Frequently asked questions on the implementation of the new European regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), which entered into force in February 2025. It highlights the opportunities for ambitious measures to reduce record levels of packaging waste in the EU through prevention, reuse, recycling and the introduction of deposit schemes.

What are the main objectives of the revised PPWR Regulation and when did it enter into force?

The revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to reduce the amount of packaging waste in the EU, promote the reuse and recycling of packaging and minimise the presence of harmful substances in packaging. This regulation responds to the growing problem of packaging waste, which contributes to the environmental crisis and is a symptom of the linear economy. The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will apply from 12 August 2026.

What scope do EU Member States have to adopt more ambitious packaging measures beyond the requirements of the PPWR?

While the PPWR sets out harmonised rules for packaging in the EU, it leaves considerable scope for Member States to adopt additional measures that are tailored to their specific national context. Member States can set more ambitious packaging waste prevention targets, introduce stricter sustainability and packaging information requirements, and even maintain existing national bans on certain single-use plastic packaging until 1 January 2030. However, these additional measures must not constitute unjustified and disproportionate barriers to the EU single market and must not restrict the placing on the market of packaging that complies with the PPWR.

How does PPWR affect single-use plastics and what is the relationship to the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)?

The PPWR and the SUPD overlap in the regulation of single-use plastic products that are also packaging. In the event of a conflict between the two pieces of legislation, the SUPD (as special law), unless the PPWR expressly states otherwise (as lex posterior). For example, the packaging bans under the PPWR take precedence over the SUPD for single-use plastic containers for drinks and food. The PPWR also refers to the SUPD definition of single-use plastics for measures that apply to these products, such as restrictions on placing on the market.

What measures in the field of waste prevention and packaging reuse can national and local authorities take to meet the PPWR objectives?

The PPWR sets binding targets for reducing packaging waste (5 % by 2030, 10 % by 2035 and 15 % by 2040) and promotes the reuse and refilling of packaging. National and local authorities should implement measures to reduce unnecessary packaging, promote reuse and refill schemes, use economic and fiscal instruments to incentivise consumers and businesses to switch to reusable packaging (e.g. fees for single-use packaging, reduced fees in extended producer responsibility schemes for reusable packaging, mandatory offering of reusable packaging in the HORECA sector, promotion of reuse at public events and in institutions, setting binding reuse targets for different types of packaging and retailers).

How does PPWR address the issue of harmful substances and microplastics in packaging?

The PPWR requires manufacturers to minimise the presence and concentration of harmful substances in packaging and bans the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging from 12 August 2026. Member States should invest in the early identification of substances that negatively affect the reuse and recycling of packaging and report them to the Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). They should also prevent the placing on the market of new materials without proper testing and enforce national bans on the most hazardous chemicals in packaging. In the area of microplastics, the PPWR states that the adverse environmental impact due to emissions of microplastics from packaging should be minimised and calls for the introduction of reliable analytical tools and standards for their identification and quantification.

What role do back-up systems (DRS) play in achieving PPWR packaging collection and reuse goals?

The PPWR requires the introduction of deposit return schemes (DRS) to achieve a 90% separate collection rate for plastic bottles and cans by 2029, with DRS being considered the most effective way to achieve this level. Member States should introduce DRS as soon as possible and consider extending their scope to other types of packaging (e.g. beverage cartons, single-use glass), removing content-based exemptions (e.g. milk, alcoholic beverages) and including reusable packaging (‘mixed DRS’). The PPWR also sets out minimum requirements for the functioning of DRS in Annex X and calls for coordination between neighbouring Member States to ensure the interoperability of national systems.

How does PPWR approach packaging recycling and the use of recycled content?

The PPWR stipulates that all packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable, with details to be set out in implementing legislation by the end of 2026. The European Commission will develop EU-wide recyclability criteria and a methodology for measuring recycling rates. The PPWR also introduces targets for recycled content in plastic packaging to reduce demand for virgin plastics. National authorities should actively participate in the development of implementing legislation, ensure that recyclability criteria take into account the safety and economic viability of recyclate, thoroughly verify the definition of “innovative packaging” and require independent audits for recycled content claims.

What are the key dates in the PPWR implementation schedule?

The implementation of the PPWR has several key deadlines. The regulation entered into force February 11, 2025 and will apply from August 12, 2026. The ban on PFAS in food packaging will take effect from August 12, 2026The HORECA sector must February 17, 2027 start accepting containers brought in by consumers for refilling drinks and food. Retailers with a sales area of over 400 m² are to January 2030 aim to set aside 10% of their sales area for refilling stations. Member States must introduce deposit-refund schemes for plastic bottles and cans in January 1, 2029 with the aim of achieving a 90% separate collection rate by the year 2029There are also interim targets for reducing packaging waste (5 % by 2030, 10 % by 2035, 15 % by 2040) and reuse targets for different types of packaging with deadlines for 2030 and 2040. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• DRS (Deposit Return System): A system in which consumers pay a refundable deposit when purchasing products in certain packaging and receive this deposit back when the empty packaging is returned.
• EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): A principle of environmental policy according to which manufacturers are responsible for the environmental impacts of their products throughout their life cycle, including the post-consumption phase.
• HORECA: Hospitality and food services sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés).
• Lex posterior: A Latin legal principle according to which a later law repeals an earlier law if they are in conflict.
• Special law: A Latin legal principle according to which a special law takes precedence over a general law if they regulate the same matter.
• Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size.
• PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): A group of synthetic chemicals that are persistent in the environment and can have negative health effects.
• PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation): Revised EU regulation aimed at reducing packaging waste and improving its sustainability.
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals): An EU regulation governing the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.
• Refill / Refill: Filling a reusable container with product.
• Reuse / Reuse: Reuse of packaging for the same purpose for which it was intended.
• Single-use plastics: Plastics that are not designed for repeated use. The definition under the Single-Use Plastics Directive also applies in the PPWR for the regulation of these items.
• Substances of concern: Substances that have potential negative effects on human health or the environment. The definition is given in the Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products.
• SUPD (Single-Use Plastics Directive): An EU directive that aims to reduce the environmental impact of certain single-use plastic products.