EU’s New Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) Officially Comes into Force
Click the blue text to follow us
The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is officially published and will come into force on February 11, 2025!
On January 22, 2025, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was formally published in the Official Journal of the European Union and entered into force. This landmark regulation aims to address the growing problem of packaging waste and steer the packaging industry towards sustainable development.
The legislative process for the PPWR spanned over two years of discussion and revision. The European Parliament initially passed a preliminary version of the regulation on April 24, 2024, and, after refinements, granted formal approval in November 2024. The regulation will become applicable from February 11, 2025, and its provisions will start to be enforced from August 12, 2026, with transition periods for some specific requirements. The European Commission is required to regularly assess the implementation of the regulation and propose amendments as needed.
[Image Placeholder]
The PPWR outlines key dates and deadlines leading up to 2040.
By December 31, 2025:
EU Member States must achieve a recycling rate of 65% for all packaging waste (by weight), with specific material targets as follows: Wood 25%; Aluminium or Plastics 50%; Ferrous metals or Glass 70%; Paper and cardboard 75%.
EU Member States must submit information to the European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on any substances that negatively affect the reuse or recycling of packaging materials.
EU Member States may choose a baseline year other than the default year 2018 for achieving their targets to reduce packaging waste per capita.
The following are the basic technical requirements of the EU PPWR for manufacturers and importers of general packaging in the EU:
[Image Placeholder]
[Image Placeholder]
Key content of the PPWR regarding sustainable packaging:
Packaging Reduction Targets: Requires a 5% reduction in packaging consumption by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040.
Packaging Recyclability Requirements: With exceptions for materials like lightweight wood and cork, all packaging must meet strict recyclability criteria. By 2030, all packaging must be recyclable. A recyclability grading system is introduced: A (95% recyclable), B (80%), C (70%). Packaging below 70% will be prohibited.
Plastic Packaging Recycling Targets and Recycled Content Targets: The PPWR requires a 50% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2025, and 55% by 2030. It also sets mandatory recycled content targets for different plastic packaging applications. By 2040, single-use plastic beverage bottles must contain 65% recycled content, PET packaging for contact-sensitive applications must contain 50%, and other packaging must contain 65%.
Collection Target for Single-Use Plastic Beverage Containers: By 2029, 90% of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers (up to 3 liters capacity) must be separately collected through deposit return systems or other effective means.
Labeling, Marking, and Information Requirements: Packaging must be marked to indicate material composition or recycled content to aid consumer sorting and choice.
Restrictions on Certain Single-Use Plastic Packaging: Restricts the use of various single-use plastic packaging formats, including pre-packaging for fruits and vegetables below 1.5 kg, and miniature packaging for condiments and toiletries provided within the hospitality sector (e.g., hotels, restaurants).
Reuse Targets and Refill Obligations: Sets mandatory reuse targets for 2030: 40% for transport and sales packaging, and 10% for grouped packaging. Takeaway businesses must offer customers the option to use their own containers.
Summary
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) represents a comprehensive measure by the EU to tackle packaging waste. It aims to transition the packaging industry towards a circular economy through stringent sustainability requirements, recycling targets, and market surveillance mechanisms. The implementation of this regulation will have a profound impact on the global packaging industry, pushing companies to adopt more environmentally friendly packaging solutions and reduce negative environmental impacts.
