PPWR Regulation: New measures in 2026

Last updated: 11 / 03 / 2026

Coming into force in February 2025, the regulation PPWR file (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) completely redefines the European framework around packaging and packaging waste, and marks a major step forward for the industry and the entire European internal market.

When it comes into force on 12 August 2026, all businesses in every Member State will have to comply with stricter requirements on waste reduction, reuse and traceability. Do you want to anticipate the changes in this new regulation now? ETERNITY Systems helps you understand the concrete impacts of the PPWR, its implementation, the measures to anticipate and the key deadlines.

The European PPWR regulation in summary

Le PPWR file (EU 2025/40) is a new European Union regulation on packaging and packaging waste.
It was adopted in January 2025 and will apply from August 12, 2026 in all Member States, without national transposition.
The objectives of the PPWR are: waste reduction, improved recyclability, development of reuse and harmonisation of rules across the EU.
All sectors and all types of packaging are concerned.

What is PPWR?

The PPWR, or "packaging and packaging waste regulation", is a European text which aims to harmonize the packaging obligations of Member States, manufacturers and marketers. The PPWR applies uniformly in all Member States, without the need for national transposition.

Replacing European Directive 94/62/EC, which has been in force for over 25 years, the PPWR regulation is part of the European Green Deal strategy. Like the AGEC law, it aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging, to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy, and to better inform consumers about the management of their waste.

Following its predecessor, it imposes strict rules on sustainable design, labeling, traceability, reuse, and prohibits certain single-use packaging formats deemed unnecessary or non-recyclable.

The PPWR Act targets all types of packaging : food, industrial, e-commerce, logistics, etc. Its implementation also has a significant impact on many sectors: manufacturers, importers, distributors, e-retailers or logisticians. These will have to adapt their packaging, their organization and their logistics flows.

What are the main objectives of PPWR?

The PPWR Regulation sets specific and measurable targets to transform the way packaging is designed, used and handled across EU states:

Reducing waste at source,
Recyclable packaging requirement,
Promoting the circular economy and reuse,
Standardization of rules at European level.

Reduce waste at the source

The first objective of the PPWR is to reduce the amount of packaging placed on the market, by limiting over-packaging, non-recyclable formats and single-use packaging without justification. Indeed, according to the European Commission, 40% of plastics used in the EU are packaging, and each European generates an average of 190 kg of packaging waste per year.

Therefore, the regulation sets measurable objectives for reducing packaging:

-5% by 2030;
-10% by 2035;
-15% by 2040.

Make all packaging recyclable by 2030

From 2030, all packaging placed on the market must be recyclable, according to precise technical criteria. The PPWR introduces a recyclability classification system (from A to E), where only packaging rated at least “C” will be authorized. This requirement aims to guarantee their compatibility with existing sorting and recycling infrastructures.

Promoting the circular economy and reuse

The PPWR aims to impose a circular approach to packaging at all stages of the life cycle. This means keeping materials in the economic cycle for as long as possible, while reducing dependence on virgin materials. This goal is achieved by:

reuse obligations on specific product categories (drinks, e-commerce, catering),
recyclability requirements,
The establishment of a harmonized deposit system for certain product families, such as plastic bottles and aluminum cans for beverages.

Standardize rules across Europe

Today, packaging regulations vary from country to country. The PPWR aims to create a common foundation with complete harmonization of national legislation:

standardized design rules,
Un unified labeling on recyclability, composition or reuse,
precise definitions (such as “reusable packaging”) shared across the EU.

This standardization will facilitate trade, reduce regulatory barriers and strengthen the competitiveness of European sectors.

Who is affected by the PPWR law?

The PPWR applies to all companies that place packaging on the market in Europe, regardless of their sector or size. It concerns producers, distributors, importers and end users, with a view to extended producer responsibility (REP). These companies will therefore have to comply with it from August 12, 2026.

The sectors most impacted by the PPWR law are e-commerce, mass distribution, catering and takeaway, which will have to adapt their packaging, offer reusable containers or integrate deposit systems. Importers will also have to comply with these rules with packaging coming from abroad.

Beyond manufacturers, the PPWR affects all supply chains. The regulation imposes new practices for packaging management, sorting, washing, and traceability. To support this transition, our solutions ETERNITY Systems become essential to guarantee large-scale reuse objectives.

Companies that fail to comply with PPWR obligations are exposed to administrative and financial sanctions, defined by each Member State. This may include fines, marketing bans or withdrawals of non-compliant products. Traceability and proof of compliance will be systematically required.

What are the main PPWR measures from 2026?

In order to limit the increase in packaging materials (+20% between 2011 and 2022 according to a Eurostat study “Packaging waste statistics”), the PPWR regulation introduces rules applicable to all packaging marketed in the European Union, such as: the elimination of unnecessary packaging, the obligation of recyclable design, the standardization of reusable packaging, or mandatory uniform labeling.

Elimination of unnecessary packaging

The PPWR text gradually bans packaging deemed excessive, such as double-bottom overwraps, boxes within boxes, individual mini-portions, or multi-layer plastic packaging that is difficult to recycle. For fruits and vegetables, single-use plastic packaging will be banned if the product can be sold in bulk. This abolition also applies to all purely marketing formats, which generate volume without functional added value.

Recyclable design obligation

From 2030, all packaging must be designed to be recyclable, that is, technically sortable, made of materials compatible with existing recycling channels, and free from disruptive elements (such as non-separable inks or composite plastics). This measure concerns the shape, the materials used and their compatibility with existing recycling channels.

By 2035, these packages will have to be recyclable.in large scale”, or recycled concretely in at least 75% of European territory.

Mandatory recycled content in plastics

The PPWR regulation imposes minimum rates of recycled materials in plastic packaging :

10% to 35% recycled plastic by 2030,
Up to 65% in 2040.

These thresholds aim to stimulate demand for quality recycled materials and strengthen the circular economy.

Standardization of reusable packaging

The PPWR harmonizes reusable packaging formats for supply chains (bins, crates, pallets, etc.), facilitating their use between European players. Reuse is becoming an obligation for certain sectors:

10% of packaging reused in 2030 for drinks,
40% in 2040.

The takeaway, catering and e-commerce sectors will therefore have to offer refill or return systems.

ETERNITY Systems already supports many companies in this transformation thanks to its industrial washing solutions reusable containers, to integrate reuse into the life of the product in compliance with the PPWR.

Our infrastructure closes the logistics loop: collection, washing, quality control, and recirculation of reusable packaging. We offer a turnkey approach to integrating reuse into your value chain, in full compliance with the PPWR.

Mandatory deposit systems

Plastic bottles and cans will be subject to a mandatory deposit by 2029, unless countries already achieve a collection rate above 80% in 2026. These deposit systems will be harmonized across Europe to facilitate their use by consumers.

Uniform and mandatory labeling

From 2028, all packaging will have to bear common pictograms throughout the EU to facilitate sorting at source. This labeling will also indicate whether the packaging is reusable, returnable, or made from recycled materials. The objective of this measure is twofold: to improve consumer understanding and increase sorting performance.

Specific rules for e-commerce

E-commerce packaging will be subject to strict rules for minimizing voids and reducing volumes. Shippers should avoid oversized packaging, multiple layers and unnecessary cushioning.

Supervision of problematic substances

per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often used to waterproof food packaging, will be prohibited beyond a defined thresholdThis measure aims to reduce exposure to compounds recognized as eternal pollutants.

The timeline of PPWR application

The PPWR regulation officially entered into force on February 11, 2025. Its application date in all European Union Member States is set for August 12, 2026. This 18-month period gives companies a much-needed transition period to adapt their packaging, rethink their logistics circuits and anticipate future regulatory requirements.

Here are the key steps to remember to effectively prepare for the PPWR

2026: mandatory application in all Member States

12th August 2026 : the regulation becomes applicable throughout the European Union.

The first obligations are imposed: elimination of prohibited packaging formats, start of harmonized labeling, first controls.

2027 to 2029: secondary legislation and technical clarifications

February 2027 : publication of calculation methods for selective collection and minimization standards.
February 2028 : evaluation of bio-sourced raw materials.
2029 : progressive adjustments of technical obligations, according to packaging categories.

2030: 100% recyclable objective

All packaging placed on the market must be recyclable, with a minimum performance level (grade C).
Entry into force of the first reduction targets: -5% of packaging waste compared to 2018.
Implementation of mandatory recycled content rates for plastic packaging.

2035: “Large-scale” recyclability

Packaging will not only have to be designed to be recycled, but actually recycled on an industrial scale in existing sectors.
Reinforced reduction target: -10% packaging waste compared to 2018.

2040: final stage: more recycled content and more reuse

Final reduction target: -15% of packaging waste, still based on 2018.
Strengthening requirements for traceability, logistics performance and life cycle assessment.

About the Author

Anthony ADAM

Communications and Marketing Manager at ETERNITY Systems, Anthony designs strategies and content to promote more sustainable consumption. He is a committed agent of change who combines creativity, rigor, and action to strengthen the visibility and impact of projects related to reuse and the circular economy.