Status as of 01.10.2026. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is no longer a future topic: the first stage has applied since 12.08.2026. Here is what you need to do now, what follows from 2028 and 2030, and why switching early pays off. The information is provided without guarantee and is not legal advice.
What is the PPWR?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, replaces the previous Packaging Directive 94/62/EC. It has been in force since 11.02.2025 and becomes applicable in stages. Unlike a directive, it is a regulation: it does not have to be transposed into national law first, but applies directly in all EU Member States.
What has applied since 12.08.2026
The regulation has been applicable since that day. This mainly concerns documentation and substances:
- Declaration of conformity and technical documentation: Manufacturers must declare the conformity of their packaging and keep and retain the documents.
- Heavy metals: A limit value applies to the sum of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium.
- PFAS: A restriction applies to packaging in contact with food.
- Distributors and importers: They check their suppliers' documentation and keep the documents available.
You can find the documentation for our products in the PPWR data sheets.
The next stages through 2040
2028: Uniform labelling
Packaging will carry harmonised information on material and disposal. The exact date depends on implementing acts of the European Commission; the obligation applies from 12.08.2028 at the earliest.
2030: Recyclability, recycled content and empty space
Recyclability: Every package is classified into a performance grade A, B or C. Packaging that does not reach at least grade C may no longer be placed on the market from 2030, or only 24 months after the delegated acts, if that is later. The European Commission sets out the details in delegated acts.
Mono-material: Multilayer laminates such as the classic PET / aluminium / LDPE laminate are considered difficult to recycle in the standard sorting process. Mono-PE (pure polyethylene), by contrast, is well suited to mechanical recycling.
Recycled content: Plastic packaging needs minimum shares of recycled content, roughly 10 to 35 percent depending on the packaging type.
Empty space: For grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging, the empty space may be at most 50 percent.
2038 and 2040: Stricter classes, higher quotas
From 2038, only performance grades A and B are permitted. From 2040, the recycled content quotas rise to roughly 25 to 65 percent.
You can find all deadlines with their legal basis in the PPWR timeline 2026 to 2040.
What does this mean in practice?
For manufacturers and brands, this specifically means:
- Now: Request and file your suppliers' declarations of conformity.
- 2026 to 2028: Material audit of all packaging: what is mono-recyclable, what is a multilayer laminate?
- 2027: Tests with alternative materials, for example mono-PE instead of aluminium laminate.
- 2028 to 2029: Switch the non-compliant packaging.
- 2030: All packaging placed on the EU market meets the requirements of the 2030 stage.
Who is affected?
The PPWR applies to anyone who places packaging on the market in the EU: from the food manufacturer and the online retailer to the importer. It supplements the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) and the LUCID registration obligation but does not replace them. As a private household, you have no obligations under the PPWR.
Our recommendation
The biggest lever is the early switch from aluminium laminate to mono-PE for coffee, tea and spice packaging. We offer mono-PE pouches with an aroma barrier for this. The switch is tested and already in use at specialty coffee roasters, tea manufacturers and spice brands. On every product, the PPWR traffic light shows you where it stands.
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