The PPWR applies to organizations placing packaged products onto the EU market, including: Manufacturers; Brand Owners; Importers. Distributors; Retailers; E-commerce Sellers.

Regulatory guides

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.

Published 13 Aug 20261 min read

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.

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

Prepare PPWR Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Documentation review and guidance Support for technical documentation storage for management and compliance record maintenance.

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

The documentation should demonstrate that packaging meets applicable PPWR requirements.