The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) brings new rules to all packaging placed on the EU market. The regulation affects the entire life cycle of packaging and sets requirements for recyclability, recycled content, labeling, reuse and producer responsibility, among other things. This raises questions for many organizations. On this page, you will find the most frequently asked questions about the PPWR clearly answered so you can quickly see what the rules mean, who they apply to, and what you as an organization need to prepare for towards Aug. 12, 2026 and beyond.
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the European regulation that makes packaging more sustainable by reducing waste, increasing recyclability, and stimulating reuse. It enters into force on 11 February 2025. Core obligations apply from 12 August 2026.
To reduce packaging waste in the EU, improve recycling, encourage reuse and create a level playing field. The goal is 100% recyclable packaging by 2030, less primary packaging and mandatory reuse.
11 Feb 2025: PPWR officially enters into force
12 Aug 2026: Core obligations take effect
2028: Further EU specifications
1 Jan 2030: All packaging must be recyclable
2030‑2040: Gradual increases in recycled content requirements and circularity targets
The PPWR applies to all parties that place packaging or packaged products on the EU market. This includes not only packaging producers, but also manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers that use packaging, have it produced, or supply it together with their products. The rules also apply to all packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of the material, whether it is empty or filled, and whether it originates inside or outside the EU.
In practice, this means that almost the entire value chain will be affected. This includes brands and manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and often also e-commerce and fulfilment parties involved in packaging, distribution, or delivery.
The PPWR also has a broad scope. Its rules apply to consumer, grouped, transport, and service packaging, and cover the full packaging life cycle — from design and material selection to labeling, recyclability, reuse, and the waste phase.
In short, if your organization places packaging or packaged products on the EU market, there is a strong likelihood that the PPWR applies to you. The regulation has already entered into force and will generally apply from August 12, 2026.
Under the PPWR, “packaging material” refers in practice to all materials that make up packaging, as long as that packaging is intended to contain, protect, handle, deliver, or present a product. This also includes packaging components.
Examples include:
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plastic
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paper and cardboard
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glass
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metal
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wood
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composites / multi-materials
What matters most under the PPWR is the function of an item. If it is intended to serve as packaging, it generally falls within the scope of the regulation, regardless of the material used.
There is one important nuance: a component that forms an integral part of a product and is used or disposed of together with that product is generally not considered packaging.
1. Inventory your packaging
2. Collect data on materials, weight, and recyclability
3. Assess your packaging using the KIDV RecycleCheck
4. Optimize packaging design for reuse and recycling
5. Prepare declarations of conformity Monitor and report on KPIs
Download our starter kit here
National supervisory authorities, such as the ILT, are responsible for checking whether companies comply with the PPWR. Producers and importers must keep their Declaration of Conformity and supporting documentation available for up to 10 years.
Als je niet voldoet aan de PPWR, kunnen de gevolgen fors zijn. In de kern komt het hierop neer:
- Your packaging may no longer allowed on the EU market. Under the PPWR, packaging can only be placed on the market if it meets the applicable requirements. For certain provisions, such as the PFAS restriction for food contact packaging, the European Commission has also clarified that there is no sell-through or transition period for existing stock once the rule applies.
- You may face enforcement actions and national penalties. Although the PPWR sets harmonized EU rules, the specific penalties and fines are determined and enforced by individual member states. As a result, the financial impact can vary by country. Read more
- Products may be withdrawn from sale or recalled. In practice, non-compliant packaging can lead to market surveillance measures, such as blocked sales, product withdrawals, or removal from the supply chain.
- You may incur loss of revenue and additional costs. These can include repackaging, storage, logistics, destruction of packaging materials, additional testing, and updates to documentation or labels.
- Your EPR and registration obligations may also be affected. If you place packaging on the market without meeting producer responsibility or registration requirements, this can result in financial sanctions and problems with distribution or market access.
- The impact is not only legal, but also commercial and reputational. Non‑compliance can strain relationships with customers, retailers, and chain partners, especially as compliant packaging increasingly becomes a basic condition for market access.
The PPWR makes recyclability a mandatory requirement for all packaging placed on the EU market. In summary, this means:
- All packaging must become recyclable. The goal of the PPWR is that, by 2030 at the latest, all packaging on the EU market is recyclable in an economically viable way.
- Recyclable means more than “recyclable in theory.” Packaging must be designed so that the recycled material is of high enough quality to replace virgin raw materials, and it must be possible to collect, sort, and process the packaging separately without disrupting other waste streams.
- The PPWR introduces recyclability performance classes. Packaging is assigned a score of A, B, or C based on the share of the packaging unit (by weight) that is recyclable: A = at least 95%, B = at least 80%, and C = at least 70% recyclable.
- Below 70% recyclability will no longer be allowed. From 2030, packaging that is less than 70% recyclable may not be placed on the market.
- The minimum standard will tighten over time. From 2038, packaging that only achieves a C score will also be phased out, so in practice only packaging with an A or B score will remain acceptable.
- From 2035, actual large‑scale recycling also becomes a condition. It will no longer be sufficient that packaging is technically recyclable; it must also be widely collected, sorted, and recycled in practice within existing systems.
- De precieze criteria worden nog verder uitgewerkt. De Europese Commissie moet de nadere design-for-recycling-criteria en beoordelingsmethodiek nog vastleggen via gedelegeerde en uitvoeringshandelingen
- The detailed criteria are still being defined. The European Commission will further specify the design‑for‑recycling criteria and the assessment methodology through delegated and implementing acts.
The PPWR requires more than knowledge of the rules alone. It requires overview, insight, and choices that fit the reality of your organization.
Milgro helps companies approach packaging challenges not as a standalone compliance project, but as part of a broader packaging and circular strategy.
This includes insight into materials and volumes, analysis of packaging and waste streams, optimization proposals, support with documentation, and better control over data.
This creates room not only to comply with regulations, but also to make smarter decisions on costs, waste, supply chain collaboration, and future packaging choices.
More about the PPWR
Looking for more information or practical support in preparing for the PPWR regulation? Download our free infographic or roadmap so you can quickly understand the key regulations, deadlines and areas of concern heading into August 12, 2026.
Want to stay up to date on all developments surrounding PPWR? We regularly publish new blogs about this regulation. Follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed.
