The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has applied directly across all EU Member States since 12 August 2026. It marks a fundamental shift from managing packaging waste to regulating the entire packaging life cycle.
Its central aim is to reduce packaging waste and make packaging placed on the EU market more circular. Its progressively applicable requirements include packaging minimization, bans on certain single-use packaging formats, reuse and refill obligations, recyclability requirements, minimum recycled content in plastic packaging, compostability requirements for specified packaging and new rules on labelling, technical documentation and Extended Producer Responsibility.
Its impact extends well beyond packaging manufacturers and companies filling or importing packaged products. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, retailers, wholesalers, e-commerce businesses, manufacturers, logistics operators and other service providers may also need to change the packaging they purchase, use, supply or offer to customers.
For many companies, the greatest immediate challenge will be information. Do they know exactly which packaging components they use? What materials and weights are involved? Which company in the supply chain is responsible for each obligation? Can suppliers provide reliable specifications and evidence on recyclability, recycled content and conformity?
Preparation of stakeholders should therefore begin with three practical steps:
- identify the company’s role - or multiple roles - in the packaging supply chain,
- establish a structured register of packaging components by product or SKU, and
- start collecting and verifying the necessary information from suppliers.
Although the requirements will apply progressively, collecting data, engaging suppliers and changing packaging can take considerable time. Early preparation is therefore not simply a compliance exercise - it is essential for managing future risks, costs and business continuity.
Drawing on our extensive local and international experience in packaging, EPR and circular economy frameworks our team can support your business for the collection of the necessary data, structure you packaging registry and provide a practical initial PPWR compliance review, and compliance roadmap.
