PPWR published in the EU Official Journal

The new EU Packaging Regulation was published in the Official Journal on 22 January 2025, according to Euwid.
The previous EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) will be repealed when the new regulation (PPWR) comes into force on 12 August 2026, although some of its provisions will remain in force. These include, among other things, the possibility of counting reusable packaging towards recycling targets and Article 6a on calculating recycling rates. These rules will apply until the end of 2028. In addition, the existing provisions on the labelling of packaging to facilitate separate collection will be extended. These provisions will apply until 30 months after the entry into force of an implementing act to establish an EU-wide harmonised labelling system for packaging and waste containers.
Not all provisions of the PPWR will apply from 12 August 2026. For example, bans on certain disposable EPS and XPS packaging for food and beverages, as well as on some other single-use plastic items, will not take effect until 12 February 2029. In addition, member states may maintain existing national bans on certain types of packaging until 1 January 2030. This concerns, for example, single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables, disposable to-go tableware, cups and similar packaging for bottled food and beverages.
Numerous other requirements for the member states and the EU Commission concern, for example, criteria for a recyclable design and performance levels for the recyclability of packaging. The Commission is to issue a corresponding regulation by 1 January 2028, along with a large number of other legal acts to specify the PPWR. By August 2034 at the latest, the EU Commission is to present an evaluation of the regulation and its contribution to the functioning of the internal market and to improving the environmental sustainability of packaging.
Sources:
- euwid-recycling.de (23.1.2025)
- Photo: © Christian Lue / Unsplash