Overview of PPWR for Producers
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
On January 23, 2025, the EU officially adopted the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), marking a significant shift towards more sustainable packaging practices across the continent. This comprehensive regulation will come into force on February 11, 2025, with key measures affecting producers beginning on August 12, 2026.
This article aims to provide you with an overview of the key provisions and how they may impact your business. This guidance will help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure compliance with these upcoming requirements.
Key Points About the PPWR
A Regulation, not a Directive
Unlike a Directive, which allows individual EU Member States to transpose laws into their national systems, the PPWR is a Regulation. This means there will be no need for national adaptations in each Member States. This regulation applies consistently across the entire EU. For producers, this means greater uniformity across borders but also stricter requirements that must be followed. Nonetheless, we anticipate that national laws will expand on the EPR concepts from the regulation, allowing for the inclusion of specificities unique to individual Member States.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Under the PPWR
A key aspect of the PPWR is the revision and harmonization of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems across the EU. To prevent inconsistencies, the PPWR mandates a standardized approach to EPR, driving greater alignment across Member States. By establishing uniform requirements, it aims to create a more consistent framework for reporting and compliance, reducing administrative complexity for producers operating in multiple countries.
Central Producer Register
By August 2026, all EU Member States must establish central producer registers for packaging EPR. Then it will require producers to register with their respective government-run systems. These interlinked registers will enable authorities to monitor compliance more effectively while enforcing uniform obligations. This will be in addition to existing compliance schemes, thereby potentially adding further reporting obligations onto producers.
Key Measures in PPWR
1. Reuse and Recycling Targets
- 2030: Binding targets of 40% for transport and sales packaging, and 10% for grouped packaging.
- 2040: Indicative targets for further reuse and reduction.
2. Reusable Transport Packaging
The PPWR links reusability to sustainable systems, emphasizing durable, hygienic, and functional packaging.
3. Restrictions on Single-Use Plastics
The regulation imposes additional restrictions on single-use plastics to reduce environmental impact.
4. Recycling Requirements
All packaging placed on the market must be recyclable, and certain plastic packaging will need minimum recycled content by 2030 and 2040.
5. Packaging Minimization
The PPWR promotes minimizing packaging weight, volume, and waste, eliminating unnecessary packaging where possible.
Harmonized Labelling and Hazardous Substances
A new harmonized pictogram system will be required by 2028, helping consumers correctly sort waste. The PPWR allows for some national labels to remain, but the new harmonized sorting label will likely replace the current mandatory sorting labels in EU Member States. This change comes as the PPWR repeals EU Directive 97/129/EC, which established the existing labels.
Restrictions on harmful substances, including PFAS in food-contact packaging, will be enforced.
What Can Producers Do Now?
As we await the final implementation of the PPWR, there are several key steps producers can take to prepare:
- Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific provisions of the PPWR that will impact your packaging operations.
- Start Assessing Your Packaging: Take a close look at the packaging you currently use and consider how it aligns with the new recycling, reuse, and content requirements. Are there materials or formats that will need to be adjusted to meet the targets?
- Prepare for Reporting and Registration: Get ready to register with the central producer registers in your country. Be prepared for new reporting obligations.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the Implementation Timeline and further publications on key aspects of the Regulation, which will provide a clearer roadmap for compliance.
How RLG Can Support You
The implementation of the PPWR presents both challenges and opportunities for packaging producers across the EU. At RLG, we are committed to helping you navigate these changes with ease and ensure full compliance.
By acting now, producers can stay ahead of the upcoming changes and position themselves as leaders in sustainable packaging. Whether you need assistance with understanding the regulation, preparing for new reporting obligations, or aligning your packaging with sustainability targets, RLG is here to provide the support you need.
Get in touch with us today to ensure a smooth transition and help advance a more sustainable, circular economy as the PPWR comes into effect.
RLG provides packaging compliance services to help producers meet EPR regulations.
RLG offers comprehensive packaging data management services to ensure EPR compliance.
