PREPARE FOR THE NEW EU PACKAGING & PACKAGING WASTE REGULATION (PPWR)
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies from 12 August 2026. The regulation introduces new requirements for packaging design, recyclability, recycled content, labeling, documentation, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations across the EU market.
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WHO IS AFFECTED?
The PPWR applies to organizations placing packaged products onto the EU market, including:
- Manufacturers
- Brand Owners
- Importers
- Distributors
- Retailers
- E-commerce Sellers
COVERED PACKAGING TYPES
The PPWR applies to organizations placing packaged products onto the EU market, including:
- Primary Packaging
- Secondary Packaging
- Transport Packaging
- Service Packaging
- Single-use Packaging
- Reusable Packaging
TIMELINE
2025
PPWR published and enters into force
Aug 2026
Initial compliance requirements:
- Substance restrictions
- DoC & Technical Documentation
2028–2029
Sustainability, labelling and packaging information requirements introduced
2030
Recyclability grades and recycled content targets apply
2035
Recyclability must be demonstrated at scale
2038
Only Grade A & B recyclable packaging permitted on the EU market
HOW ICW HELPS YOU PREPARE FOR PPWR
FAQs
What are the key requirements effective from 12 August 2026?
The primary requirements applicable from 12 August 2026 include:
Substances of Concern (Article 5)
- Heavy metal restrictions in packaging
- PFAS restrictions for food-contact packaging
Manufacturer Obligations (Article 15)
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- Technical Documentation
- Packaging compliance records and supporting evidence
What information should be included in the Technical Documentation?
Technical Documentation may include:
- Packaging specifications
- Material composition information
- Supplier declarations
- Test reports
- Compliance assessments
- Packaging drawings and descriptions
- Declaration of Conformity references
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