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EU Commission presents guidelines on the PPWR

On 30 March 2026, the Commission presented guidelines on the interpretation of the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR).


The guidelines on the interpretation of selected provisions are intended to facilitate the uniform application of the new packaging rules in the EU and simplify compliance for economic operators and Member States, the European Commission states. The Commission is thus responding to numerous outstanding questions from industry and Member States. According to the Commission, the guidelines are intended in particular to facilitate the interpretation of key terms and obligations, without themselves being legally binding. The document clarifies, for example, when a company is considered a manufacturer or producer and which items are classified as packaging under the PPWR. Furthermore, according to the information provided, it contains clarifications on the restrictions on single-use packaging, on the enforcement of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) restrictions for food contact packaging, and on the application of reuse targets. There would be also guidance on the application of extended producer responsibility for packaging and on the obligation to establish deposit and return schemes. To complement the guidelines, the Commission has provided a document containing frequently asked questions on the PPWR (FAQ), which is said to be updated as necessary.
 
According to Euwid, the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (German Plastics Packaging Industry Association) views the new EU guidelines on the PPWR positively in principle and sees them as a step towards greater clarity, legal certainty and practicality for manufacturers. The IK welcomes clarifications regarding who is considered a “manufacturer” responsible for the conformity of the packaging as well as for sustainability and labelling requirements, and who is regarded as a “producer” within the meaning of extended producer responsibility. It also views clarifications on reuse requirements for certain industrial and commercial sales packaging as positive. In particular, the Commission’s statement that the reusability of such commercial packaging may depend on the contents represents an important step towards greater practicality for the IK. According to Euwid, however, the IK takes a critical view of the guidelines on the bans under Article 25 and Annex V of the PPWR. These stipulate that composite packaging, including paper-based packaging containing five per cent or more plastic, falls under the bans on certain single-use packaging formats, whilst packaging with a lower plastic content is not affected. The IK considers this interpretation to be legally and environmentally questionable.
 
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