This blog post provides an overview of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The regulation is an important part of the EU’s efforts to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. Packaging plays a significant role in our consumption and production – and thus in our carbon footprint. Therefore, the EU is now establishing common rules to ensure that all packaging in the future is environmentally friendly, easy to reuse, recycle, or compost.
The regulation sets requirements for the entire lifecycle of packaging – from design and production to use and recycling. The rules apply to all types of packaging, regardless of the material they are made of and whether the packaging is used for transport, sales, or consumer use.
PPWR – A short introduction
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a significant milestone in the effort to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and promote a circular economy.
The regulation requires businesses to ensure that their packaging is designed for reuse, recycling, or composting, as well as to minimize unnecessary packaging.
PPWR came into force on February 11, 2025, but most parts of the regulation will not be active until August 2026. Packaging waste is one of the largest sources of environmental pollution and resource consumption in the EU, making PPWR a crucial step toward a more sustainable future.
Design and Material Requirements
The regulation states that all unnecessary packaging must be avoided. Packaging must be designed to be as lightweight and space-efficient as possible without compromising safety and functionality. It must be free from harmful substances (explore REACH to learn more about restrictions on hazardous substances) and easy to empty and clean to ensure proper reuse or recycling.
Additionally, packaging must be separable into different materials to make sorting and recycling easier for consumers—for example, plastic and paper in the same packaging must be detachable. There are also strict requirements for when packaging can be labeled as compostable—only packaging that can be processed together with organic waste may carry this designation.
Targets for reuse and return systems
The regulation sets clear targets for how much packaging must be reusable (specifically, 100% by 2030). Companies are required to use reusable packaging wherever possible. At the same time, systems must be in place to make it easy to return and reuse packaging. These systems should function across all EU member states.
There is also a strong focus on promoting deposit and return schemes, making it easier for consumers to return packaging. This helps create a circular system where resources are reused continuously.
Documentation and traceability
Manufacturers and importers of packaging must provide technical documentation proving compliance with the regulation’s requirements. Companies must be able to present this documentation upon request by authorities.
Member states are required to establish databases with detailed information on packaging and waste. These data must be reported to the European Commission to track progress and ensure that targets are met. The information must include packaging volumes, recycling rates, and waste streams.
Economical responsibility and labeling
The regulation follows the polluter pays principle, meaning that producers must cover the costs of collecting, sorting, and processing their packaging waste. This creates a financial incentive to design more sustainable packaging.
Additionally, packaging must have clear labeling to guide consumers on proper sorting and disposal. Clear instructions help minimize sorting errors and increase the amount of correctly recycled packaging.
Cooperation among member states
The EU emphasizes cooperation between member states. Countries must share experiences, exchange data, and ensure consistent enforcement of the rules across the EU. This makes it easier for businesses to operate across borders while ensuring that all EU countries work toward the same sustainability goals.
The regulation also encourages innovation in packaging solutions, supporting the development of new technologies and business models that facilitate reuse and recycling.
The Digital Product Passport
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is part of the EU’s broader circular economy strategy. Its goal is to create a digital identity for each product, containing detailed information on materials, recyclability, sustainability, and waste management.
For packaging, this means:
-
Each packaging unit may receive a digital “passport” that follows the product throughout its lifecycle.
-
This passport can be linked to a QR code or chip on the packaging, providing access to key information for consumers, waste management companies, and authorities.
What information will the Digital Product Passport include for packaging?
-
Material composition: Which materials are used? E.g., plastic type, percentage of recycled material, absence of harmful substances.
-
Recyclability: How can the packaging be recycled? Can it be processed in existing recycling systems?
-
Producer responsibility: Who manufactured the packaging, and who is responsible for waste management?
-
Design for reuse or recycling: Is the packaging designed for multiple use cycles?
-
Certifications: Any third-party certifications or declarations of compliance.
Stay updated with prduct.com
Managing PPWR compliance is complex and requires handling large amounts of data. Companies are encouraged to seek expert guidance and stay updated to navigate the regulation effectively.
Prduct.com offers a solution that simplifies PPWR compliance. We help you keep track of your products and packaging through a streamlined data structure supported by the Digital Product Passport.
In short: We collect and structure your data, providing clarity and insight into how to achieve PPWR compliance.
