The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which replaces the old directive that has been in force for nearly 30 years, is a key pillar of the EU's “European Green Deal,” and will not only reshape the European market, but may also trigger a chain reaction in the global industrial chain.
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations PPWR｜Status Update
On January 22, 2025, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (REGULATION (EU) 2025/40). This landmark regulation aims to address the growing problem of packaging waste and promote the packaging industry's transition to sustainable development.
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations PPWR｜Timeline
November 2022: The European Commission formally presents the draft PPWR. It seeks to promote more efficient resource recycling and lower waste generation rates by comprehensively updating the existing regulatory framework. The proposal not only addresses the reduction of single-use packaging, but also further clarifies the environmental standards of the packaging industry by setting mandatory reuse targets, recycled content requirements, and restrictions on hazardous substances.
The proposed regulation was formally adopted by the European Parliament in November 2023, with detailed discussions and adjustments to its specific content and objectives. The changes proposed by the Parliament emphasized increasing the recycling rate of packaging, limiting the use of single-use plastic packaging, and providing consumers with more environmentally friendly options. Despite the differences of opinion, the Parliament finally reached a consensus and adopted the proposal.
In December 2023, the Council of the European Union (EU) also formally adopted a proposal for the regulation, with amendments and additions at various points. The Council's focus on the Packaging Waste Regulation was on balancing economic and environmental objectives and ensuring that member states are not unduly burdened by the economy in its implementation. Several rounds of consultations with the EU Parliament resulted in this broadly consensual regulation.
On December 16, 2024, the Council of the European Union formally adopted the PPWR, meaning that this regulation has completed the final step of the ordinary legislative process.
The regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on January 22, 2025 and entered into force on February 11, 2025, with an 18-month transition period (from August 12, 2026 onwards).
2026-2028: Implementation begins in member countries and enterprises adapt.
2030: Key targets come into effect, including returnable packaging, reduction targets, recycled plastic content requirements, etc.
2040: Stricter reusable packaging targets come into force.
2050: Climate neutrality goal reached. That is, no negative impact on the global climate
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations PPWR｜Core Requirements
I. Packaging Reduction Targets Packaging Reduction Targets (Packaging Reduction Targets) 1. Requirements to minimize the unnecessary use of packaging and avoid over-packaging, with different mandatory reduction requirements for plastic, cardboard, metal, glass, and other materials. 2. Reduce the overall volume of packaging waste by 15% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040, compared to the 2018 baseline. 3. 2040 by 15%.3. Starting January 1, 2030, companies that fill combination, transportation, or e-commerce packaging must ensure that the maximum void ratio does not exceed 50%. The methodology for calculating the clearance ratio will be set out in an implementing regulation to be issued by the European Commission by February 12, 2028, which will include the calculation of the clearance ratio. The calculation of the void ratio will include the ratio of the void to the total volume and the filling materials used (e.g. paper cuttings, air cushions, bubble wrap, sponge fillers, foam fillers, wood wool, polystyrene or polystyrene foam sheets) will be considered as voids.
II. Design for Recycling (DFR) Strict Recycling Criteria: According to PPWR, all packaging must be recycled according to strict criteria, except for specific exemptions, with the aim of increasing the recycling rate of packaging waste and reducing the amount of packaging waste going to landfill and incineration: 1. 90% of materials (e.g., plastics, wood, ferrous metals, aluminum, glass and cardboard) can be collected separately by material type by 2029. 2, glass, paper and cardboard) can be collected separately by material type.2 By 2030, all packaging must be designed to be recyclable, with at least 70% recyclable.3 By 2035, all packaging must be recycled into the same material. *The PPWR introduces a recyclability performance scale from A to C, which specifies the degree of recyclability of packaging, with 95% of it being classified as A, 80% as B, and 70% as C. This measure is intended to promote packaging manufacturers to improve their recycling performance. This measure aims to promote packaging manufacturers to improve the recyclability of packaging and promote the recycling of resources.
III. Reuse Targets (Reuse Targets) support the development and application of innovative packaging materials, reduce dependence on fossil-based plastics, encourage companies to use degradable and recyclable materials, and encourage the provision of reusable packaging, with reuse targets varying according to the type of packaging. Mandatory reuse targets are set through 2030, and guidance is provided for the 2040 target. For example, reusable packaging in the food, beverage, and e-commerce sectors must reach a set percentage: 1. Takeaway food packaging needs to be 10% reusable by 2030, rising to 40% by 2040. 2. Beverage packaging needs to be 20% reusable by 2030, rising to 75% by 2040. 3. From January 1, 2030, the use of transport packaging in the EU or sales packaging (including products distributed by e-commerce) used for the transport of products, such as pallets, collapsible plastic boxes, cartons, trays, plastic crates, medium bulk containers, drums, cans, etc., of all sizes and materials (including forms of flexible packaging, such as pallet wrap or strapping for stabilizing and protecting the products on the pallet), are required to ensure that at least 40% of such packaging is made reusable. Reusable, rising to 70% by 2040.
IV. Recycled Content Requirements (Recycled Content Requirements) PPWR focuses on plastic packaging, and a series of plastic packaging restrictions are highlighted in Section 7 Minimum Recycled Content of Plastic Packaging, which states that as of January 1, 2030 or January 1, 2040 or at the latest three years after the effective date of the regulation, any plastic packaging that contains a minimum amount of consumer plastic waste recyclate (PCR) can be found in the table below The minimum content of consumer plastic waste recyclate (PCR) contained in any plastic packaging can be found in the table below:
serial number | typology | 2030 Requirements | 2040 Requirements |
A | Contact packaging,except disposable beverage bottles,ethylene terephthalate (PET) | 30% | 50% |
B | Contact packaging, except disposable beverage bottles, except PET | 10% | 25% |
C | Disposable bottles | 30% | 65% |
D | Packaging that is not A, B, or C | 35% | 65% |
V. Restrictions on single-use packaging (Single-use Packaging Restrictions) The new regulation imposes stricter restrictions on single-use plastic packaging, banning the use of certain types of single-use plastic packaging beginning January 1, 2030, including: packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables packaging for food and beverages in food service establishments single-occupant portion sizes for condiments (e.g., dressings, sauces, creams, sugars) micro-packaging for toiletries very lightweight plastic tote bags (wall thickness less than 15 microns)
VI. Restriction of Hazardous Substances In order to prevent adverse health effects, PPWR requires a ban on the use of so-called “persistent chemicals” (perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS) and bisphenol A in food-contact packaging, which are considered to pose a risk to the environment and human health, and is intended to protect the health and safety of consumers and the environment. environmental safety.
VII. EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility, Extended Producer Responsibility) forces companies to take responsibility for packaging waste management, and promotes companies to also optimize packaging design, including the costs of recovery, treatment and recycling. According to the EU 2022 estimates, EPR will lead to an increase in compliance costs by 20%-35%, and according to Amazon's test, reusable express boxes will increase the cost of a single box by 2 euros. In addition to this, 48 months after the regulation comes into force, it is required that packaging should carry a label showing the reusability of the packaging as well as a QR code or other type of data carrier indicating the material composition and recycled content. Transparency in labeling and information helps consumers access relevant information to sort correctly and make informed choices, and is intended to increase consumer environmental awareness and promote proper waste sorting and recycling.
PPWR Implementation Impact
The implementation of the PPWR will significantly change the way packaging is designed, consumed and disposed of in all supply chains in the EU. It is recommended that manufacturers of packaging materials for products destined for the EU and related supply chain companies respond in advance to ensure that the packaging materials are in compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements.
On the trade front, export restrictions and costs will increase significantly. China exports a large number of products to the EU, and the strict requirements of the new regulations on packaging, such as the ban on specific disposable plastic packaging, means that the relevant enterprises need to redesign and adjust their packaging, which may lead to an increase in export costs. If the requirements of the new regulations cannot be met in time, some products may face export restrictions, affecting the volume of trade with the European Union.
On the industrial side, the packaging industry is under pressure to upgrade. The new regulations put forward high requirements for the sustainability and recycling content of packaging, which will force China's packaging industry to carry out technological upgrading and transformation. Packaging manufacturers need to increase investment in the research and development of environmentally friendly materials, production process improvement, etc., to improve the recyclability of packaging, reusability and other properties.
In terms of environmental protection and policy, the implementation of the new EU regulations will prompt the further spread of environmental protection concepts in China, and promote the domestic practice of packaging waste management, resource recycling and other aspects. Domestic enterprises may learn from the EU's experience, and gradually adopt more environmentally friendly packaging in the domestic market, promoting the domestic packaging industry to the green and sustainable direction, and providing an important reference for China in the development of relevant packaging standards and policies.
In the pallet industry: greening: the development trend of packaging with recycled materials has increased, such as paper pallets and recyclable plastic pallets. Sharing: Pallet recycling and sharing mode ushered in the opportunity, PPWR encourages the reduction of disposable packaging, China's pallet industry can learn from the European standardized pallet sharing system, to promote the green recycling mode. Standardization: Strengthen docking with European pallet standards, do a good job in China-EU standardization research, sort out and improve the standard system, pay attention to the pallet of new materials, new technologies, green development, look for gaps in the standard system, and further improve the construction of the pallet standard system.
PPWR is a major reform of the EU packaging industry, the core of which is to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability and promote circular economy. The regulation will not only have a profound impact on the European market, but will also have an important impact on China's packaging and pallet industry. For Chinese enterprises, early adjustment of product packaging strategy, improve environmental standards, participate in the international green supply chain, will be the key to deal with the challenges of PPWR and seize the opportunities of green economy.
