A new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will apply across the European Union from August 12, 2026. It is one of the biggest changes to packaging in decades.

The regulation aims to reduce packaging waste, promote recycling and reuse of packaging, unify rules across member states and increase the safety of packaging that comes into contact with food.

What exactly does PPWR bring and who will the new rules affect?

No more different rules in individual countries

Until now, packaging rules have been based mainly on European directives. Each Member State has been able to implement them in its own way, leading to different requirements between countries.

The PPWR changes this approach.

As a European regulation, its rules apply directly in all EU Member States without the need to transpose them into national legislation. The result is a more unified market and a level playing field for both manufacturers and traders.

Packaging will be assessed throughout its life cycle

The new rules do not only concern waste itself.

The PPWR addresses the entire life cycle of packaging – from the selection of materials and packaging design, through its production and use, to sorting, recycling and reuse.

The reason for this is the long-term growth in the amount of packaging waste in Europe. The regulation therefore places greater emphasis on preventing waste at the very design of packaging.

What will consumers notice?

We will also experience some changes in our everyday purchases.

Fewer unnecessarily large packages

One of the most visible changes will be the restriction of so-called "air packaging" for online orders.

Transport packaging will have to meet a limit of a maximum of 50% empty space, which should reduce the consumption of cardboard and filling materials.

Uniform labeling of packaging across the EU

A uniform labeling system for packaging and collection containers will be gradually introduced.

It will be easier for consumers to know:

what material the packaging is made of,

which container it belongs in,

how to properly sort it.

The same symbols should appear not only on packaging, but also on collection containers throughout the European Union.

Digital product passport

Another new feature will be the Digital Product Passport (DPP).

Using the QR code on the packaging, it will be possible to obtain information, for example, about:

the materials used,

the origin of the product,

recycling options,

the environmental footprint.

More space for reusable packaging

PPWR also supports the use of reusable packaging.

In the field of gastronomy and food sales, it is expected that establishments will have to allow customers to collect food or drinks in their own containers.

The end of PFAS in food packaging

Among the most significant measures is the ban on the use of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in packaging that comes into direct contact with food.

These substances were used in the past mainly for their ability to repel grease and water, for example in:

paper packaging for fast food,

pizza boxes,

packaging for bakery products.

Their restriction is intended to contribute to higher safety of food packaging.

When will the next changes come?

The PPWR will not be introduced all at once. Most obligations will come gradually.

By 2028

The European Commission will establish technical criteria against which the recyclability of individual types of packaging will be assessed.

2030

A number of important obligations will come into force from 2030:

All packaging placed on the EU market will have to be designed as recyclable,

A ban on selected single-use plastic packaging will be introduced,

A mandatory minimum recycled plastic content for selected packaging will come into force,

A limit of maximum 50% of empty space in transport packaging will apply.

Packaging will also be classified into recyclability classes:

Class A – at least 95% recyclable material,

Class B – 80% to less than 95%,

Class C – 70% to less than 80%.

2035

Packaging will have to be recycled on a large scale according to the requirements of European legislation.

2038 – 2040

The rules will become even stricter.

From 2038, it will no longer be possible to place packaging on the market that does not meet the minimum recyclability requirements. At the same time, the requirements for the proportion of reusable packaging and recycled materials will increase.

What does PPWR mean for companies?

The new regulation gives manufacturers and retailers time to adapt, but at the same time it clearly shows the direction the European market will take.

When designing new packaging, price or appearance will no longer be the only deciding factor. Increasing emphasis will be placed on:

recyclability,

materials used,

amount of waste,

reusability options.

Companies that start preparing their packaging according to the new requirements today will gain a head start