What is PPWR?
A new EU packaging legislation called Packaging and Packaging waste regulation (PPWR), EU 2025/40 is in place from 12th August 2026 aiming to tackle the environmental impact of packaging waste. It replaces Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and Packaging Waste.
The PPWR regulation is complex and applies to all businesses before they place packaging on the EU market. The requirements are being introduced in phases starting in 2026 through to 2040 and are unified across the whole EU.
During this timescale the regulation:
- Has links to Extended producer responsibility schemes in EU countries.
- Aims to minimise packaging waste and encourage reuse/ refill systems for certain products.
- Aims to improve the safety of packaging by restricting harmful substances.
- Requires all packaging to be recyclable by 2030.
- Sets recycled content targets for plastic packaging.
- Standardises labelling requirements, to encourage greater recycling.
- Some specific compostable packaging requirements
How can Kilby Packaging help you?
This regulation has implications for the supply chain. These premarket obligations require a flow of required technical information regarding the packaging, allowing the company putting the packaging on the EU market (often the brand owner), to create a technical file and declaration of conformity that satisfies the requirements of the articles of the legislation.
For its initial implementation in 2026, article 5 applies, which focuses on substances of concern in packaging.
Action Checklist for companies selling in the EU:
It is important that businesses conduct an internal review and ensure that they are compliant with this regulation.
- understanding obligations: research into EPR scheme requirements in your EU market country (thresholds, fees etc.)
- assess your packaging: evaluate your packaging against PPWR criteria and national EPR guidelines. We are able guide where necessary and provide data sheets and compliance statements for all your packaging,
- register with relevant EPR schemes: register and report packaging data to national EPR schemes and pay relevant fees. Consider whether an authorised representative needs to be appointed who can manage EPR obligations locally
- data collection and reporting: ensure all relevant data required by PPWR and EPR are collected in a timely manner and that records are kept
More information can be found here.
All information referenced in this article can be supported here