What is the EU Packaging Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)?

The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste published by the European Union on January 22, 2025. It will be fully implemented starting August 12, 2026, completely replacing the old Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC). This regulation aims to drive the EU's transition towards a circular economy, reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste through harmonized rules, and improve resource efficiency.

Main Scope of Control under the PPWR

• Applicable Subjects: All entities placing packaging or packaged products on the EU market, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers (including cross-border e-commerce).

• Applicable Packaging: Covers packaging and packaging waste of all materials (plastic, paper, metal, glass, composite materials, etc.) and in all scenarios (industrial, consumer goods, logistics, e-commerce, etc.).

Core Content of the PPWR

1. Restrictions on Hazardous Substances

• Heavy Metals: The total amount of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium must be ≤ 100 mg/kg (effective August 12, 2026).

• PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances):

• Limited to food contact packaging;

• PFAS ≤ 25 ppb;

• Sum of all non-polymeric PFAS ≤ 250 ppb;

• Total fluorine content from polymeric PFAS ≤ 50 ppm;

• If exceeded, technical documentation must be provided to prove compliance.

2. Recyclability Requirements (Design for Recycling)

• Starting January 1, 2030, all packaging placed on the market must be recyclable, and its recyclability performance must reach Grade A, B, or C (recycling rate ≥ 70%). Anything below this standard is considered "technically unrecyclable" and is prohibited from being placed on the market.

• Starting January 1, 2038, only Grade A and B packaging will be allowed to enter the market.

3. Recycled Content Targets (Plastic Packaging)

Data Source: Note: The EU will review the sustainability of bio-based plastics by 2028 and may allow them to be used as substitutes for recycled materials.

(Note: The targets above are formatted based on the raw data provided in the original text.)

4. Packaging Minimization and Reduction

• By February 12, 2027: The EU will establish a calculation method for packaging minimization (such as maximum weight, volume, empty space ratio, etc.).

• Starting January 1, 2030: Mandatory enforcement; excessive packaging designs such as "false bottoms" and "unnecessary layers" will be prohibited.

• The empty space ratio for e-commerce / transport packaging must generally not exceed 50%.

5. Compostable Packaging Specifications

• By February 12, 2026: Formulate unified technical specifications.

• By February 12, 2028: Compostable packaging must not affect the recyclability of other waste streams to prevent "PSEudo-degradable" materials from misleading consumers.

6. Labeling and Information Requirements

All producers are required to mark the following on the packaging:

• Entity name, trademark, address, and electronic contact information (QR codes can be used);

• Unique identifiers such as batch numbers and serial numbers.