>

What is the PPWR?

Why is it being introduced, and what is its goal?

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a new initiative by the European Union aimed at reshaping how packaging is produced, used, and disposed of across the continent.

The PPWR seeks to achieve a fully circular economy by 2050 by focusing on four key pillars:

  1. Design for recycling – All packaging must be recyclable by 2030
  2. Efficient material use – Less waste, more sustainability
  3. True biodegradability – Compostable packaging must fully break down under controlled conditions
  4. Unified labeling – Standardized symbols and instructions to guide consumers EU-wide

Together, these reforms aim to reduce environmental impact, encourage innovation, and create a more sustainable packaging system for all.

Packaging designed for recycling

What does “fully recyclable” truly mean?

To provide clarity, the European Commission will release official guidelines in early 2028 that define the specific criteria for recyclable packaging. To support this transition, the EU will also introduce Recycling Performance Grades: a standardized scoring system that evaluates the recyclability of packaging materials. This score will be determined by how much of the total packaging weight can be efficiently reused or recycled.

Have a look at the infographic on the left for practical strategies to boost your recycling score and ensure compliance with the upcoming regulations.

How will the EU track your packaging?

Beyond technical compliance, the PPWR introduces a vital layer of accountability across the packaging supply chain.

From the start of enforcement, all producers and importers in the EU must complete a Declaration of Conformity: a document detailing packaging materials, weight, recyclability, and use of recycled content.

But it doesn’t end there: retailers and distributors must also verify that the packaging they handle meets PPWR standards.

Less volume, more results

Beginning January 1, 2030, the PPWR will introduce new requirements aimed at reducing packaging waste at its source. All packaging must be as compact and lightweight as possible without compromising the safety or functionality of the product it contains.

To prevent unnecessary material use, the regulation specifies that empty space inside packaging must not exceed 50%. Additionally, to drive the circular economy forward, plastic packaging must include a minimum percentage of recycled content, encouraging manufacturers to embrace sustainable material choices.

These factors will directly influence your Recycling Performance Grade, so optimizing for volume, weight, and recycled content is essential to achieving a high score.

Compostable & biodegradable packaging

Under the PPWR, even biodegradable packaging will face stricter standards. By 2030, these materials must not only fully biodegrade under controlled industrial conditions, but they must also pose no interference with existing recycling or composting systems.

In other words, packaging labeled as “biodegradable” can no longer be a vague claim. Tje packaging t must meet measurable and verifiable criteria. To ensure transparency, any claims of recyclability or biodegradability must be clearly marked and easily understood by consumers and waste processors alike.

New EU labeling standard

Consumers are eager to play their part in creating a cleaner planet if they know how and where to dispose their waste correctly.

That’s why the PPWR is taking decisive action: by 2028, all packaging in the EU will be required to display standardized labels and pictograms that clearly indicate the material type. These symbols will be aligned with the markings on waste bins and collection points, making it easier for consumers to sort waste correctly.

Even deposit return schemes (DRS) will adopt unified symbols to ensure consistent and intuitive guidance.

Visual standards for these labels will be officially unveiled in 2026 with the aim of obtaining a clear system that enables 90% of packaging waste to be sorted into the correct stream

PPWR Timeline

The PPWR won’t be implemented all at once, it will be introduced in progressive phases. However, that doesn’t mean businesses should hold off on taking action. On the contrary, early alignment with future requirements can position your company ahead of the curve, both in terms of compliance and sustainability leadership.

Below is the proposed timeline highlighting key milestones in the regulation’s rollout—so you know what to expect, when to act, and how to stay ahead.

Contact

Start met efficiënt bundelen

Vul je gegevens in en we nemen snel contact met je op