PPWR: What the new EU Packaging Regulation means for PAWI and our customers

What is the PPWR?

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, officially Regulation (EU) 2025/40, creates new, EU-wide requirements for packaging and packaging waste. It applies in principle to all packaging made available on the EU market, regardless of material, origin or area of use.

The regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will generally apply directly in all EU Member States from 12 August 2026. However, individual requirements will take effect gradually at later dates, for example regarding recyclability, labelling, reuse or the use of recycled content in plastic packaging.

The aim of the PPWR is to reduce packaging waste, improve the recyclability of packaging, lower the use of primary raw materials and support the transition towards a more circular packaging economy.

What does the PPWR mean for paper and cardboard packaging?

As a manufacturer of paper and cardboard packaging, we are particularly focused on design for recycling. The PPWR requires packaging to be developed in such a way that it can be recycled as effectively as possible at the end of its life cycle. From 2030, only recyclable packaging may generally be placed on the market.

For paper and cardboard packaging, this means that materials, coatings, printing inks, adhesives and finishes must be considered even more carefully in terms of their impact on the recycling process. Packaging is not only functional when it protects the product and performs well at the point of sale. In future, it will also need to meet the requirements of sorting, collection and recycling.

It is important to distinguish clearly between paper and cardboard packaging on the one hand and plastic packaging on the other. Binding minimum recycled-content requirements under the PPWR mainly apply to plastic packaging or plastic components. For paper and cardboard packaging, the focus is primarily on recyclability, material efficiency, design for recycling, and documentation and evidence requirements.

Material use and packaging minimisation

Another central aspect of the PPWR is packaging minimisation. In future, packaging must be designed so that its weight and volume are limited to what is necessary. Unnecessary packaging components, excessive empty space or designs that mainly increase the perceived product volume will come under greater scrutiny.

For our packaging development, this means that product protection, functionality, appearance, machine runnability and material use need to be coordinated even more precisely. The aim is to reduce material use without compromising the function of the packaging.

Product protection remains particularly important for food packaging. Packaging only fulfils its purpose if it protects the product, supports transport and handling, and at the same time takes resource efficiency and sustainability requirements into account.

Food safety and substance restrictions

As many of our packaging solutions are used in the food sector, chemical safety requirements are also relevant. The PPWR includes provisions on certain substances of concern, such as heavy metals and PFAS.

For us, this means that the careful selection and assessment of materials remains essential. Particularly where functional properties such as grease resistance, barrier performance, adhesives, printing inks or finishes are involved, technical requirements, food safety and recyclability must be considered together.

Documentation and transparency are becoming more important

With the PPWR, requirements for evidence and technical documentation relating to packaging are increasing. Depending on their role in the supply chain, different market operators are affected, including packaging manufacturers, suppliers, importers, distributors and companies that place packaged products on the EU market for the first time.

The regulation defines these roles and assigns specific obligations to them. As a result, technical information, clear responsibilities and a reliable data basis along the supply chain are becoming increasingly important.

As a packaging partner, we provide our customers with relevant information about their packaging in a transparent and traceable way. Depending on the application, this may include information on the materials used, recyclability, functional properties and regulatory requirements.

Clear communication is therefore becoming even more important. Our customers need reliable information in order to meet their own obligations under the PPWR.

Labelling and information

The labelling of packaging will also be further harmonised by the PPWR. In future, EU-wide standardised information is planned, including information on material composition and correct disposal. The specific requirements are currently being defined in further detail step by step.

For us, this means that we are closely monitoring the development of labelling requirements and taking them into account at an early stage in new packaging concepts, layouts and customer projects. The goal is to consider future requirements in the design process today.

What the PPWR means for PAWI and our customers

The PPWR reinforces many topics that are already important to us today: design for recycling, efficient material use, safe food packaging and reliable support throughout the entire packaging development process.

At the same time, requirements for evidence, documentation and communication along the supply chain are increasing. We therefore continuously monitor new developments and take regulatory requirements into account at an early stage in consulting, construction and material selection.

For our customers, this means packaging solutions that consider product protection, practical usability and recyclability from the outset – using as much material as necessary and as little as possible.

Q&A on the PPWR

What is the PPWR?

The PPWR is the new EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces the previous Packaging Directive and creates uniform Europe-wide requirements for packaging in the EU.

When does the PPWR apply?

The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026. However, many requirements will apply only at later dates, for example requirements relating to recyclability, labelling or recycled content in plastic packaging.

Does the PPWR also affect paper and cardboard packaging?

Yes. The PPWR applies in principle to all packaging, regardless of material. For paper and cardboard packaging, the most relevant aspects are recyclability, material use, documentation, labelling and substance restrictions.

Will paper and cardboard packaging have to contain a specific amount of recycled content in future?

According to the current status, binding minimum recycled-content requirements mainly apply to plastic packaging or plastic components. For paper and cardboard packaging, the focus is primarily on design for recycling.

Please note: This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The specific PPWR requirements that apply depend, among other factors, on the packaging concerned, its intended use and the company’s role in the supply chain. Each case should therefore be assessed individually from a legal perspective.

Last updated: July 2026.