Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 places design for recycling at the heart of sustainable packaging. By 2030, all packaging must be engineered to enable efficient recycling, with clear criteria to ensure materials can be sorted and processed without losing recyclability.

Despite claims of 100% recyclable design, there is no guarantee that such packaging is actually being recycled. A significant portion still ends up in landfills or incinerators, or is merely down-cycled.

From 2030 onward, any packaging that is not designed for recycling (at least 70% by weight) and does not include the mandated minimum percentage of recycled content from post-consumer plastic waste – targets vary by type and application – will be banned from the market.

To secure sufficient recyclate by 2030, enhanced collection systems and advanced sorting and recycling technologies must be adopted, improving both the quality and quantity of post-consumer waste. This is especially critical for food packaging, which must meet EFSA food safety standards.

GreenPath underscores that achieving packaging circularity requires collaboration across the entire value chain. Even the most sophisticated mechanical recycling technology is limited if packaging is not recyclable by design, not collected separately, or not sorted into dedicated waste streams. National governments, municipalities, EPR systems, and retailers/brands all play pivotal roles in making the PPWR successful.

Download Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste here.


Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR), addresses the following topics:

  • Article 5: enforces strict controls on harmful substances in packaging to enhance recyclability, protect health and the environment, and promote sustainable packaging. It establishes a framework for monitoring, restrictions, and continuous improvements based on scientific developments.
  • Article 6 enforces strict recyclability standards for packaging, with a phased approach toward high-quality material recovery. The regulation sets clear deadlines, financial incentives, and innovation allowances while balancing technical feasibility with environmental goals.
  • Article 7 establishes a structured approach to increasing the use of recycled plastic in packaging, setting clear targets for 2030 and 2040. By mandating minimum recycled content levels, ensuring compliance through verification mechanisms, and allowing for necessary exemptions, the regulation aims to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy. The EU Commission’s periodic reviews and flexibility in adjusting targets ensure that the policy remains practical and achievable. Overall, this article plays a crucial role in driving sustainability in packaging while balancing economic and environmental considerations.
  • Article 8 and 9 focus on promoting sustainability through bio-based and compostable packaging. Article 8 emphasises the need for further research and regulation of bio-based plastic feedstocks, ensuring their sustainability and potential integration into recycling targets. Article 9 sets requirements for compostable packaging, particularly for bio-waste treatment compatibility, while also establishing a framework for future standardisation and regulatory developments. Together, these articles contribute to the EU’s broader goal of reducing plastic waste, fostering innovation in sustainable materials, and ensuring that packaging solutions align with environmental and waste management priorities.
  • Article 10 establishes clear requirements to minimise packaging weight and volume while maintaining functionality. By 2030, manufacturers and importers must ensure that packaging is designed efficiently, eliminating unnecessary elements that serve only to enhance perceived volume. The article also outlines exceptions for legally protected designs and products with geographical indications. Additionally, the Commission will develop standardised methodologies for assessing compliance, ensuring that packaging minimisation is both measurable and enforceable. Overall, this provision aims to reduce material waste, enhance resource efficiency, and support the EU’s broader sustainability objectives.
  • Article 11 sets clear criteria for packaging to be considered reusable, emphasising durability, safety, and multiple-use capability. These requirements ensure that reusable packaging can maintain its function across numerous rotations while complying with health and hygiene standards. The Commission will further define minimum rotation thresholds by 2027 to enhance standardisation. By promoting reusable packaging, this regulation supports waste reduction, resource efficiency, and circular economy goals, contributing to a more sustainable packaging system in the EU.

Article 12, 13 and 14 establish comprehensive labelling, marking, and information requirements to improve packaging transparency, facilitate proper waste sorting, and prevent misleading environmental claims. These regulations ensure that consumers and businesses receive clear, standardised information on material composition, reusability, recyclability, and waste disposal. Harmonised labelling of packaging and waste receptacles, along with digital data carriers, enhances traceability and compliance while promoting responsible consumption. Additionally, strict criteria for environmental claims help prevent greenwashing and encourage sustainable packaging innovation. Together, these measures contribute to a more effective circular economy and improved waste management across the EU.

Articles 15 to 23 establish a comprehensive framework for the obligations of economic operators involved in the packaging industry, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across the supply chain. These provisions define the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, distributors, and fulfilment service providers, mandating conformity assessments, traceability, and corrective measures to uphold packaging standards. Additionally, they reinforce transparency by requiring accurate labeling, documentation retention, and cooperation with national authorities. The regulation also introduces accountability mechanisms for packaging waste management operators, ensuring that relevant data is reported to competent authorities and producer responsibility organisations. Together, these obligations create a harmonised system that promotes sustainability, market integrity, and regulatory enforcement within the packaging sector.

Chapter 5 of the PPWR outlines the obligations of economic operators to reduce packaging and packaging waste through specific measures aimed at minimising excessive packaging, restricting certain formats, promoting reusable packaging, and facilitating refill systems.

  • Article 24: Obligation Related to Excessive Packaging
    Economic operators must limit empty space in packaging to a maximum of 50% by 2030, following a methodology set by the European Commission. By 2028, sales packaging must minimise empty space while maintaining functionality. Certain exemptions apply, particularly for products requiring additional space for protection. The Commission will review and potentially revise these limits by 2032.
  • Article 25: Restrictions on Use of Certain Packaging Formats
    From 2030, specific packaging formats listed in Annex V will be banned. Member States can maintain restrictions established before 2025 and allow micro-enterprises to use restricted packaging if no alternatives exist. The Commission will review these restrictions by 2032, considering environmental impact and technical feasibility.
  • Article 26: Obligations in Relation to Reusable Packaging
    Economic operators introducing reusable packaging must ensure a system is in place to collect and reuse it, complying with Annex VI requirements. Operators can join existing systems to fulfil these obligations.
  • Article 27: Obligations Related to Re-Use Systems
    Economic operators using reusable packaging must participate in compliant re-use systems and ensure proper reconditioning before reuse. Third parties may be appointed to manage these systems. Closed-loop systems must return packaging to designated collection points.
  • Article 28: Obligations Related to Refill
    Economic operators offering refill options must inform consumers about container types, hygiene standards, and user responsibilities. Refill stations must comply with Annex VI and relevant EU regulations. Packaging and containers provided at refill stations must not be free unless part of a deposit and return system. Large retailers (over 400 m²) should allocate 10% of sales space to refill stations by 2030.
  • Article 29: Re-use Targets
    This article sets phased targets for the use of reusable packaging across different packaging formats. Economic operators must ensure that a specified percentage of their transport and grouped packaging is reusable within a re-use system. The targets, starting from 40% in 2030 and increasing to 70% by 2040, aim to reduce packaging waste and encourage sustainability. Exemptions apply for specific cases, such as packaging used for dangerous goods or custom-designed large-scale equipment packaging. Additionally, final distributors of beverages must ensure that a growing percentage of their products are offered in reusable packaging.
  • Article 30: Calculation of Re-use Target Achievement
    Economic operators must calculate and report their re-use performance based on standardised methodologies, which the European Commission will establish by 2027. Compliance with these targets will be monitored from 2030 onwards, ensuring accurate data collection and adherence to regulations.
  • Article 31: Reporting Obligations
    Economic operators are required to submit annual reports on their progress toward meeting re-use targets. These reports, due within six months of the reporting year, will be submitted through electronic systems established by competent authorities. A European observatory on re-use will be set up by 2027 to monitor progress, collect data, and promote best practices.
  • Article 32: Refill Obligation for the Takeaway Sector
    Final distributors in the HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) sector must provide consumers with the option to bring their own refillable containers for beverages and ready-prepared food. This initiative, effective from 2027, seeks to reduce reliance on single-use packaging while ensuring that consumers are not charged extra for using their own containers.
  • Article 33: Re-use Offer Obligation for the Takeaway Sector
    From 2028, HORECA businesses must provide reusable packaging options for takeaway beverages and food. Consumers should be informed of this option and not face additional charges or unfavourable conditions for choosing reusable packaging. By 2030, businesses are encouraged to offer at least 10% of their takeaway products in reusable packaging. Certain exemptions apply to micro-enterprises, and Member States may impose stricter targets if necessary to achieve national sustainability goals.
  • Article 34 requires Member States to reduce the use of lightweight plastic carrier bags to a maximum of 40 per person per year by 2025 and beyond. They can implement various measures, such as marketing restrictions and economic incentives, as long as they are fair and proportionate. Exceptions apply to very lightweight plastic bags used for hygiene or food preservation. Additionally, by 2032, the Commission will assess the impact of other packaging materials and may propose further reduction targets. This article supports the EU’s goal of reducing plastic waste while allowing flexibility in national policies.

Chapter VII of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) establishes requirements for ensuring packaging compliance with EU standards.

  • Article 35 mandates the use of reliable, accurate, and reproducible methods for testing, measuring, and calculating packaging compliance.
  • Article 36 states that packaging and testing methods conforming to harmonised EU standards are presumed to be compliant.
  • Article 37 allows the European Commission to establish common specifications when harmonised standards are unavailable or insufficient.
  • Article 38 outlines that packaging conformity assessment must follow the procedure specified in Annex VII.
  • Article 39 requires manufacturers to issue an EU Declaration of Conformity, assuming responsibility for compliance, with authorities conducting risk-based checks to verify accuracy.

Articles 40 to 43 establish the framework for managing packaging and packaging waste in the EU, focusing on oversight, reporting, and waste prevention. These articles reinforce the EU’s commitment to a circular economy by ensuring effective waste prevention, monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

  • Article 40 requires Member States to designate competent authorities to enforce packaging regulations, oversee producer responsibilities, and manage reporting and registration systems.
  • Article 41 introduces an early warning system, where the Commission and the European Environment Agency will assess Member States’ progress toward packaging waste reduction targets, providing recommendations and best practices.
  • Article 42 mandates that Member States integrate packaging waste management and prevention strategies into their broader waste management plans, aligning with EU waste policies.
  • Article 43 sets clear targets for reducing packaging waste per capita by 5% (2030), 10% (2035), and 15% (2040), with a focus on minimising plastic packaging waste. It also allows for additional national measures and incentives, including economic instruments and producer responsibility schemes, to further drive waste reduction efforts.

Articles 44 to 47 establish the framework for the registration and responsibilities of producers in ensuring compliance with extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations within the European Union. These provisions are essential for monitoring, regulating, and enforcing sustainable packaging practices. These articles establish a structured and accountable system for managing packaging waste through producer registration, financial responsibility, and oversight by national authorities. By ensuring that producers bear the costs of waste management and adhere to standardised reporting mechanisms, the framework aims to enhance transparency, promote sustainability, and facilitate cross-border compliance within the EU. The implementation of these regulations will be crucial in reducing environmental impacts and fostering a circular economy for packaging materials.

  • Article 44: Register of Producers
    Each Member State must create and maintain a national register for producers to track compliance with EPR regulations. Producers are required to register in each Member State where they introduce packaging or packaged products. The register will be linked across Member States to facilitate cross-border compliance. Producers must provide relevant data annually, and national authorities will oversee the registration process, ensuring transparency and accuracy. The European Commission will establish a standardised format for registration and reporting by 2026.
  • Article 45: Extended Producer Responsibility
    Producers bear financial and operational responsibility for the packaging they introduce into the market. Their contributions cover waste management costs, including labeling, collection, and compositional surveys of packaging waste. Online platforms and fulfilment service providers must ensure that producers using their services comply with registration and EPR requirements. Member States can enforce stricter data verification measures to ensure compliance.
  • Article 46: Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs)
    Producers may delegate their EPR obligations to authorised PROs, which must be properly accredited. These organisations must operate transparently and ensure efficient waste management. They are required to publish annual data on packaging introduced into the market and recycling rates. Member States may mandate the use of PROs and must ensure equal treatment of all producers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Article 47: Authorization of Extended Producer Responsibility
    Producers or PROs must obtain authorization from competent authorities to fulfil their EPR obligations. Member States must define clear authorization procedures, verification processes, and compliance measures. Failure to meet obligations may lead to revocation of authorization. Additionally, producers and PROs must provide financial guarantees to cover potential waste management costs in cases of non-compliance or insolvency.

Articles 48 to 50 establish a structured framework to ensure the efficient collection, return, and recycling of packaging waste, with a particular focus on achieving high-quality recycling and reducing landfill and incineration. These provisions reinforce the EU’s commitment to a circular economy by mandating robust collection systems, incentivising high recycling rates, and promoting the reuse of materials. The deposit and return system, alongside mandatory collection objectives, aims to significantly reduce packaging waste and enhance the availability of high-quality recycled materials. Member States have some flexibility in implementation, but they must meet strict collection and recycling targets to ensure effective waste management and environmental sustainability.

  • Article 48 mandates Member States to develop comprehensive return and collection systems that facilitate the separate collection of all packaging waste. These systems must prioritise high-quality recycling and be accessible to all stakeholders, including economic operators, local authorities, and waste management entities. The article also allows for limited exceptions where mixed collection does not compromise recycling quality.
  • Article 49 introduces mandatory collection objectives to be implemented by 1 January 2029. These objectives must align with the recycling and recycled content targets specified in the regulation to ensure consistent progress towards a circular economy.
  • Article 50 establishes a deposit and return system (DRS) to ensure the separate collection of at least 90% of certain single-use beverage containers (plastic and metal up to three liters) by 2029. The regulation allows some exemptions for specific beverage categories and for operators in the hospitality sector under controlled conditions. Member States may also be exempt from setting up a deposit and return system if they achieve an 80% separate collection rate by 2026 and present a credible plan to reach 90% by 2029. The article further encourages extending deposit systems to glass bottles and beverage cartons where feasible, ensuring convenience for consumers, and maintaining high standards for existing systems.
  • Article 51 emphasises the promotion of re-use and refill systems as part of the EU’s broader strategy to minimise packaging waste and support a circular economy. Member States are required to implement measures that incentivise the return and reuse of packaging while ensuring environmental sustainability, food hygiene, and consumer safety.

Key measures include:

  • Deposit and return systems (DRS) for reusable packaging beyond those covered in Article 50.
  • Economic incentives, such as charges on single-use packaging and transparency on costs for consumers at the point of sale.
  • Manufacturer and distributor obligations to offer a portion of products in reusable packaging or refillable formats, provided these requirements do not create trade barriers.

Additionally, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and deposit systems must allocate part of their budget to prevention and reduction efforts.

Articles 52 to 54 establish ambitious recycling targets, calculation methodologies, and the inclusion of re-use in achieving those targets. These provisions aim to enhance recycling efforts across EU Member States and promote the use of recycled materials in packaging production.

  • Article 52 sets minimum recycling targets for packaging waste, specifying percentage-based goals for different materials by 2025 and 2030. It allows for a limited postponement under strict conditions while encouraging Member States to promote recycled materials in manufacturing.
  • Article 53 outlines the calculation rules for assessing whether recycling targets have been met, ensuring accurate measurement of packaging waste generated and recycled. It emphasises quality control, traceability, and excludes waste used for energy recovery from recycling calculations.
  • Article 54 allows Member States to adjust recycling targets by considering the re-use of sales packaging, with limitations on how much re-use can count toward the overall recycling goal. It also permits the inclusion of repaired wooden packaging in recycling calculations.

Articles 55 to 57 establish transparency and accountability mechanisms for packaging waste management by ensuring public access to information, standardised reporting to the European Commission, and the creation of harmonised packaging databases.

  • Article 55 mandates that producers, producer responsibility organisations, or public authorities provide clear information to consumers about waste prevention, re-use options, proper waste disposal, and environmental impacts of packaging waste. This information must be up to date, easily accessible, and available through multiple channels.
  • Article 56 outlines strict reporting obligations for Member States, requiring them to submit annual data on packaging waste generation, collection, recycling rates, and plastic carrier bag consumption to the European Commission. It also mandates quality checks and verification measures to ensure data accuracy.
  • Article 57 requires Member States to establish harmonised packaging databases to track packaging waste flows, enhance transparency, and facilitate public access to data while ensuring compliance with data protection laws.

These articles outline procedures for addressing non-compliant or risky packaging at both national and EU levels.

  • Article 58 establishes that national market surveillance authorities must evaluate packaging suspected of posing risks to human health or the environment. If non-compliance is found, economic operators must take corrective actions. If the issue extends beyond one Member State, authorities must inform the European Commission and other Member States. If corrective actions are not taken, provisional measures such as banning or recalling the packaging may be enforced.
  • Article 59 describes the Union safeguard procedure, where the Commission reviews national measures against non-compliant packaging. If justified, all Member States must act accordingly; if not, the concerned Member State must withdraw its measures. If non-compliance results from shortcomings in harmonised standards or technical specifications, the Commission must amend or repeal them.
  • Article 60 covers cases where packaging complies with regulations but still poses risks. Authorities can require economic operators to take corrective actions, including withdrawal or recall. The Commission assesses such cases and may implement urgent protective measures if needed.
  • Article 61 focuses on controls for packaging entering the EU market, requiring swift communication between market surveillance and customs authorities to prevent the distribution of non-compliant packaging. The Commission is responsible for automating this process.
  • Article 62 addresses formal non-compliance, such as missing documentation, incorrect labeling, or failure to meet sustainability requirements. Authorities can demand corrective actions, and if non-compliance persists, packaging may be removed from the market or penalties applied.
  • Article 63 of the PPWR establishes mandatory green public procurement (GPP) requirements to promote environmentally sustainable packaging in public contracts where packaging accounts for over 30% of the contract’s value, with implementation starting by 2030. These requirements will be based on economic feasibility, market conditions, competition effects, and waste management obligations, taking the form of technical specifications, selection criteria, or contract conditions. However, derogations are allowed in justified cases related to public security, public health, or unresolvable technical difficulties.
  • Article 64 grants the European Commission the power to adopt delegated acts related to various provisions of the PPWR for an initial 10-year period from 11 February 2025, with automatic extensions unless opposed by the European Parliament or the Council. The Commission must consult Member State experts before adopting any delegated act and notify both the Parliament and the Council upon adoption. A delegated act enters into force only if no objections are raised within two months, extendable by another two months if requested by either legislative body.
  • By 12 February 2027, Member States must establish effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties for violations of the PPWR and ensure their enforcement. Penalties for non-compliance with Articles 24 to 29 must include administrative fines, though Member States without such a system may impose fines through national courts. Additionally, Member States must notify the European Commission of these penalty rules and any future amendments.

PPWR Deadlines

Timeline extracted from the Articles of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
incl. mandatory targets, delegated acts, implementing acts, assessments and reviews.

22 January 2025
PPWR
PPWR 2025/40 published in the Official Journal of the EU
11 February 2025
PPWR enters into force
by 11 February 2025
Definition re-usable
Re-usable packaging

PPWR Article 11(1) - Re-usable packaging

Packaging placed on the market from 11 February 2025 shall be considered to be reusable where it fulfils all of the following requirements:

(a) it has been conceived, designed and placed on the market with the objective to be re-used multiple times;

(b) it has been conceived and designed to accomplish as many rotations as possible under normally predictable conditions of use;

(c) it fulfils applicable requirements regarding consumer health, safety and hygiene;

(d) it can be emptied or unloaded without being damaged in a way that would prevent its further function and re-use;

(e) it is capable of being emptied, unloaded, refilled or reloaded while maintaining the quality and safety of the packaged product and ensuring compliance with the applicable safety and hygiene requirements, including those on food safety;

(f) it is capable of being reconditioned in accordance with Part B of Annex VI, while maintaining its ability to perform its intended function;

(g) it allows for affixing of labels and the provision of information on the properties of that product and on the packaging itself, including any relevant instructions and information for ensuring safety, adequate use, traceability and shelf-life of the product;

(h) it can be emptied, unloaded, refilled or reloaded without risk to the health and safety of those responsible for doing so; and

(i) it fulfils the requirements specific to recyclable packaging set out in Article 6, so that it can be recycled when it becomes waste.

by 12 July 2025
Notification by Member States
Competent authorities

PPWR Article 40(3) - Management of packaging and packaging waste - Competent authority

By 12 July 2025, Member States shall notify the Commission of the names and addresses of the competent authorities [responsible for implementation and enforcement...] designated pursuant to paragraph 1. Member States shall inform the Commission without undue delay of any changes to the names or addresses of those competent authorities.

by 31 December 2025
PPWR target
Reduction lightweight plastic carrier bags: max. 40 bags per capita

PPWR 34(1) - Plastic carrier bags

Member States shall take measures to achieve a sustained reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags on their territory.

A sustained reduction is considered to be achieved if the annual consumption does not exceed 40 lightweight plastic carrier bags per capita, or the equivalent target in weight, by 31 December 2025 and subsequently by 31 December each year thereafter.

by 31 December 2025
Derogation
Request to use a base year other than 2028 for the calculation of targets

PPWR 43(8) - Prevention of packaging waste

By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States may, by 31 December 2025, request the Commission to use a base year other than 2018 for the calculations of the targets set out in paragraph 1. If a Member State makes such request, the Commission may, without prejudice to paragraphs 5 and 7, allow the Member State to use such other base year for the purpose of calculating the targets set out in paragraph 1 on condition that the Member State provide substantiated evidence:

(a) of a significant increase in packaging waste during the year that it requests to use as a base year for the purpose of calculating the targets set out in paragraph 1;

(b) that the significant increase in packaging waste demonstrated under point (a) is due to changes in the reporting procedures only;

(c) that the significant increase in packaging waste demonstrated under point (a) is not due to an increased consumption; and

(d) of better comparability of data between the Member States.

by 31 December 2025
PPWR mandatory targets
Recycling targets and promotion of recycling by 31 December 2025

PPWR 52(1) - Recycling targets and promotion of recycling

Member States shall take the necessary measures to achieve the following recycling targets covering the whole of their territory:

(a) by 31 December 2025, a minimum of 65 % by weight of all packaging waste generated;

(b) by 31 December 2025, the following minimum percentages by weight of the following specific materials contained in packaging waste generated:

(i)   50 % of plastic;

(ii)  25 % of wood;

(iii) 70 % of ferrous metals;

(iv) 50 % of aluminium;

(v)  70 % of glass;

(vi) 75 % of paper and cardboard;

see (c) and (d) for 31 December 2030 targets

12 February 2026
Prepare or update harmonised standards
Technical specifications of the requirements on compostable packaging

PPWR Article 9(6) - Compostable Packaging

By 12 February 2026, the Commission shall request the European standardisation organisations to prepare or update harmonised standards laying down the detailed technical specifications of the requirements on compostable packaging. When doing so, the Commission shall request that, in line with the latest scientific and technological developments, parameters such as retention times, temperatures and stirring, which reflect the actual conditions in home composts and in bio-waste treatment facilities, including anaerobic digestion processes, are taken into account. The Commission shall request that those standards include verification that the compostable packaging undergoing the biological decomposition subject to the specified parameters results ultimately in conversion into carbon dioxide or, in absence of oxygen, methane, and mineral salts, biomass and water.

By 12 February 2026, the Commission shall also request the European standardisation organisations to prepare harmonised standards laying down the detailed technical specifications of the requirements on home compostability of packaging referred to in paragraph 1.

12 February 2026
Implementing Acts
Format for registration in and reporting to the Register of Producers

PPWR Article 44(14) - Register of producers (EPR)

The Commission shall, by 12 February 2026, adopt implementing acts establishing the format for registration in, and reporting to, the register and specifying the granularity of data to be provided and the packaging types and material categories to be covered by the information submitted.

The format for the submission of information pursuant to this Article shall be interoperable, shall be based on open standards and machine-readable data, and shall be transferable through an interoperable data exchange network without vendor lock-in.

Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

12 August 2026
PPWR applies
PPWR applies

PPWR Article 71 - Entry into force and application

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 12 August 2026.

However, Article 67(5) shall apply from 12 February 2029.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2024.

from 12 August 2026
PPWR mandatory target
PFAS Restrictions in Food-Contact Packaging

PPWR Article 5(5) - Requirements for substances in packaging

From 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging shall not be placed on the market if it contains per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in a concentration equal to or above the following limit values to the extent that the placing on the market of packaging containing such a concentration of PFAS is not prohibited pursuant to another Union legal act:

(a) 25 ppb for any PFAS as measured with targeted PFAS analysis (polymeric PFAS excluded from quantification);

(b) 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS measured as the sum of targeted PFAS analysis, where applicable with prior degradation of precursors (polymeric PFAS excluded from quantification); and

(c) 50 ppm for PFASs (including polymeric PFAS); if total fluorine exceeds 50 mg/kg the manufacturer, importer or downstream user as defined respectively in Article 3, points (9), (11) and (13) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 shall, upon request, provide to the manufacturer or the importer as defined respectively in Article 3(1), points (13) and (17), of this Regulation proof of the quantity of fluorine measured as content of either PFAS or non-PFAS in order for them to draw up the technical documentation as referred to in Annex VII to this Regulation.

‘PFAS’ means any substance that contains at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3-) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom (without any H/Cl/Br/I attached to it), except substances that only contain the following structural elements: CF3-X or X-CF2-X′, where X = -OR or -NRR′ and X′ = methyl (-CH3), methylene (-CH2-), an aromatic group, a carbonyl group (-C (O)-), -OR′′, -SR′′ or –NR′′R′′′; and where R/R′/R′′/R′′′ is a hydrogen (-H), methyl (-CH3), methylene (-CH2-), an aromatic group or a carbonyl group (-C(O)-).

By 12 August 2030, the Commission shall carry out an evaluation to assess the need to amend or repeal this paragraph in order to avoid overlaps with restrictions or prohibitions on the use of PFAS laid down in accordance with Regulations (EC) No 1935/2004, (EC) No 1907/2006, or (EU) 2019/1021.

by 12 August 2026
Implementing Acts
Harmonised label and specifications for the labelling requirements and formats

PPWR Article 12(6) - Labelling of packaging

By 12 August 2026, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts to establish a harmonised label and specifications for the labelling requirements and formats, including where provided through digital means, for the labelling of packaging referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of this Article. When developing those implementing acts, the Commission shall take into account the specificities of composite packaging. When developing the harmonised label for packaging subject to deposit and return systems referred to in Article 50(2), the Commission shall take into consideration any variation which exists in the deposit charged by Member States. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

12 August 2026
Implementing Acts
Methodology for identifying the material composition of packaging

PPWR Article 12(7) - Labelling of packaging

By 12 August 2026, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts to establish the methodology for identifying the material composition of packaging referred to in paragraph 1 by means of standardised, open, digital-marking technologies, including for composite packaging and integrated or separate components of packaging.

The implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

12 August 2026
Implementing Acts
Harmonised labels on waste receptacles for collection of packaging waste.

PPWR Article 13(2) - Labelling of waste receptacles for the collection of packaging waste

By 12 August 2026, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts to establish harmonised labels and specifications for the labelling requirements and formats for the labelling of the receptacles referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. When developing those implementing acts, the Commission shall take into account the specificities of the collection systems established in the Member States as well as the specificities of composite packaging. The labelling for receptacles shall correspond to the labelling for packaging as referred to in Article 12(6) with the exception of labelling for packaging subject to deposit and return systems. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

by 31 December 2026
EC prepares report
Substances of concern in packaging

PPWR Article 5(2) - Requirements for substances in packaging

The Commission shall monitor the presence of substances of concern in packaging and packaging components and shall take, where appropriate, the relevant follow-up measures.

By 31 December 2026, the Commission, assisted by the European Chemicals Agency, shall prepare a report on the presence of substances of concern in packaging and packaging components, to determine the extent to which they negatively affect the re-use and recycling of materials or impact chemical safety. That report may list the substances of concern present in packaging and packaging components and indicate the extent to which they could present an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.

The Commission shall submit the report to the European Parliament, to the Council and to the committee referred to in Article 65 of this Regulation setting out its findings and shall consider appropriate follow-up measures, including:

(a) for substances of concern in packaging materials which primarily affect human health or the environment, the use of the procedures referred to in Article 68(1) and (2) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 to adopt new restrictions;

(b) for substances of concern that negatively affect the re-use and recycling of materials in the packaging in which they are present, the establishment of restrictions as a part of design for recycling criteria in accordance with Article 6(4) of this Regulation.

If a Member State considers that a substance negatively affects the re-use and recycling of materials in the packaging in which it is present, it shall, by 31 December 2025, supply such information to the Commission.

by 31 December 2026
Implementing Acts
Methodology for calculating percentage of recycled content

PPWR Article 7(8) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 31 December 2026, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing the methodology for the calculation and verification of the percentage of recycled content recovered from post-consumer plastic waste recycled and collected within the Union in accordance with the conditions set out in paragraph 3 of this Article, as well as the format for the technical documentation referred to in Annex VII. For that purpose, the Commission shall take into account the use of resulting secondary raw materials that are of sufficient quality when compared to the original material that they can be used to substitute primary raw materials. The verification methodology may include the obligation to carry independent third-party audits on manufacturers of recycled content in the Union and of plastic packaging placed on the market as a sales unit separate from other products, to ensure that the conditions set out in paragraph 3 of this Article and in the delegated act adopted pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Article are met.

When adopting the implementing acts, the Commission shall assess the available recycling technologies, taking into account their economic and environmental performance, including the quality of the output, the availability of the waste, the energy needed and the emissions of greenhouse gases and other relevant environmental impacts.

Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

by 31 December 2026
Delegated Acts
Sustainability criteria for plastic recycling technologies

PPWR Article 7(9) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 31 December 2026, on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 8, second subparagraph, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 64 to supplement this Regulation with sustainability criteria for plastic recycling technologies.

For the purposes of this Article, recycled content shall be recovered from post-consumer plastic waste that has been recycled either in:

(a) installations located within the Union using recycling technologies which meet such sustainability criteria established pursuant to this paragraph; or

(b) installations located in a third country using recycling technologies in accordance with standards equivalent to the sustainability criteria developed under the delegated acts.

by 31 December 2026
Implementing Acts
Methodology for assessing, verifying and certifying content recycled in a third country

PPWR Article 7(10) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 31 December 2026, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing the methodology for assessing, verifying and certifying, including through third-party audit, the equivalence of the rules applied in cases where the recycled content recovered from post-consumer plastic waste is recycled or collected in a third country. The assessment shall consider the standards of protection of environment and human health, including standards to ensure that recycling is performed in an environmentally sound manner, and standards on high-quality recycling, such as on resource efficiency and quality standards for the recycling sectors. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

12 February 2027
Prepare or update harmonised standards
Harmonised standards for measuring packaging minimisation compliance

PPWR Article 10(3) - Packaging minimisation

By 12 February 2027, the Commission shall request the European standardisation organisations to prepare or update, as appropriate, harmonised standards laying down the methodology for the calculation and measurement of compliance with the requirements concerning packaging minimisation under this Regulation. For most common packaging types and formats, such standards should specify maximum adequate weight and volume limits, and, where appropriate, wall thickness and maximum empty space.

by 12 February 2027
Delegated Acts
Minimum number for the rotations for re-usable packaging

PPWR Article 11(2) - Re-usable packaging

By 12 February 2027, the Commission shall adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 64 to supplement this Regulation by establishing a minimum number for the rotations for re-usable packaging, for the purpose of paragraph 1, point (b), of this Article for the packaging formats which are most frequently used in re-use, taking into account hygiene and other requirements such as logistics.

12 February 2027
not required
Identify packaging included in EPR scheme

PPWR Article 12(9) - Labelling of packaging

By 12 February 2027, packaging included in an extended producer responsibility scheme may be identified throughout the territory of the Member States in which that scheme or system applies. Such identification shall be achieved only by means of a corresponding symbol in a QR code or other standardised, open, digital-marking technology in order to indicate that the producer fulfils its extended producer responsibility obligations. That symbol shall be clear and unambiguous and shall not mislead consumers or other end users as to the recyclability or reusability of the packaging.

12 February 2027
Guidelines
Restrictions on use of certain packaging formats

PPWR Article 25(6) - Restrictions on use of certain packaging formats

By 12 February 2027, the Commission shall publish guidelines, in consultation with Member States and the European Food Safety Authority, which explain Annex V in more detail, including examples of the packaging formats in scope, and any exemptions from the restrictions, and provide a non-exhaustive list of fruits and vegetables that are excluded from point 2 of Annex V.

12 February 2027
Guidelines
Re-use targets

PPWR Article 29(8) - Re-use targets

By 12 February 2027, the Commission, in consultation with Member States, shall publish guidelines on the types of products falling within the scope of paragraphs 6 and 7.

by 12 February 2027
Observatory
Establishment of a European observatory on re-use

PPWR 31(7) - Reporting to the competent authorities on re-use targets

By 12 February 2027, the Commission shall establish a European observatory on re-use. The observatory shall be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the measures laid down in this Regulation, collecting data on re-use practices and contributing to the development of best practices in the field of re-use.

PPWR 31(3)

The first reporting year shall concern the calendar year 2030.

by 12 February 2027
PPWR mandatory target
Refill obligation for the take-away sector

Article 32 (1) - Refill obligation for the take-away sector

By 12 February 2027:

(a) final distributors that conduct their business activity in the HORECA sector and that make available on the territory of a Member State hot or cold beverages in take-away packaging shall provide a system for consumers to bring their own container to be filled;

(b) final distributors that conduct their business activity in the HORECA sector and that make available on the territory of a Member State ready-prepared food in take-away packaging shall provide a system for consumers to bring their own container to be filled.

by 12 February 2027
Implementing Acts
Prevention of packaging waste - correction factor

PPWR Article 43(2) - Prevention of packaging waste

In order to support Member States achieve the packaging waste prevention targets set out in paragraph 1 of this Article, by 12 February 2027, the Commission shall establish a correction factor to account for the increase or decrease in tourism in relation to the base year 2018 by means of implementing acts adopted pursuant to Article 56(7), point (c). That correction factor shall be based on the rate of packaging waste generation per tourist and the variation in the number of tourists relative to the base year 2018 and take the packaging waste reduction potential in tourism into account.

by 12 February 2027
Implementing Acts
Reporting to the Commission

PPWR Article 56(7) - Reporting to the Commission

The Commission shall, by 12 February 2027, adopt implementing acts establishing:

(a) rules for the calculation, verification and submission of data in accordance with paragraph 1, points (a) and (c), and paragraph 2, including the methodology for determining the quantity of packaging waste generated, and the format for the submission of those data;

(b) the methodology for the calculation of the annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags per capita referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), and the format for the submission of those data;

(c) the correction factor referred to in Article 43(2) to account for the increase or decrease in tourism in relation to the base year.

Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

by 12 February 2027
Rules on penalties
Penalties applicable to infringements to the PPWR

PPWR Article 68(1) - Penalties

By 12 February 2027, Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

PPWR Article 68(3)

Member States shall, by 12 February 2027, notify the Commission of the rules and measures referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 and shall notify it, without delay, of any subsequent amendment affecting them.

by 30 June 2027
Implementing Acts
Calculation of the re-use targets

PPWR 30(3) - Rules on the calculation of the achievement of the re-use targets

By 30 June 2027, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing the methodology for the calculation of the re-use targets set out in Article 29.

At the latest by end of 2027 > 2032 > 2037
Early warning reports
Early warning reports on prevention of packaging waste and recycling targets and promotion of recycling (art 52)

PPWR 41(1) - Management of packaging and packaging waste - Early warning reports

The Commission shall, in cooperation with the European Environment Agency, draw up reports on the progress made towards the achievement of the targets laid down in Articles 43 and 52 at the latest 3 years before each of the deadlines laid down in those Articles.

Article 43: Prevention of Packaging Waste

Article 52: Recycling targets and promotion of recycling

by 1 January 2028
Delegated Acts
Design for recycling criteria and recyclability performance grades

PPWR Article 5(2) - Recyclable Packaging

(a) design for recycling criteria and recyclability performance grades based on Table 3 of Annex II and the parameters listed in Table 4 of Annex II for packaging categories listed in Table 1 of Annex II; design for recycling criteria and recyclability performance grades shall be developed on the basis of the predominant material and shall:

(i) take into account the ability of packaging waste to be separated into different material streams for recycling, sorted and recycled, so that the resulting secondary raw materials are of sufficient quality compared to the original material and can be used to substitute primary raw materials for packaging or other applications where the quality of the recycled material is retained, where feasible;

(ii) consider established collection and sorting processes proven in an operational environment and cover all packaging components;

(iii) take into account available recycling technologies, their economic and environmental performance, including the quality of the output, the availability of the waste, the energy needed and the emissions of greenhouse gases;

(iv) where appropriate, identify substances of concern that negatively affect the re-use and recycling of materials in the packaging in which they are present;

(v) where appropriate, impose restrictions on the presence of substances of concern, or of groups of such substances, in packaging or packaging components for reasons not relating primarily to chemical safety; such restrictions may also serve to reduce unacceptable risks to human health or the environment, without prejudice to the restrictions on chemicals set out in Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 or, where applicable, the restrictions and specific measures on food-contact materials and articles in Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004;

by 1 January 2028
Delegated Acts
Recyclable packaging article 6(4)

PPWR Article 6(4) - Recyclable Packaging

By 1 January 2028, the Commission shall, after taking into consideration standards developed by the European standardisation organisations, adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 64 to supplement this Regulation by establishing:

(a) design for recycling criteria and recyclability performance grades based on Table 3 of Annex II and the parameters listed in Table 4 of Annex II for packaging categories listed in Table 1 of Annex II; design for recycling criteria and recyclability performance grades shall be developed on the basis of the predominant material and shall:

(i) take into account the ability of packaging waste to be separated into different material streams for recycling, sorted and recycled, so that the resulting secondary raw materials are of sufficient quality compared to the original material and can be used to substitute primary raw materials for packaging or other applications where the quality of the recycled material is retained, where feasible;

(ii) consider established collection and sorting processes proven in an operational environment and cover all packaging components;

(iii) take into account available recycling technologies, their economic and environmental performance, including the quality of the output, the availability of the waste, the energy needed and the emissions of greenhouse gases;

(iv) where appropriate, identify substances of concern that negatively affect the re-use and recycling of materials in the packaging in which they are present;

(v) where appropriate, impose restrictions on the presence of substances of concern, or of groups of such substances, in packaging or packaging components for reasons not relating primarily to chemical safety; such restrictions may also serve to reduce unacceptable risks to human health or the environment, without prejudice to the restrictions on chemicals set out in Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 or, where applicable, the restrictions and specific measures on food-contact materials and articles in Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004;

(b) how to perform recyclability performance assessment and express its result in recyclability performance grades per packaging unit, in terms of weighting, including material-specific criteria and sorting efficiency, to determine whether packaging is to be considered recyclable under paragraph 2;

(c) a description, for each packaging category listed in Table 1 of Annex II, of the conditions for compliance with their respective recyclability performance grades;

(d) a framework concerning the modulation of financial contributions to be paid by producers to comply with their extended producer responsibility obligations set out in Article 45(1), based on the packaging recyclability performance grades.

by 1 January 2028
Assessment
Assessment derogations from ther minimum percentages of recycled content

PPWR Article 7(12) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 1 January 2028, the Commission shall assess the need for derogations from the minimum percentages of recycled content laid down in paragraph 1, points (b) and (d), for specific plastic packaging, or the revision of the list of exceptions in paragraph 4 for specific plastic packaging.

Based on the assessment referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph, where suitable recycling technologies to recycle plastic packaging are not authorised under the relevant Union rules or are not sufficiently available in practice, taking into account any safety related requirements, especially concerning contact-sensitive plastic packaging, including food packaging, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 64 to amend this Regulation in order to:

(a) provide for derogations from the scope, timing or level of minimum percentage laid down in paragraph 1, points (b) and (d), of this Article, for specific plastic packaging; and

(b) as appropriate, amend the list of the exceptions in paragraph 4 of this Article.

01 January 2028
Delegated Acts
Re-use targets

PPWR Article 29(12) - Re-use targets

Member States may allow final distributors to form pools for the purpose of meeting their obligations laid down in paragraph 6, provided that each pool:

(a) does not exceed more than 40 % of the market share of the relevant beverage category;

(b) consists of no more than five final distributors; and

(c) only covers beverage categories made available on the territory of a Member State by all pool members.

The condition under point (b) does not apply if the final distributors operate under the same brand name.

Where a Member State allows final distributors to form pools pursuant to the first subparagraph, each pool shall provide the competent authority of the Member State with at least the following information:

(a) the final distributors included in the pool; and

(b) the final distributor appointed as pool manager and contact point.

Final distributors shall ensure that their pooling arrangements comply with Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. Without prejudice to the general applicability of Union competition rules to such pools, all members of a pool shall in particular ensure that neither data-sharing nor information exchange, including in relation to prospective sales data, occur in the context of their pooling arrangements, except in respect of the information referred to in Article 30(2) of this Regulation.

By 1 January 2028, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 64 to supplement this Regulation by establishing and specifying the detailed conditions and reporting requirements to be applied to the pooling arrangements referred to in this paragraph, taking into account the type and quantity of packaging each final distributor places on the market each calendar year and the location of the final distributors.

Member States may require further information to be provided as necessary for the enforcement of the obligations under paragraph 6 in conjunction with this paragraph.

1 January 2028
Exemption
Exemption from the requirement to separately collect at least 90% of single-use bottles and cans

PPWR Article 50(5) - Deposit and return systems

Member States may be exempt from the obligation under paragraph 2 under the following conditions:

(a) the rate of separate collection as required under Article 48 of the relevant packaging format as submitted to the Commission under Article 56(1), point (c), is 80 % or more by weight of such packaging made available on the territory of that Member State for the first time in the calendar year 2026; and

(b) by 1 January 2028, the Member State notifies the Commission of its request for exemption and submits an implementation plan showing a strategy with concrete measures, including their timeline, that ensure achievement of the 90 % separate collection rate by weight of the packaging referred to in paragraph 1.

For the purposes of point (a), where the information on the rate of separate collection of the relevant packaging format has not yet been submitted to the Commission, the Member State shall provide a reasoned explanation as to how the conditions for the exemption set out in this paragraph are otherwise fulfilled. The reasoned explanation shall be based on validated national data and include a description of the measures implemented.

not speficied
Delegated Acts
Exemptions for re-use targets

PPWR Article (29(18) - Re-use targets

In order to take account of the latest scientific and economic data and developments, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 64 to supplement this Regulation by establishing:

(a) exemptions for economic operators that are additional to those provided for in this Article, due to particular economic constraints encountered in a specific sector related to the compliance with the targets set out in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of this Article;

(b) exemptions for specific packaging formats covered by the targets set out in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of this Article, where hygiene and food safety issues prevent the achievement of those targets;

(c) exemptions for specific packaging formats covered by the targets set out in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of this Article, where environmental issues prevent the achievement of those targets.

by 12 February 2028
Review
Review: state of technological development and environmental performance of biobased plastic packaging

PPWR Article 8(1) - Biobased feedstock in plastic packaging

By 12 February 2028, the Commission shall review the state of technological development and environmental performance of biobased plastic packaging, taking into consideration the sustainability criteria laid down in Article 29 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

by 12 February 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Packaging and sticky labels compatible with the standard for composting

PPWR Article 9(1) - Compostable Packaging

By way of derogation from Article 6(1), by 12 February 2028, where packaging referred to in Article 3(1), point (1)(f), and sticky labels affixed to fruit and vegetables are placed on the market, that packaging and sticky labels shall be compatible with the standard for composting in industrially controlled conditions in bio-waste treatment facilities and shall be compatible, where required by the Member States, with the home-composting standards referred to in paragraph 6 of this Article.

by 12 February 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Biodegradable packaging designed for material recycling

PPWR Article 9(3) - Compostable Packaging

By 12 February 2028, packaging other than that referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, including packaging made of biodegradable plastic polymers and other biodegradable materials, shall be designed for material recycling in accordance with Article 6 without affecting the recyclability of other waste streams.

12 February 2028
Implementing Acts
Methodology for the calculation of the empty space ratio

PPWR Article 24(2) - Obligation related to excessive packaging

By 12 February 2028, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts to establish the methodology for the calculation of the empty space ratio referred to in paragraph 1. That methodology shall take into account the special characteristics of packaging which needs to be placed in an empty space that is large enough to comply with applicable legal requirements or to protect the product, such as, in particular, packaged products of irregular shape, packaging containing more than one sales packaging or product, packaging containing liquid products, packaged products the content of which can easily be damaged and packaged products that can be damaged by larger products due to their small dimensions, and the minimum space on the transport packaging to enable shipment labels to be affixed.

Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

12 February 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Empty space is reduced to the minimum necessary for ensuring the packaging functionality

PPWR Article 24(4) - Obligation related to excessive packaging

By 12 February 2028, the economic operators who fill sales packaging shall ensure that empty space is reduced to the minimum necessary for ensuring the packaging functionality, including product protection. The empty space ratio for sales packaging shall mean the difference between the total internal volume of the sales packaging and the volume of the packaged product.

For the purpose of assessing compliance with this paragraph, space filled by filling materials, such as paper cuttings, air cushions, bubble wraps, sponge fillers, foam fillers, wood wool, polystyrene or Styrofoam chips, shall be considered as empty space.

For sales packaging for products that are subject to settlement during transportation or where headspace is required to protect the food product, or other products that present these characteristics:

(a) compliance with this paragraph shall be assessed as the pack-fill level at the time of filling;

(b) air between or within packed foodstuff or protective gases shall not be considered as empty space.

by 12 February 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Re-use offer obligation for the take-away sector

Article 33(1) - Re-use offer obligation for the take-away sector

By 12 February 2028, final distributors that conduct their business activity in the HORECA sector and that make available on the territory of a Member State hot or cold beverages or ready-prepared food in take-away packaging shall give consumers the option of obtaining the products in re-useable packaging within a system for re-use.

12 February 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Packaging databases

PPWR Article 57(1) - Packaging databases

By 12 months from the date of adoption of the implementing acts referred to in Article 56(7), Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that databases on packaging and packaging waste are established, where not already in place, on a harmonised basis, for the purpose of fulfilling their reporting obligations laid down in Article 56.

12 August 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Harmonised label containing information on its material composition in order to facilitate consumer sorting

PPWR Article 12(1) - Labelling of packaging

From 12 August 2028 or 24 months from the date of entry into force of the implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraphs 6 or 7 of this Article, whichever is the latest, packaging placed on the market shall be marked with a harmonised label containing information on its material composition in order to facilitate consumer sorting. The label shall be based on pictograms and be easily understandable, including for persons with disabilities. For the packaging referred to in Article 9(1) and, where applicable, packaging referred to in Article 9(2), the label shall indicate that the material is compostable, that it is not suitable for home composting and that compostable packaging is not to be discarded in nature. With the exception of e-commerce packaging, this obligation does not apply to transport packaging or to packaging that is subject to a deposit and return system.

The packaging placed on the market containing substances of concern shall be marked by means of standardised, open, digital-marking technologies in accordance with the methodology referred to in paragraph 7, second subparagraph.

In addition to the harmonised label referred to in this paragraph, economic operators may place a QR code or other type of standardised, open, digital data carrier on the packaging that contains information on the destination of each separate component of the packaging in order to facilitate consumer sorting.

12 August 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Labeling rules for recycled and biobased content in packaging

PPWR Article 12(4) - Labelling of packaging

Where packaging to which Article 7 applies is placed on the market from 12 August 2028 or 24 months from the date of entry into force of the implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 6 of this Article, whichever is the latest, and is marked with a label containing information on the share of recycled content, that label and, where applicable, the QR code or other type of standardised, open, digital data carrier shall comply with the specifications laid down in the relevant implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 6 of this Article and shall be based on the methodology established pursuant to Article 7(8). Where packaging is marked with a label containing information on the share of biobased plastic content, that label shall comply with the specifications laid down in the relevant implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 6 of this Article.

12 August 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Harmonised labels on waste receptacles for collection of packaging waste.

PPWR Article 13(1) - Labelling of waste receptacles for the collection of packaging waste

By 12 August 2028 or 30 months from the adoption of the implementing acts referred to in paragraph 2, whichever is the latest, Member States shall ensure that harmonised labels that enable the separate collection of each material specific fraction of packaging waste that is intended to be discarded in separate receptacles are affixed, printed or engraved visibly, legibly and indelibly on all waste receptacles for collection of packaging waste. A receptacle for packaging waste may bear more than one label. This obligation does not apply to receptacles subject to deposit and return systems.

12 August 2028
PPWR mandatory target
Register of producers (EPR)

PPWR Article 44(1) - Register of producers (EPR)

Each Member State shall, within 18 months of the date of entry into force of first implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 14, establish a national register which shall serve to monitor compliance of producers with the requirements set out in this Chapter.

Each national register shall provide links to other national registers of producers’ websites to facilitate, in all Member States, registration of producers or authorised representatives for the extended producer responsibility.

1 January 2029
PPWR mandatory target
Calculation and verification of the percentage of recycled content

PPWR Article 7(11) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 1 January 2029 or 24 months from the date of entry into force of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 8, whichever is the latest, the calculation and verification of the percentage of recycled content contained in packaging under paragraph 1 shall comply with the rules laid down in the implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 8.

1 January 2029
PPWR mandatory target
Mandatory collection

PPWR Article 49 - Mandatory collection (Return, collection, deposit and return systems)

By 1 January 2029, Member States shall set mandatory collection objectives and take the necessary measures to ensure that the collection of the materials listed in Article 52 is consistent with the recycling targets set out in that Article and with the mandatory recycled content targets set out in Article 7.

1 January 2029
PPWR mandatory target
Separate collection of at least 90% for singe-use plastic bottles and cans

PPWR Article 50(1) - Deposit and return systems

By 1 January 2029, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the separate collection of at least 90 % per year by weight of the following packaging formats made available on the market for the first time in that Member State in a given calendar year:

(a) single-use plastic beverage bottles with a capacity of up to three litres; and

(b) single-use metal beverage containers with a capacity of up to three litres.

Member States may use the quantity of packaging waste generated from packaging placed on the market to calculate, in accordance with the implementing acts adopted pursuant to Article 56(7), point (a), the targets set out in the first subparagraph, points (a) and (b), of this paragraph.

1 January 2029
PPWR mandatory target
Deposit return systems meet the minimum requirements

PPWR Article 50(11) - Deposit and return systems

By 1 January 2029, Member States shall ensure that at least the deposit and return systems established under paragraph 2 of this Article following the entry into force of this Regulation meet the minimum requirements listed in Annex X.

The minimum requirements listed in Annex X shall not apply to deposit and return systems established before the entry into force of this Regulation which achieve the 90 % target set out in paragraph 1 of this Article by 1 January 2029. Member States shall endeavour to ensure that existing single-use deposit and return systems comply with the minimum requirements in Annex X when they are first reviewed. If the 90 % target is not achieved by 1 January 2029, existing single-use deposit and return systems shall comply with the minimum requirements in Annex X at the latest by 1 January 2035.

By 1 January 2038, the Commission, in collaboration with the Member States, shall assess the implementation of this Article and identify how to maximise the interoperability of deposit and return systems.

12 February 2029
PPWR mandatory target
Label and QR code on re-usable packaging, informing users that the packaging is re-usable

PPWR Article 12(2) - Labelling of packaging

Reusable packaging placed on the market from 12 February 2029 or 30 months from the date of entry into force of the implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 6, whichever is the latest, shall bear a label informing users that the packaging is reusable. Further information on reusability, including the availability of a local, national or Union-wide re-use system and information on collection points, shall be made available through a QR code or other type of standardised, open, digital data carrier that facilitates the tracking of the packaging and the calculation of trips and rotations, or, if that calculation is not feasible, an average estimation. In addition, reusable sales packaging shall be clearly identified and distinguished from single-use packaging at the point of sale.

12 August 2029
PPWR mandatory target
EPR fees modulated based on performance grades

PPWR Article 6(8) - Recyclable packaging

In order to increase the level of recyclability of packaging, 18 months from the date of entry into force of the delegated acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article and implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 5 of this Article, the financial contributions paid by producers in order to comply with their extended producer responsibility obligations as laid down in Article 45 shall be modulated in accordance with the recyclability performance grades, as set out in detail in the delegated acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article and the implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 5 of this Article.

Regarding financial contributions paid by producers in order to comply with their extended producer responsibility obligations as laid down in Article 45 in respect of packaging referred to in paragraph 11, point (g), of this Article, Member States shall take into account the technical feasibility and economic viability of recycling of that packaging.

1 January 2030
Mandatory PPWR target
Only packaging with recyclability grades A, B and C may be put on the market

PPWR Article 6(1) - Recyclable packaging

All packaging placed on the market shall be recyclable.

PPWR Article 6(2) - Recyclable packaging

Packaging shall be considered to be recyclable if it fulfils the following conditions:

(a) it is designed for material recycling, which enables the use of resulting secondary raw materials that are of sufficient quality when compared to the original material that they can be used to substitute primary raw materials, in accordance with paragraph 4; and

(b) when it becomes waste, it can be collected separately in accordance with Article 48(1) and (5), sorted into specific waste streams without affecting the recyclability of other waste streams and recycled at scale, on the basis of the methodology set out in accordance with paragraph 5 of this Article.

Packaging that is in compliance with the delegated acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 4 shall be deemed to comply with the condition set out in point (a) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph.

Packaging that is in compliance with the delegated acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 4 and the implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 5 shall be deemed to comply with the conditions set out in the first subparagraph of this paragraph.

Point (a) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall apply from 1 January 2030 or 24 months from the date of entry into force of the delegated acts adopted pursuant to the first subparagraph of paragraph 4, whichever is the latest.

Point (b) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall apply from 1 January 2035 or, as regards the recycled-at-scale requirement, from 1 January 2035 or five years from the date of entry into force of the implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 5, whichever is the latest.

PPWR Article 6(3) - Recyclable packaging

The manufacturer shall assess packaging recyclability on the basis of the delegated acts adopted pursuant to in paragraph 4 of this Article and the implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 5 of this Article. Packaging recyclability shall be expressed in the recyclability performance grades A, B or C as described in Table 3 of Annex II.

Without prejudice to paragraph 10, from 1 January 2030 or 24 months from the entry into force of the delegated acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article, whichever is the latest, packaging shall not be placed on the market unless it is recyclable within grades A, B or C as described in Table 3 of Annex II.

Without prejudice to paragraph 10 of this Article, from 1 January 2038 packaging shall not be placed on the market unless it is recyclable within grades A or B as described in Table 3 of Annex II.

by 1 January 2030
Implementing Acts
Methodology for recylcing-at-scale assessment

PPWR Article 6(4) -  Recyclable Packaging

By 1 January 2030, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing:

(a) the methodology for the recycled-at-scale assessment per packaging category listed in Table 2 of Annex II, supplementing Table 3 of Annex II with thresholds for the recycled-at-scale assessment and, if necessary, updating the overall recyclability performance grades described in Table 3 of Annex II; that methodology shall be based on at least the following elements:

(i) quantities of packaging per packaging category listed in Table 2 of Annex II placed on the market in the Union as a whole and in each Member State;

(ii) quantities of recycled packaging waste, as calculated at the calculation point in accordance with the implementing act adopted under Article 56(7), point (a), per packaging category listed in Table 2 of Annex II, in the Union as a whole and in each Member State;

(b) the chain of custody mechanism ensuring that packaging is recycled at scale.

The chain of custody mechanism referred to in point (b) shall be based on at least the following elements:

(i) technical documentation referring to the quantity of collected packaging waste that is sent to sorting and recycling facilities;

(ii) a verification process that allows manufacturers to obtain the necessary data from the downstream operators ensuring that packaging is recycled at scale.

Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

The data referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be available and easily accessible by the public.

1 January 2030
PPWR mandatory target
Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

PPWR Article 7(1) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 1 January 2030 or 3 years from the date of entry into force of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 8 of this Article, whichever is the latest, any plastic part of packaging placed on the market shall contain the following minimum percentage of recycled content recovered from post-consumer plastic waste, per packaging type and format as referred to in Table 1 of Annex II, calculated as an average per manufacturing plant and year:

(a) 30 % for contact-sensitive packaging made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the major component, except single-use plastic beverage bottles;

(b) 10 % for contact-sensitive packaging made from plastic materials other than PET, except single-use plastic beverage bottles;

(c) 30 % for single-use plastic beverage bottles;

(d) 35 % for plastic packaging other than those referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of this paragraph.

1 January 2030
PPWR mandatory target
Packaging minimisation

PPWR Article 10(1) - Packaging minimisation

By 1 January 2030, the manufacturer or importer shall ensure that the packaging placed on the market is designed so that its weight and volume is reduced to the minimum necessary to ensure its functionality, taking account of the shape and material from which the packaging is made.

1 January 2030
Implementing Acts
Methodology for identifying the material composition of packaging

PPWR Article 12(7) - Labelling of packaging

By 1 January 2030, the Commission shall also adopt implementing acts to establish the methodology for identifying substances of concern by means of standardised, open, digital-marking technologies. That methodology shall ensure that the marking includes at least the name and concentration of the substance of concern present in each material in a packaging unit.

The implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2).

1 January 2030
PPWR mandatory target
Maximum empty space ratio: 50%

PPWR Article 24(1) - Obligation related to excessive packaging

By 1 January 2030 or 3 years from the entry into force of the implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 2, whichever is the latest, economic operators who fill grouped packaging, transport packaging or e-commerce packaging shall ensure that the maximum empty space ratio, expressed as a percentage, is 50 %.

1 January 2030
PPWR mandatory target
Restrictions on use of certain packaging formats

PPWR Article 25(1) - Restrictions on use of certain packaging formats

From 1 January 2030, economic operators shall not place on the market packaging in the formats and for the uses listed in Annex V. [see pages 102-103 of the PPWR]

1 January 2030
PPWR mandatory target
Re-use targets: 2030

PPWR Article 29(1) - Re-use targets

From 1 January 2030, economic operators that use transport packaging, or sales packaging used for transporting products, including for products distributed via e-commerce, within the territory of the Union, in the form of pallets, foldable-plastic boxes, boxes, trays, plastic crates, intermediate bulk containers, pails, drums and canisters of any size or material, including flexible formats or pallet wrappings or straps for stabilisation and protection of products put on pallets during transport, shall ensure that at least 40 % of such packaging in total is reusable packaging within a re-use system.

PPWR Article 29(2) - Re-use targets

From 1 January 2030, by way of derogation from paragraph 1 of this Article, economic operators that use transport packaging or sales packaging used for transporting products, in the forms as listed in paragraph 1 of this Article, within the territory of the Union, between different sites on which the operator performs its activity, or between any of the sites on which the operator performs its activity and the sites of any other linked enterprise or partner enterprise, as defined in Article 3 of the Annex to Recommendation 2003/361/EC as applicable on 11 February 2025, shall ensure that such packaging is reusable within a re-use system.

PPWR Article 29(3) - Re-use targets

From 1 January 2030, by way of derogation from paragraph 1, economic operators that use transport packaging or sales packaging used for transporting products, including for products distributed via e-commerce, in the forms as listed in paragraph 1, to deliver products to another economic operator within the same Member State shall ensure that such packaging is reusable within a re-use system.

PPWR Article 29(5) - Re-use targets

From 1 January 2030, economic operators that use grouped packaging in the form of boxes, excluding cardboard, outside of sales packaging to group a certain number of products to create a stock-keeping or distribution unit shall ensure that at least 10 % of such packaging is reusable packaging within a re-use system.

PPWR Article 29(6) - Re-use targets

From 1 January 2030, final distributors that make alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in sales packaging available on the territory of a Member State to consumers shall ensure that at least 10 % of those products are made available in reusable packaging within a re-use system.

1 January 2030
PPWR mandatory target
Obligation to demonstrate the achievement of re-use targets

PPWR Article 30(4) - Rules on the calculation of the achievement of the re-use targets

The obligation to demonstrate the achievement of the re-use targets set out in Article 29 shall apply from 1 January 2030 or 18 months from the date of entry into force of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article, whichever is later.

from 1 January 2030
PPWR 2030 target
Re-use offer obligation for the take-away sector

Article 33(5) - Re-use offer obligation for the take-away sector

From 2030, final distributors shall endeavour to offer 10 % of products for sale in a reusable packaging format.

by 2030
PPWR mandatory target
Reduction of packaging waste per capita (2030)

PPWR Article 43(1) - Prevention of packaging waste

Each Member State shall reduce the packaging waste generated per capita, as compared to the packaging waste generated per capita in 2018 as reported to the Commission in accordance with Decision 2005/270/EC, by at least:

(a)    5 % by 2030

(b)  10 % by 2035

(c)   15 % by 2040

12 February 2030
Implementing Acts
Green public procurement: minimum mandatory requirements for public contracts

PPWR Article 63 - Green public procurement

In order to incentivise the supply and demand for environmentally sustainable packaging, the Commission shall, by 12 February 2030, adopt implementing acts specifying minimum mandatory requirements for public contracts falling within the scope of Directive 2014/24/EU for packaging or packaged products or for services using packaging or packaged products or Directive 2014/25/EU, and awarded by contracting authorities, as defined in Article 2(1) of Directive 2014/24/EU or Article 3(1) of Directive 2014/25/EU, or contracting entities, as defined in Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/25/EU, in which the packaging or packaged products represent more than 30 % of the estimated contract value or of the value of products used by the services that are the object of the contract. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 65(2) of this Regulation.

by 31 December 2030
PPWR mandatory targets
Recycling targets and promotion of recycling by 31 December 2030

PPWR 52(1) - Recycling targets and promotion of recycling

Member States shall take the necessary measures to achieve the following recycling targets covering the whole of their territory:

(c) by 31 December 2030, a minimum of 70 % by weight of all packaging waste generated;

(d) by 31 December 2030, the following minimum percentages by weight of the following specific materials contained in packaging waste generated:

(i)   55 % of plastic;

(ii)  30 % of wood;

(iii) 80 % of ferrous metals;

(iv) 60 % of aluminium;

(v)  75 % of glass;

(vi) 85 % of paper and cardboard.

12 February 2032
Review
Review: implementation of the 2030 minimum percentages of recycled content

PPWR Article 7(14) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 12 February 2032, taking into account the evolution of the state of the art of the technology and the practical experience gained by economic operators and Member States, the Commission shall present a report reviewing the implementation of the 2030 minimum percentages of recycled content set out in paragraph 1 and evaluating to what extent those percentages lead to solutions fostering sustainable packaging that are effective and easy to implement, the feasibility of the achievement of the 2040 minimum percentages on the basis of the experience in achieving the 2030 minimum percentages and the evolving circumstances, the relevance of maintaining the exceptions and derogations set out in this Article, and the necessity or pertinence of setting new minimum percentages of recycled content. That report shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by a legislative proposal amending this Article, in particular the 2040 minimum percentages of recycled content.

12 February 2032
Review
Review: use of recycled packaging materials in packaging other than plastics

PPWR Article 7(15) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 12 February 2032, the Commission shall review the situation regarding the use of recycled packaging materials in packaging other than plastics and, on that basis, assess the appropriateness of establishing measures, or setting targets, for increasing the use of recycled content in such other packaging, and, where appropriate, present a legislative proposal.

12 February 2032
Review
Review: empty space ratio

PPWR Article 24(6) - Obligation related to excessive packaging

By 12 February 2032, the Commission shall review the empty space ratio referred to in paragraph 1 as well as the exemptions in paragraph 5, and assess the possibility of establishing empty space ratios for sales packaging, particularly for toys, cosmetics, do-it-yourself kits and electronic products.

12 February 2032
Assessment
Restrictions on use of certain packaging formats

PPWR Article 25(5) - Restrictions on use of certain packaging formats

By 12 February 2032, the Commission shall assess the positive environmental impact of the restrictions and derogations and exemptions from these restrictions, and shall take into account the availability of alternative packaging solutions that meet safety and hygiene requirements applicable to contact-sensitive packaging. On the basis of that assessment, the Commission shall, with the objective of reducing packaging waste, review this Article and Annex V to adapt them to technical and scientific progress. On the basis of that review, the Commission shall assess the appropriateness of establishing new restrictions on the use of specific packaging formats and the relevance of maintaining the derogations and exemptions set out in this Article, and, where appropriate, shall present a legislative proposal.

by 12 February 2032
Report
Report on packaging materials with detrimental impact on the environment

PPWR 34(5) - Plastic carrier bags

By 12 February 2032, the Commission shall prepare a report on packaging materials, other than those referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, which are likely to have a more detrimental impact on the environment than lightweight plastic carrier bags and, where appropriate, present a legislative proposal setting out reduction targets and measures to achieve those targets.

12 February 2032
Review
Review: prevention of packaging waste targets

PPWR Article 43(9) - Prevention of packaging waste

By 12 February 2032, the Commission shall review the targets laid down in paragraph 1 and assess the need to include specific targets for certain packaging materials. To that end, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, accompanied, if the Commission finds it appropriate, by a legislative proposal.

by 12 February 2032
Review
Review: recycling targets and promotion of recycling

PPWR Article 52(4) - Recycling targets and promotion of recycling

By 12 February 2032, the Commission shall review the targets laid down in paragraph 1, points (c) and (d), with a view to increasing them or setting further targets. To that end, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, accompanied, if the Commission finds it appropriate, by a legislative proposal.

12 August 2033
Evaluation
Evaluation of articles 5 and 6(4)

PPWR Article 5(9) - Requirements for substances in packaging

By 12 August 2033, the Commission shall carry out an evaluation to assess whether this Article and the design for recycling criteria set out in accordance with Article 6(4) have contributed sufficiently to minimising the presence and concentration of substances of concern as constituents of packaging materials.

by 1 January 2034
Review
Review: implementation of the 2030 re-use targets

PPWR Article 29(19) - Re-use targets

By 1 January 2034, taking into account the evolution of the state of the art of technology and the practical experience gained by economic operators and Member States, the Commission shall present a report reviewing the implementation of the 2030 targets set out in this Article. In that report, it shall evaluate, including from the perspective of the life-cycle assessment of single-use and re-use packaging, the following:

(a) the extent to which the 2030 targets have led to solutions fostering sustainable packaging that are effective and easy to implement;

(b) the feasibility of the achievement of the 2040 targets on the basis of the experience in achieving the 2030 targets and the evolving circumstances;

(c) the relevance of maintaining the exemptions and derogations set out in this Article; and

(d) the necessity or pertinence of setting new targets for the re-use and refill of other packaging categories.

The Commission’s report shall include an employment impact assessment. The report shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by a legislative proposal amending this Article, in particular the 2040 targets. By December 2032, Member States shall provide data to the Commission on the employment impact assessment related to the implementation of the re-use targets in their national territories. Before submitting the data to the Commission, Member States shall inform and consult national social partners representing workers and employers in the sectors covered by packaging re-use targets.

by 12 August 2034
Evaluation
Evaluation of the PPWR

PPWR Article 69 - Re-use targets

By 12 August 2034, the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation and of its contribution to the functioning of the internal market and the improvement of the environmental sustainability of packaging. That evaluation shall have a part dedicated, inter alia, to the impact of this Regulation on the agri-food system and on food waste. The Commission shall present a report on the main findings of that evaluation to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Member States shall provide the Commission with the information necessary for the preparation of that report.

by 2035
Review
Review: minimum thresholds based on sorting and recycling technologies

PPWR Article 6(7) - Recyclable packaging

By 2035, the Commission, on the basis of developments in sorting and recycling technologies, may review the minimum thresholds for packaging to be considered recycled at scale and, where appropriate, present a legislative proposal to revise the thresholds.

by 2035
PPWR mandatory target
Reduction of packaging waste per capita (2035)

PPWR Article 43(1) - Prevention of packaging waste

Each Member State shall reduce the packaging waste generated per capita, as compared to the packaging waste generated per capita in 2018 as reported to the Commission in accordance with Decision 2005/270/EC, by at least:

(a)    5 % by 2030

(b)  10 % by 2035

(c)   15 % by 2040

by 1 January 2035
Review
Review: recyclable packaging exceptions

PPWR Article 6(12) - Recyclable Packaging

By 1 January 2035, the Commission shall review the exceptions under paragraph 11, taking into account at least the evolution of sorting and recycling technologies and practical experience gained by the economic operators and Member States. On that basis, the Commission shall assess the appropriateness of the continuation of those exceptions and, where appropriate, present a legislative proposal.

1 January 2035
PPWR mandatory target
Recyclability grades A, B and C must be recycled at scale in 2035

PPWR Article 6(2) - Recyclable packaging

Packaging shall be considered to be recyclable if it fulfils the following conditions:

(a) [...]

(b) when it becomes waste, it can be collected separately in accordance with Article 48(1) and (5), sorted into specific waste streams without affecting the recyclability of other waste streams and recycled at scale, on the basis of the methodology set out in accordance with paragraph 5 of this Article.

[...]

Point (b) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall apply from 1 January 2035 or, as regards the recycled-at-scale requirement, from 1 January 2035 or five years from the date of entry into force of the implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 5, whichever is the latest.

PPWR Article 6(3) - Recyclable packaging

The manufacturer shall assess packaging recyclability on the basis of the delegated acts adopted pursuant to in paragraph 4 of this Article and the implementing acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 5 of this Article. Packaging recyclability shall be expressed in the recyclability performance grades A, B or C as described in Table 3 of Annex II.

Without prejudice to paragraph 10, from 1 January 2030 or 24 months from the entry into force of the delegated acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article, whichever is the latest, packaging shall not be placed on the market unless it is recyclable within grades A, B or C as described in Table 3 of Annex II.

Without prejudice to paragraph 10 of this Article, from 1 January 2038 packaging shall not be placed on the market unless it is recyclable within grades A or B as described in Table 3 of Annex II.

1 January 2038
PPWR mandatory target
Recyclability grades A and B must be recycled at scale in 2038

PPWR Article 6(3) - Recyclable packaging

[...]

Without prejudice to paragraph 10 of this Article, from 1 January 2038 packaging shall not be placed on the market unless it is recyclable within grades A or B as described in Table 3 of Annex II.

1 January 2038
PPWR mandatory target
Deposit return systems meet the minimum requirements

PPWR Article 50(11) - Deposit and return systems

[...]

By 1 January 2038, the Commission, in collaboration with the Member States, shall assess the implementation of this Article and identify how to maximise the interoperability of deposit and return systems.

1 January 2040
PPWR mandatory target
Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging 2040

PPWR Article 7(2) - Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

By 1 January 2040, any plastic part of packaging placed on the market shall contain the following minimum percentage of recycled content recovered from post-consumer plastic waste, per packaging type and format as referred to in Table 1 of Annex II, calculated as an average per manufacturing plant and year:

(a) 50 % for contact-sensitive packaging made from PET as the major component, except single-use plastic beverage bottles;

(b) 25 % for contact-sensitive packaging made from plastic materials other than PET, except single-use plastic beverage bottles;

(c) 65 % for single-use plastic beverage bottles;

(d) 65 % for plastic packaging other than those referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of this paragraph.

1 January 2040
PPWR mandatory target
Re-use targets 2040

PPWR Article 29(1) - Re-use target

From 1 January 2040, those economic operators shall endeavour to use at least 70 % of the packaging referred to in the first subparagraph in a reusable format within a re-use system.

PPWR Article 29(5) - Re-use target

From 1 January 2040, economic operators shall endeavour to use at least 25 % of the packaging referred to in the first subparagraph in a reusable format within a re-use system.

PPWR Article 29(6) - Re-use target

From 1 January 2040, economic operators shall endeavour to make at least 40 % of the products referred to in the first subparagraph available in reusable packaging within a re-use system.

Final distributors shall ensure that packaged products manufactured under their own brand contribute on a fair and proportionate basis towards to the achievement of the targets set out in this paragraph.

by 2040
PPWR mandatory target
Reduction of packaging waste per capita 2040

PPWR Article 43(1) - Prevention of packaging waste

Each Member State shall reduce the packaging waste generated per capita, as compared to the packaging waste generated per capita in 2018 as reported to the Commission in accordance with Decision 2005/270/EC, by at least:

(a)    5 % by 2030

(b)  10 % by 2035

(c)   15 % by 2040

GreenPath Consultancy

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info@greenpathconsultancy.com

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