Turn PPWR into an advantage
PPWR: What does it mean for your food packaging?
New EU packaging requirements are changing how packaging is designed, documented and assessed.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces new requirements for packaging across the EU, with a focus on recyclability, recycled content, packaging minimisation and substances of concern.
For packaging buyers and developers, this means new considerations around documentation, material and design choices, recycled content and future costs.
At Plus Pack, we help customers understand what these changes mean for their food packaging solutions and turn regulatory requirements into practical packaging decisions.
Whether you are reviewing an existing packaging solution or developing a new concept, we can support you with documentation, packaging expertise and relevant solutions while balancing regulatory requirements, food safety, functionality and product performance.
WHAT IS CHANGING UNDER PPWR?
What applies now – and what comes next?
PPWR introduces harmonised requirements for packaging and packaging waste across the EU.
The regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026. However, requirements are being introduced progressively, and several detailed technical criteria are still being developed or phased in.
PPWR covers all types of packaging, including sales, grouped and transport packaging, as well as components such as labels, inks, adhesives, coatings, closures, pallets and shipping cartons.
The overall direction is clear: recyclability, recycled content, packaging minimisation and packaging design will become increasingly important.
PPWR TIMELINE
PPWR: WHAT APPLIES WHEN?
Key milestones for PPWR legislation
PPWR starts applying
PFAS restrictions for food-contact packaging and applicable compliance obligations.
From 12 August 2026.
Harmonised labelling
EU-wide material identification and sorting labels, subject to implementing rules.
12 August 2028 or later.*
Design for recycling
Recyclability criteria, packaging minimisation and recycled-content targets for specified plastic packaging.
Phased requirements from 2030.*
Recycling at scale
Assessment of whether packaging is effectively recycled at scale.
1 January 2035 or later.*
Higher recycled-content targets
Increased recycled-content targets for relevant plastic packaging categories.
Targets from 1 January 2040.
| Packaging Material | Recycling Targets | Recycled Content (Post-Consumer) requirements | Recyclability Standards | EPR Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | 50% by 2025 60 by 2030 | No Mandatory recycled targets currently | Must meet design criteria for effective collection, sorting and recycling (DfR guidlines are in progress) | Lower fees due to high recyclability |
| Plastics | 55% by 2025 60% by 2023 | Contact-sensitive PET:30% by 2030 & 50% by 2040 Contact-sensitive non-PET: 10% by 2030 & 25% by 2040 | All packaging must be recycled by 2023 (non recyclable products to be banned) | Fees vary: Higher for non-recyclable plastics Lower for recyclable and recycled content plastics |
| Composite/Cardboard | 70% by 2025 75% by 2030 | No mandatory recycled content targets currently | Must be designed for separation and effective recycling: complex materials face stricter standards | Generally higher fees due to challenges in recycling and separation |
What applies now -
and what comes next?
Relevant now
General PPWR application already includes requirements related to areas such as:
· Substances of concern
· Heavy-metal limits
· PFAS limits for food-contact packaging
Coming / phased in
Other important areas are still being developed or introduced over time, including:
· Detailed Design for Recycling criteria
· Recycled-content calculation methodology and targets
· Packaging minimisation requirements
· Harmonised labelling details
· Further implementing and delegated acts
You do not need to predict every future detail today. But the packaging choices you make now can put you in a stronger position for what comes next.
WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER
FOR YOUR PACKAGING?
Packaging decisions made today can influence your ability to meet future requirements
Depending on your application, relevant considerations may include:
Material selection and recyclability
Assess whether your packaging materials and components support future recyclability requirements.
Recycled content
Explore opportunities to introduce or increase recycled content where technically suitable and compliant with food-contact requirements.
Packaging design
Consider material combinations, coatings, weight and packaging functionality when evaluating potential improvements.
Food safety and performance
Any packaging change must continue to meet the requirements for food safety, product protection, shelf life, sealing and processing performance.
Depending on the food and application
areas worth reviewing may include:
· Detailed Design for Recycling criteria
· Recycled-content calculation methodology and targets
· Packaging minimisation requirements
· Harmonised labelling details
· Further implementing and delegated acts
These are not automatic answers for every application.
Food safety, shelf life, filling process, transport, preparation and product performance still need to come first.
There is no single solution that works for every food application. The right packaging choice requires balancing several factors.
How can Plus Pack support you?
We combine packaging expertise, product knowledge and relevant compliance documentation to help customers make informed decisions.
Documentation and product information
We provide relevant documentation for our packaging products, including technical data sheets, food-contact declarations of compliance and supplier information.
Material choice and packaging expertise
We help assess material options, recycled content and packaging designs in relation to your application and future requirements. We support you from idea to production
Customized packaging development
Whether reviewing an existing tray or developing a new packaging concept, we can explore solutions that balance regulatory considerations, performance and sustainability goals.
Understanding potential cost implications
Packaging choices may affect material use and EPR fees. We can help identify key considerations, while specific fees and obligations depend on national schemes.
Already helping customers prepare
The best way to understand what PPWR can mean in practice is through real packaging projects. Plus Pack is already working with customers on projects involving recycled content, material changes and packaging structures designed with future requirements in mind.
From plastic blister to direct-seal aluminium
A European ready-meal producer supplying the retail market wanted to rethink an existing packaging solution and reduce the amount of packaging material used.
Rethinking an existing packaging solution
Learn how Plus Pack helped introduce a sealable aluminium tray for a European retailer with reliable delivery with PPWR considerations taken into account.
FROM GLASS TO rPET
How Plus Pack helped a European antipasti producer make a strategic move from glass to clear rPET packaging — combining recycled content, strong shelf presentation.
Let’s prepare your packaging for
for the future
PPWR introduces important changes, but you do not need to navigate them alone.
You do not need to have every answer about 2030 today.
But now is a good time to understand where your current packaging stands – and whether there are opportunities worth exploring.
Let’s review your packaging
Together, we can look at your current packaging and discuss areas such as:
· Documentation
· Material and packaging structure
· Recycled content
· Design choices relevant to future recyclability
· Material and weight optimisation
· Potential EPR implications
· Relevant alternative Plus Pack solutions
Whether you are looking for product documentation, reviewing your existing packaging, sourcing a new solution or developing your next concept, our team can help you understand the options.
Tell us about your current packaging or upcoming project, and let’s start the conversation.
Contact us
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This page provides general guidance based on current PPWR requirements. The applicability and implementation dates of individual requirements must be assessed for the relevant packaging and economic operator. Detailed EU criteria continue to develop, and the suitability of each packaging solution depends on its intended use and configuration.
For the latest official information, we recommend consulting the European Commission's PPWR webpage and the full legal text of Regulation (EU) 2025/40. At Plus Pack, we follow relevant developments and help our customers understand what they may mean for their packaging solutions.