PPWR · EU Packaging Regulation
What applies when: 2026 to 2040
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is the EU packaging regulation. It applies directly in all EU member states, and the first stage has been applicable since 12.08.2026.
It requires manufacturers to provide proof of conformity, limits harmful substances such as heavy metals and PFAS, and from 2030 at the earliest prescribes recyclability, recycled content and less empty space. Here you can see what applies to you and when.
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12.08.2026Applies now
The PPWR becomes applicable
From this day the Regulation applies directly in all EU Member States. This is what you need to do now:
- Manufacturers: issue the EU declaration of conformity and keep technical documentation
- Heavy metals: limit value for the sum of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium
- PFAS: restriction for packaging with food contact
- Importers: ensure before placing on the market that the evidence is available; distributors: check with due diligence
Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 2025/40, in particular Art. 5 (substances)
Open our PPWR data sheets -
from 12.08.2028
Harmonised labelling
Packaging will carry uniform information on material composition so that consumers can separate waste correctly. The exact date depends on implementing acts of the Commission; the obligation applies from this date at the earliest.
Legal basis: Art. 12
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from 01.01.2030
Recyclability, recycled content, empty space
Three requirements apply:
- Recyclability: Packaging must be designed to be recyclable and classified into a performance grade A, B or C. Anyone who does not reach at least grade C may no longer place the packaging on the market.
- Recycled content: Plastic packaging must contain 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.
The European Commission sets out the details in delegated acts. For recyclability and empty space, the following applies: from 2030, or only once the relevant acts have been in force for 24 months or three years respectively, whichever is later.
Legal basis: Art. 6 (recyclability), Art. 7 (recycled content), Art. 24 (empty space)
Mono-material or composite: the recycling reality -
from 01.01.2038
Only the best grades remain
Only packaging of grades A and B is then permitted.
Legal basis: Art. 6
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from 01.01.2040
Higher recycled content quotas
The minimum shares of recycled content rise significantly for plastic packaging, to roughly 25 to 65 percent depending on the packaging type.
Legal basis: Art. 7
As of 17.10.2026. Many details will only be set by the European Commission in delegated acts. Information provided without guarantee, not legal advice.
Who is affected
Which role do you have?
The PPWR applies to everyone who places packaging on the EU market. Different obligations apply depending on your role.
| Role | What applies to you | What you do now | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Issue the EU declaration of conformity, keep and retain the technical documentation. | Issue the evidence and prove the substance limits (heavy metals, PFAS for food contact). | EU declaration of conformity |
| Distributor | Check with due diligence, for example the manufacturer's entry in the manufacturer register, and hand over documents to the authorities on request. | Request declarations from your suppliers and file them by item. | PPWR checklist |
| Importer | Ensure before placing on the market that the conformity assessment and technical documentation are available, and keep a copy of the declaration available. | Check and file declarations and substance evidence before placing products on the market. | PPWR checklist |
| Private individual | No obligations under the PPWR. | Nothing. On our products, the PPWR traffic light shows you the status. | PPWR-compliant packaging |
Information without guarantee, not legal advice.
The short answer
What is the PPWR?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is the EU Packaging Regulation. It replaces Packaging Directive 94/62/EC, applies directly in all EU Member States and has been applicable since 12.08.2026.
It covers substances and evidence (since 12.08.2026), harmonised labelling (from 12.08.2028 at the earliest) as well as recyclability, recycled content and empty space (from 2030 at the earliest). Manufacturers, distributors and importers have obligations; private households do not.
- 12.08.2026The first stage of the PPWR already applies.
- 2030Recyclability, recycled content and empty space will become mandatory.
- EU-wideAs a regulation, the PPWR applies directly, without national transposition.
- 3 rolesManufacturers, distributors and importers each have their own obligations.
All topics
From obligation to the right packaging
Frequently asked questions
PPWR: questions and answers
What is the PPWR?
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is the new EU Packaging Regulation. It replaces the previous Packaging Directive and applies directly in all EU Member States.
Since when does the PPWR apply?
The Regulation has been in force since 11.02.2025 and becomes applicable on 12.08.2026. The first obligations have applied since then. Further requirements apply from 2028, 2030, 2038 and 2040.
Do I need a declaration of conformity?
Packaging manufacturers must issue an EU declaration of conformity and keep technical documentation. Importers must ensure before placing on the market that this evidence is available, and distributors act with due diligence. Anyone who places products on the market under their own brand is themselves deemed the manufacturer. At Elke Plastic, you will find the documents for our products in the PPWR data sheets section.
What does the PPWR traffic light on product pages show?
Green means: the currently applicable requirements are met. Yellow means: compliant today, but an upcoming stage, such as 2030, is not yet met. Red means: currently not compliant, we recommend an alternative.
Are mono-PE bags PPWR-compliant?
Packaging made from a single material, such as PE, has good prerequisites for recycling. However, the classification under the delegated acts of the European Commission and the declaration of conformity of the respective product are binding. To check, look at the traffic light and the data sheet on the product.
Does the PPWR also apply in Austria and Switzerland?
It applies in Austria as an EU member. Switzerland is not part of the EU. However, packaging manufactured there and placed on the market in the EU must also meet the requirements.
Which role do I have: manufacturer, distributor or importer?
Manufacturers issue the EU declaration of conformity and keep the technical documentation. Importers ensure before placing on the market that this evidence is available and keep the declaration available; distributors act with due diligence. Anyone who places products on the market under their own brand is themselves deemed the manufacturer. Private households have no obligations under the PPWR.
Sources
Legal bases and authorities
- Regulation (EU) 2025/40 in the Official Journal (EUR-Lex)Binding text of the Regulation
- Federal Ministry for the Environment: European law on packagingAssessment by the Federal Government
- DIHK information sheet on the Packaging Regulation (PPWR)Practical guidance for companies
This page provides general information and does not replace legal advice. The text of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 and the acts adopted under it is binding. As of 17.10.2026.