The new EU Packaging Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/40, also known as PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation)) was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 22 January 2025 and entered into force on 11 February 2025. It replaces the Packaging Directive 94/62/EC, which had been in force for almost three decades, and brings significant changes for businesses and consumers.

The PPWR will apply directly in all EU member states after an 18-month transition period – without the need for transposition into national law. This gives companies until August 2026 to implement the new PPWR requirements.

The goal of the Packaging and Packaging Reform (PPWR) is to reduce packaging waste, promote recycling, and establish more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. As part of the European Green Deal, the PPWR sets binding requirements for the design and use of packaging throughout the EU. Specifically, the per capita amount of packaging waste is to be reduced by 5% by 2030 and by 15% by 2040 compared to 2018.

The requirements of the PPWR will be introduced gradually from its entry into force. These include:

• the reduction of harmful substances in packaging (e.g. lead, PFAS)
• improved recyclability (by 2030 all packaging on the EU market must be recyclable!)
• the inclusion of a certain percentage of recycled materials in plastic packaging from 2030 onwards
• the compostability of certain materials
• Requirements for the labelling of packaging

Another key focus of the PPWR is the promotion of reusable and refillable packaging systems to significantly reduce the use of single-use packaging. The new regulation sets binding reuse targets for this purpose.

Further information can be found in the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) information sheet on the new packaging regulation.