What is the PPWR and what does it mean for packaging?
The European PPWR radically changes the rules for packaging. As a producer or brand, you will face stricter requirements around sustainability, reusability and recycling. In this blog you will read what the PPWR entails, what will change, and how you as a company can prepare.
What is the PPWR
PPWR stands for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. This European regulation replaces the existing packaging waste directive. Instead of separate national rules, there will be one uniform set of regulations for all member states. The regulation is part of the European Union's wider Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.
Goal: less waste, more re-use, and packaging that is truly recyclable.
Why is the PPWR relevant to your business?
The PPWR affects every party in the packaging chain: from raw material producer to retailer. Are you responsible for product packaging? Then you are also responsible for its environmental impact.
The regulations require companies to:
- Design packaging that is recyclable.
- Avoid unnecessary layers of packaging.
- Apply recycled material.
- Offering reusable solutions.
The implications are huge. Both the design, choice of materials and logistics of packaging have to be reconsidered. Companies that anticipate these changes now will soon be ahead of the game.
What specifically will change?
The PPWR contains targets and bans that will be phased in from 2025. Some key changes:
Recyclability mandatory
From 2030, every packaging must be technically recyclable. By 2035, it must be clear that this packaging is actually recycled on a large scale in practice. Packaging that does not achieve this will then no longer be allowed on the European market.
Less over-packaging
Empty space in shipping packaging may not exceed 40%. Unnecessary inner packaging or double boxes will be banned. Packaging must be as light and efficient as possible.
Minimum recycled content
Plastic packaging will have requirements for the percentage of recycled material. The level of this percentage varies by application, but will be between 10% and 50% from 2030 onwards.
Reuse as standard
Reuse targets apply to sectors such as hospitality, e-commerce and retail. Think reusable transport crates, returnable packaging or refill concepts. Companies are required to develop systems for collection and reuse.
Clear labelling
Every packaging must contain information about the material type and how to dispose of it. There will be uniform pictograms and digital elements such as QR codes to make it easier for consumers to recycle correctly.
What does the PPWR mean for plastic packaging?
For plastic packaging, the PPWR represents a clear shift. Packaging must:
- Are recyclable according to recognised standards.
- Made of mono-materials or easily separable combinations.
- Preferably produced with recycled plastic.
- Light and efficiently designed, without redundant parts.
This offers opportunities for innovation. Think thin-walled plastic packaging, smart closures and modular designs. Companies that actively pursue circular packaging solutions strengthen their position in the chain.
How can you prepare?
The introduction of the PPWR means that packaging strategies need to be re-examined. SFA Packaging advises to:
- Screen current packaging for recyclability and material use.
- Switch to mono-material solutions where possible.
- Invest in designs suitable for reuse.
- Choose suppliers who think circularly and actively participate.
Working with a specialised packaging partner helps to comply with the new rules quickly and effectively.
SFA Packaging: your partner for packaging according to the PPWR
The PPWR places high demands on packaging, but also offers opportunities for brands that want to combine sustainability and innovation. SFA Packaging helps you develop packaging that not only complies with the new rules, but also adds value to your product.
As a specialist in customer-specific plastic packaging, we combine technical expertise with market knowledge. We think along in the design, choose targeted materials and make sure your packaging is ready for the future - recyclable, reusable and circular.
Are you looking for packaging that fits within the PPWR? Contact our specialists and find out what we can do for your brand.
The 5 most frequently asked questions about the PPWR
What is the difference between the PPWR and the old EU packaging directive?
The old directive left room for national interpretation, so each EU country had different requirements for packaging. The PPWR is a regulation, which means that the rules are applied exactly the same in every country. This ensures more clarity as well as stricter enforcement.
From when does the PPWR apply?
The PPWR is expected to be phased in from 2025. Certain obligations, such as the use of recycled material and mandatory recyclability, will apply from 2030. Companies would do well to anticipate the coming changes now.
What does 'technically recyclable' mean in the context of the PPWR?
Packaging is technically recyclable if it is designed in such a way that the materials used can be separated and reprocessed within existing recycling systems. Think of mono-material packaging or plastic packaging without disruptive barriers or coatings.
Is bio-based or compostable packaging an alternative under the PPWR?
Not always. The PPWR focuses mainly on recyclability and reuse, not compostability. Bio-based or compostable materials are only allowed if they are degradable within the right industrial processes and do not interfere with existing recycling streams.
How do I know if my current packaging is PPWR-proof?
This requires a technical analysis of design, material and usability within circular systems. SFA Packaging helps companies test and optimise packaging according to the requirements of the PPWR from material selection to recyclable design.
