Here's what you need to know about the PPWR legislation

What is the PPWR?

Back to the beginning for a moment: what is the PPWR and why was it introduced? Over the past decade, the amount of waste has increased by more than 20%. Most of this waste comes from single-use packaging. “While recycling rates have increased, the total amount of waste is growing faster,” Rob explains. “The original European packaging directive could not keep up with this development. Moreover, the directive was implemented in different ways by member states.” It was time for a new packaging regulation; thus, the PPWR was created. “PPWR aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging in Europe. With the dot on the horizon being a fully circular packaging chain by 2050.”

What are the PPWR requirements for weight and volume?

To achieve that goal, the PPWR introduces several requirements starting in 2030. One is about the weight and volume of packaging. “These must be as low as possible, but your packaging must remain safe and usable. Do you make your packaging look larger than it actually is, for example by double bottoms or extra layers? Then adjust them as soon as possible: that’s going to be banned.” In addition, the PPWR looks critically at the amount of empty space in packaging, especially during transport. A maximum of 50% empty space per package applies to these overpacks. “Padding materials such as paper shreds, air cushions and bubble wrap are counted as empty space in this. For your product packaging itself, no fixed percentage applies. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you keep empty space to a minimum. It’s therefore smart to think about how to pack your product smartly as early as the time you buy new packaging.”

What are the PPWR requirements for material and reuse?

In addition to low weight and volume, the PPWR requires that your plastic packaging contain a minimum amount of post-consumer recycled material (PCR) by 2030. “PCR is recycled plastic from consumer waste. The idea behind this requirement is to reduce reliance on virgin plastics.” How much PCR a package must contain varies by application and type of plastic. The PPWR also encourages reusable packaging. “A package is considered reusable when it is intentionally designed and produced to be used multiple times for the same purpose. There is no blanket requirement that all packaging be reusable, but for certain applications, the PPWR sets specific goals. For example, do you sell coffee beans? Then the packaging you use for transportation must be largely reusable by 2030. Be well advised to what extent your packaging should be reusable and how much PCR is needed.” Finally, let customers know how they can reuse your packaging. In this regard, the PPWR requires that disposal instructions be affixed to every package.

What are the PPWR requirements for recyclability and recycled material?

For reuse to be really good, you also have to meet European criteria for “design for recycling” by 2030. “Your packaging must be designed for proper recycling. At least 70% of the weight of your packaging must be recyclable, or you won’t be allowed to put it on the market.” In addition to this sustainable design, there are going to be requirements for recycled material. The amount you have to use varies by packaging type. “For example, plastic film wrapped around pallets must be at least 35% recycled material,” Rob said. “For single-use plastic beverage bottles, such as water or soft drink bottles, there is a minimum of 30%. For other packaging that comes into contact with food, such as trays or bags, that percentage is at least 10%. Small parts, such as caps or labels that make up less than 5% of the total, do not count.”

When do the PPWR’s new requirements apply?

The first new requirements of the PPWR take effect Aug. 12, 2026. Not all of the requirements Rob mentions in this article apply as of that date. He outlines a timeline:

From Aug. 12, 2026
“This is when you have to be able to prove on paper that your packaging complies with the current rules of PPWR, such as use of safe materials. The stricter requirements will follow later.“

2028
“On this date, the European Commission publishes guidelines for design for recycling, including the so-called Recycling Performance Grades (RPGs). These are scores that indicate how well your packaging is recyclable. The European Commission is also publishing rules for uniform pictograms on packaging, indicating what material it is made of and in which waste stream customers should separate the packaging. So this is just publication of guidelines. From now on, you get the time to adapt your packaging.”

2029
“Now your packaging must contain a minimum percentage of PCR. The exact percentage will be announced in the years before this – at the moment the European Commission is still working out.”

2030
“2030 is the year when the big changes come into effect: you have to meet requirements for as little packaging volume and empty space as possible, reuse targets (for certain applications) and design-for-recycling requirements.”

2035
“From this point on, you must be able to demonstrate not only that your packaging is recyclable, but also that this is done in practice on a large scale.”