PPWR 2026 Understanding the Implementing Act
As the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) moves closer to its application date of 12 August 2026, attention is increasingly turning to an earlier milestone that will shape how producers prepare: February 2026.
While PPWR entered into force in February 2025, key implementing acts are expected to be published in February 2026. These will define how producers must register and report packaging data under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), making it a pivotal moment for environmental compliance planning across the EU.
Why February 2026 Matters
In February 2026, the European Commission is due to publish an implementing act that will establish:
- The format for national Producer Registry registration
- The level of detail required for EPR reporting
- Packaging material categories and data granularity
- Thresholds for simplified versus detailed reporting
This marks the point at which PPWR moves from principle to practice. For producers operating across multiple Member States, these details will directly influence data systems, reporting processes, and internal responsibilities.
Using early 2026 to prepare means businesses can respond to these requirements with confidence, rather than reacting once reporting formats are fixed.
A Clearer Approach to Producer Responsibility
From 12 August 2026, PPWR introduces a new definition of “producer”, covering manufacturers, importers, and distributors that make packaging available on the market for the first time in a Member State, or that unpack products without being end users.
This change shifts responsibility away from contractual arrangements and toward where packaging becomes waste. The result is greater consistency across the EU and clearer alignment between environmental impact and financial responsibility under EPR.
Producers will continue to manage registration, reporting, and EPR fees, while manufacturers take clearer ownership of packaging design, sustainability requirements, and documentation such as the EU Declaration of Conformity.
Harmonization Across Member States
PPWR also requires every Member State to operate a national Producer Register. All producers placing packaging on the market must register in each relevant territory and submit annual packaging data.
Although many countries already have registers in place, PPWR aims to harmonize formats and expectations, reducing variation between markets. This is supported by the removal of minimum reporting thresholds in many countries, improving data consistency and transparency across the EU.
How RLG Can Help Producers Prepare
Preparing for PPWR is not about doing everything at once, but about building the right foundations. At RLG, we support producers at every stage of this process:
- Horizon Scanning
Keeping producers informed of upcoming PPWR developments and national transposition, so there are fewer surprises as requirements are finalized.
- EPR Assessments
Helping businesses understand producer roles, obligations, and potential cost exposure across different markets.
- Packaging Data Management
Ensuring packaging data is accurate, structured, and ready to meet harmonized reporting requirements once they are confirmed.
- Packaging Compliance Support
Managing registration, reporting, and ongoing compliance so internal teams can stay focused on core business priorities.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
PPWR represents a steady move toward more consistent and circular packaging systems in Europe. February 2026 is a key moment in that journey, providing clarity on how compliance will work in practice.
By preparing early and building the right support around data and compliance, producers can approach the next phase of PPWR with confidence and position themselves well for the years ahead.
