PPWR

Get prepared for the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in the EU.

What is PPWR?

The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) impacts all packaging sold within the EU, whether placed on the market by a local producer or imported from outside the EU.

It’s an evolving and wide-ranging regulation with obligations for producers phased in from August 2026. These will include such things as packaging format bans, material restrictions, recyclability grading, packaging minimisation, reuse targets, harmonised labelling, recycled content thresholds and new data reporting requirements.

The timeline for implementation stretches to 2040, but most of the legislation will come into force between 2026 and 2030.

Who is impacted?

Your organisation is likely obligated for PPWR if you complete the activities below. Your required actions will depend on your activities and business size.

Your organisation is likely to be obligated under the PPWR if you place any packaging or packaged goods on the EU market. Importantly, this includes Northern Ireland under the Windsor Agreement, and all UK producers should assess the impact of the PPWR on their business.

There are a wide range of actions you will need to take as an obligated producer.

This includes detailed data reporting in each member state you place packaging into, paying EPR fees, adhering to restrictions and completing a Declaration of Conformity.

PPWR support to suit your organisation

As a minimum, producers should take steps now to fully understand their packaging portfolio via robust data collection to provide the insights necessary to drive their packaging strategy for the PPWR. Our packaging insight services are a great place to facilitate this.

You can also access our PPWR guidance articles to help you understand the timeline of implementation, how to register and report, and the areas of evolving legislation that will impact your business.

As secondary legislation to the PPWR comes into play and as more details are shared, businesses must navigate a continually evolving regulatory landscape. If your business needs support, please contact our team to discuss your needs.