PPWR recycled content targets: how much recycled content from 2030?
From 01.01.2030 at the earliest, plastic packaging must contain a minimum share of recycled content from post-consumer waste: 35% for most packaging, 10% for contact-sensitive packaging made of plastics other than PET (for example PE bags for food), 30% for contact-sensitive PET packaging and single-use beverage bottles. From 01.01.2040, 65% (other packaging and single-use beverage bottles), 25% (contact-sensitive, non-PET) and 50% (contact-sensitive, PET) apply (Art. 7 PPWR).
As of: 17.10.2026 · Reviewed by: Editorial team Elke Plastic GmbH · Information provided without guarantee, not legal advice.
The targets at a glance
| Type of packaging | From 2030 | From 2040 |
|---|---|---|
| Contact-sensitive packaging with PET as the main component (excluding single-use beverage bottles) | 30% | 50% |
| Contact-sensitive packaging made of plastics other than PET (excluding single-use beverage bottles) | 10% | 25% |
| Single-use plastic beverage bottles | 30% | 65% |
| Other plastic packaging | 35% | 65% |
The values apply to each plastic part of packaging placed on the market, per packaging type and format (Annex II, Table 1), calculated as an average per manufacturing plant and year. They concern manufacturers and importers, not individual buyers.
When does the target apply?
The first stage applies from 01.01.2030 or three years after the entry into force of the implementing act on the calculation method, whichever is later (Art. 7(1)). The Commission is to lay down the method by 31.12.2026 (Art. 7(8)). The second stage applies from 01.01.2040 (Art. 7(2)).
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| 01.01.2030 at the earliest | First minimum shares of recycled content |
| 01.01.2040 | Higher minimum shares |
Full timeline: PPWR timeline 2026 to 2040.
What recycled content is
Recycled content is reprocessed plastic from waste. For the target, only recycled content from post-consumer plastic waste counts that meets the collection and recycling requirements of Art. 7(3). Packaging counts as contact-sensitive if it is for products covered by certain substance-related legal acts, including Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on food contact materials (Art. 3). You will find technical terms in the glossary.
When the target does not apply
Art. 7 exempts, among others:
- compostable plastic packaging
- plastic parts that make up less than 5% of the total weight of the packaging unit
- contact-sensitive plastic packaging for food, if the recycled content poses a risk to human health and the packaged product would thereby infringe Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004
- packaging for the transport of dangerous goods and certain packaging for medicinal products, medical devices and infant food
The full list is in Art. 7(4) and (5).
What this means for bags
A PE bag without food contact generally falls under “other plastic packaging” (35%). A PE bag for food is contact-sensitive and falls under 10% or, from 2040, 25%. The manufacturer makes the classification. Producers or importers provide the evidence in the technical documentation (Art. 7(6)). As a distributor, you ask the manufacturer for the recycled content. More on the bag: Are PE bags PPWR compliant?
Producer fees for extended producer responsibility can be graduated according to recycled content (Art. 7(7)). A higher share can therefore reduce costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the recycled content target for plastic packaging in 2030?
From 01.01.2030 at the earliest: 35% for other plastic packaging, 10% for contact-sensitive packaging made of plastics other than PET, 30% for contact-sensitive PET packaging and for single-use beverage bottles (Art. 7(1)).
Does every PE bag have to contain recycled content?
The target applies as an average per packaging type and format, manufacturing plant and year (Art. 7(1)), not as a requirement for each individual bag. There are exemptions, among others for plastic parts below 5% of the total weight.
Does the target also apply to food contact?
Yes, with lower values: 10% from 2030 and 25% from 2040 for contact-sensitive packaging made of plastics other than PET. It does not apply if the recycled content poses a health risk and infringes Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 (Art. 7(5)).
Who has to demonstrate the recycled content?
Producers or importers demonstrate compliance in the technical documentation (Art. 7(6)). The Commission lays down the calculation and verification method in an implementing act.
Where is this in the Regulation?
In Art. 7 of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (minimum recycled content in plastic packaging).