.
• Marking and transparency: Packaging must be clearly marked and contain information on its composition and disposal.
• Recycling classes: In future, packaging will be assessed according to its recyclability, for example in classes such as A, B or C. This may have a direct impact on its admissibility and costs.
• Proof of conformity: Manufacturers must prepare technical documentation for packaging and issue an EU declaration of conformity. This confirms that the packaging fulfils the applicable requirements of the PPWR.

In future, the regulation will provide for specific reusable quotas for certain industries and applications. The aim is to increase the proportion of reusable packaging and thereby reduce the use of single-use packaging.

Reusable solutions give companies the opportunity to make packaging systems more efficient in the long term and to use resources in a more targeted manner.

For companies, this means that packaging should be developed during the design process in such a way that it can be integrated as effectively as possible into existing circular systems.