The New EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR): What Companies Need to Know

The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – PPWR) has applied since 12 August 2026. It introduces new requirements for packaging and packaging waste, including sustainability, recyclability, labelling and documentation. Companies placing packaging or packaged products on the EU market should therefore familiarize themselves with the new requirements.

For our customers, this primarily means that packaging will increasingly need to be assessed and documented in terms of its material composition, recyclability and compliance.

 

What is the PPWR?

The PPWR – Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – aims to reduce packaging waste throughout the European Union and strengthen the circular economy. To achieve this, it establishes harmonised requirements for packaging and packaging waste across the EU.

The regulation has applied since 12 August 2026. However, some specific requirements will only become mandatory at a later stage, such as certain labelling requirements from 2028 and further packaging requirements from 2030.

This means that companies need to consider not only the design and composition of their packaging, but also the information, evidence and documentation required to demonstrate compliance.

 

What is changing?

The PPWR covers a wide range of areas. Some of the key topics for companies include:

1. Recyclability

Packaging must increasingly be designed in a way that allows it to be effectively recycled at the end of its useful life. The regulation introduces specific requirements concerning recyclability and packaging design.

2. Reduction of packaging material and empty space

The PPWR also aims to reduce unnecessary packaging and excessive empty space.

For certain transport, grouped and e-commerce packaging, for example, a maximum empty-space ratio of 50% will apply from 2030. Sales packaging must also limit empty space to what is necessary for the functionality of the packaging.

3. Material labelling

The regulation provides for harmonised EU-wide labelling to help consumers correctly sort packaging waste.

The relevant labelling requirements will generally apply from 12 August 2028, subject to the adoption of the necessary implementing acts.

4. More documentation and evidence

One of the key aspects of the PPWR is the requirement to demonstrate packaging compliance.

Manufacturers may be required to prepare technical documentation and, where compliance has been demonstrated, issue an EU Declaration of Conformity. Depending on the type of packaging, relevant documentation must generally be retained for five years for single-use packaging and ten years for reusable packaging.

For companies, this means that it is no longer sufficient simply to know what material a package is made of. Relevant information must be traceable, documented and available when required.

 

What does the PPWR mean for our customers?

The specific obligations depend on the role a company has within the supply chain and the type of packaging concerned. Nevertheless, companies should review their packaging and the information available about it at an early stage.

Questions to consider include:

• What packaging is used for the products supplied?
• What materials are used in this packaging?
• Is the relevant material information documented?
• What packaging information needs to be provided to customers or authorities?
• Are the required declarations and compliance documents available?
• Which requirements already apply, and which will become applicable at a later date?

For companies distributing products across different EU Member States, consistent and transparent documentation can be particularly valuable.

 

ELBTAL Plastics supports customers with the required information

At ELBTAL Plastics, we are also addressing the requirements of the new PPWR and adapting our processes and documentation accordingly.

For our customers, this means that relevant information and documents relating to our products and their packaging will be made available and can be used for their own documentation and compliance processes.

Depending on the product and application, this may include information on packaging and material composition as well as relevant declarations and compliance documentation.

Our aim is to provide our customers with the necessary information in a structured and transparent way, so that it can be incorporated into their own PPWR-related processes.

 

Important: Not all PPWR requirements apply immediately

The PPWR does not mean that all requirements have to be fully implemented from 12 August 2026. The regulation contains different transitional periods and application dates.

For example, certain labelling requirements will apply from 2028, while further requirements – including those concerning empty-space reduction and reuse targets – will apply from 2030.

This is why it makes sense to review packaging requirements before individual obligations become mandatory. Companies can use the transition period to review their packaging data, supply chains and documentation.

 

Our recommendation: Review your packaging information now

The new PPWR will increase the need for transparency and documentation throughout the packaging supply chain. Companies that start collecting their packaging data systematically and requesting the necessary information from their suppliers now can establish a solid foundation for future requirements.

ELBTAL Plastics is here to support you.

If you require information or documentation relating to our products and their packaging for your PPWR compliance processes, please contact us. We will be happy to provide the relevant documents available to you.

Together, we can ensure that your documentation is well prepared for the new requirements.

Please note: This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute individual legal advice. The specific obligations applicable to a company depend, among other things, on its role within the supply chain and the packaging concerned.