Frequently asked questions

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a European Union regulation aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting recycling across all member states. It builds upon the previous PPWD and introduces uniform rules and ambitious targets for packaging reduction, recycling, and reuse.

The PPWR is a regulation, meaning it is directly applicable and enforceable across all EU member states, ensuring uniformity. In contrast, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) allowed member states flexibility in how they implemented its goals, which led to variations across the EU.

No, the PPWR will not fully harmonise all requirements. While the PPWR sets uniform rules and standards across the EU, addressing many top-down discrepancies from the previous directive such as country-specific recycling targets, the implementation of EPR and DRS, and refill and reuse requirements.

Local implementations of bonus and penalty schemes in countries like the Netherlands and Spain will continue, including differences in fee categorisation and pricing. These local applications are not expected to significantly change due to variations in recycling systems and differing cost sensitivities across Europe.

The PPWR sets specific targets for reducing overall packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. It also includes specific reduction targets for plastic packaging and mandates a minimum recycled content for packaging materials starting in 2030.

An overview of key targets will soon be published for our ReCoRe subscribers, split by the 19 packaging formats we currently cover.

The PPWR is expected to begin implementation in 2026, with various targets and requirements phased in through 2040.

The effective implementation date is currently subject to EU legislative processes, and will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Almost all aspects within the PPWR are aimed at the reduction of packaging waste and the better management of materials which are placed on the market.

The PPWR introduces harmonised Design for Recycling (D4R) guidelines and establishes minimum recycled content thresholds for packaging materials. It also establishes the Recycled at Scale (RaS) assessment, which grades packaging based on how well it can be recycled using existing systems.

Businesses will need to comply with stricter regulations on packaging design, including meeting recycling and reuse targets, reducing packaging size, and increasing the use of recycled materials. Non-compliance will result in penalties and restrictions on market access.

The PPWR sets key requirements for all packaging to be met by 2030, including a minimum recyclability threshold and "at-scale" recycling assessment. Not meeting these minimum thresholds means that your packaging will not be allowed to participate in the European market.

While specific Design for Recycling criteria and at-scale requirements are still being developed, CIRCPACK is well positioned to forecast the future performance of your packaging for 2030, 2035, and beyond.

Through our connection with Veolia, collaboration with industry groups like RecyClass, and our comprehensive and freely available Design for Recycling (D4R) guidelines, we can provide actionable and clear insights to help you prepare for upcoming standards.

Reach out to our certification experts via email, or on our website, for a free consultation.

Certain types of packaging, such as medical and pharmaceutical packaging, or packaging for dangerous goods, may be exempt from some of the PPWR’s requirements. However, these exemptions are limited and specific, and not meeting these requirements may have implications for your business.

For example, pharmaceutical packaging not meeting the official requirements may be allowed to participate in the market, but will need to be strictly labelled to inform consumers of its non-recyclability.

Consumers can expect to see more sustainable packaging options and clearer labelling on packaging materials. This is being accomplished in conjunction with stricter European laws on so-called "green" labelling.

The regulation also encourages the adoption of reuse and refill systems, which will become more common in retail.

The PPWR is a key part of the EU’s strategy to transition to a circular economy, reducing reliance on virgin materials, minimising waste, and promoting sustainable packaging practices across the entire value chain.

Contact our experts at CIRCPACK for questions which you have relating to the PPWR and any of its implications or requirements. Our experts will answer your questions from an operational and theoretical perspective, enabling you to make informed decisions before all of the PPWR’s extensive requirements have been confirmed.