PPWR – What Companies Need to Know

From 2030, all packaging must be recyclable. This means meeting design-for-recycling (DfR) criteria. The PPWR defines different performance classes based on the recyclability level, with 70% recyclability as the minimum threshold for a package to be considered recyclable.

From 2030, non-recyclable packaging will be banned—i.e., packaging that doesn’t meet classes A, B, or C (below 70% recyclability) will be deemed technically non-recyclable and may not be placed on the market.

From 2035, the criteria will include “Recycling at Scale” (RaS). This ensures that packaging can be effectively recycled using the existing collection, sorting, and processing infrastructure.

Through our partnership with RecyClass, you can already test the recyclability of your packaging for free using the online tool. Test your packaging’s recyclability

From January 1, 2030 (or 3 years after the implementing act enters into force), plastic packaging must include a minimum amount of recycled content. This can also serve as a basis for adjusting EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) fees.

The recycled content must be made from post-consumer plastic waste (PCR) and collected and recycled either in the EU or in third countries with equivalent standards. The requirement applies to every plastic component of a package.

Some exemptions apply—for example, compostable packaging is excluded.

Together with our partner SourceOne, we can already provide you with high-quality secondary raw materials – you can find all the information here.

From January 1, 2030, all packaging units must be reduced to their minimum necessary size—weight, volume, and layers must be minimized while still ensuring packaging functionality and safety.

Packaging features designed solely to increase perceived product volume, such as double walls, false bottoms, or unnecessary layers, will be prohibited.

This applies to sales packaging, group packaging, transport packaging, and e-commerce packaging, with different requirements for each type.

More information can be found in our flyer.

From January 1, 2030, the EU will define what qualifies as reusable packaging and set measures to promote its use.

Delegated acts will set a minimum number of reuse cycles for commonly used reusable packaging.

Specific regulations apply to service packaging in the HORECA sector, sales areas over 400 sqm, group and transport packaging, and sales packaging.

More information is available in our flyer.

Packaging must meet specific labelling standards, including labels for recyclability, material composition, hazardous substances, and proper disposal instructions. Separation instructions will be harmonized EU-wide using easily understandable pictograms.

In some cases, QR codes or similar technologies will be used or required to provide additional information.

Sustainability claims will only be permitted if they exceed the legal PPWR requirements.

More details in our flyer.

From January 1, 2030, the PPWR will ban certain types of packaging, including:

Single-use plastic group packaging, SUP packaging for unprocessed fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg, SUP packaging for spices, canned goods, and coffee in the HORECA sector.

Micro-enterprises may be exempt if it is technically impossible to eliminate packaging or access reuse infrastructure.

More information is available in our flyer.

The PPWR promotes the introduction and expansion of deposit-return systems across EU member states by January 1, 2029. The goal is to separately collect 90% (by weight) per year through such systems.

Harmonizing these systems across borders is essential to reduce problems and increase efficiency.

Member states can be exempted if their separate collection rate exceeds 80% in 2026 and they present a strategy to reach 90% by early 2028.

More details in our flyer.

An authorized representative must be appointed when a manufacturer is subject to obligations but lacks a presence in the relevant country or in the EU.

Two types of representatives may be required:

• For packaging design compliance → EU (voluntary)
• For EPR compliance → National (mandatory)