European packaging legislation is set to change significantly in the coming years. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, or PPWR for short, will introduce stricter rules for packaging. These cover areas such as recyclability, reuse, material use, traceability and documentation. The PPWR will come into force on 12 August 2026.
For businesses, now is the time to look ahead. The initial requirements focus primarily on record-keeping and demonstrating compliance. From 2030 onwards, material choice, recyclability and reusability will carry greater weight. Those who start now will avoid a last-minute rush and unnecessary changes later on.
SFA Packaging is already helping businesses with packaging that complies with the PPWR. We use single-material plastic and design each piece of packaging to use as little material and as little wasted space as possible. In addition, we develop tailormade packaging and moulded fibre packaging tailored to the product and the production line.
What is the PPWR legislation?
The PPWR replaces the existing European directive on packaging waste. As a result, the same rules apply in all EU Member States. As it is a regulation, the PPWR applies immediately. This includes the Netherlands. The PPWR forms part of the European Green Deal and is in line with the Circular Economy Act.
The aim is clear: less waste, more reuse and more easily recyclable packaging. As a result, companies face stricter requirements regarding design, choice of materials and documentation.
Why is the PPWR relevant to your business?
The PPWR affects every party in the packaging supply chain. This includes manufacturers, brand owners, importers, retailers and e-commerce companies. Are you responsible for product packaging? If so, environmental impact is also a factor.
Among other things, the PPWR requires:
- packaging designed to be recyclable;
- fewer unnecessary layers of packaging;
- more recycled material;
- reusable packaging solutions;
- Clear information for users.
As a result, design, choice of materials and logistics require renewed attention. The same applies to documentation and collaboration within the supply chain.
When does the PPWR apply?
The PPWR comes into force on 12 August 2026. The first obligations will take effect from that date. This phase focuses primarily on the administrative aspects.
Companies must be able to demonstrate what packaging they use. They must also provide details of the materials used and their compliance. To this end, the PPWR requires better documentation.
From 2026, you will have to deal with:
- a technical packaging dossier;
- a declaration of conformity;
- Improved traceability
- type, batch or serial numbers;
- Testing for harmful substances.
Further requirements will come into force from 2028 and 2030. The impact will increase significantly from 2030 onwards. From then on, recyclability, recycled content and reuse will carry greater weight.
PPWR requirements from 2028 and 2030
The PPWR is introducing targets and bans in stages. From 2028, stricter requirements for compostability will apply. This will affect items such as coffee pods and fruit stickers.
From 2030, stricter material requirements will apply to packaging. All packaging must then be fully recyclable. The PPWR also categorises packaging into performance classes.
Key requirements from 2030 onwards are:
- Mandatory recyclability for all packaging;
- requirements for recycled content in plastics;
- more reusable transport packaging;
- less empty space in shipping packaging;
- Ban on certain single-use plastic packaging.
Packaging with a low score will eventually be phased out of the European market. By 2035, recycling must also be working effectively on a large scale.
Less excess packaging thanks to the PPWR
The PPWR takes a clear stance against excessive packaging. Packaging must be lightweight, efficient and functional. Unnecessary components do not comply with the new regulations.
Think of double boxes, unnecessary inner packaging and too much empty space. A maximum limit will soon apply to shipping and transport packaging. The new guidelines specify a maximum of 50 per cent empty space. Compact packaging saves on materials. It also reduces transport volume throughout the supply chain. This means that packaging and logistics are directly linked.
Clear labelling under the PPWR
The PPWR requires clear information to be provided on packaging. Each item of packaging must state the type of material. Information on the correct waste disposal route must also be included. Europe is working on standardised pictograms. Digital elements, such as QR codes, will also play a role. This will provide users with more guidance on sorting and recycling.
PPWR-Ready Packaging from SFA Packaging
SFA Packaging translates the PPWR into practical design and production choices. We assess shape, wall thickness, capacity and closure in terms of material usage, dead space and processing on the production line. As a result, the packaging fits the product precisely, the contents remain well protected and the design takes up less space during storage and transport. You get a single solution that works for production, logistics and everyday use.
For bespoke solutions, SFA Packaging develops packaging that is perfectly suited to the product, the target audience and the production line. We tailor the design to the contents, the intended use and the desired look and feel. This ensures the packaging aligns more closely with the brand and helps avoid unnecessary use of materials.
SFA applies the same technical approach to moulded fibre. This fully biodegradable material offers an alternative to plastic for food and non-food packaging. We tailor the design to the contents and the way the packaging moves through the supply chain. This enables you to focus on reducing material use, ensuring an appropriate waste management route and creating packaging that meets the upcoming PPWR requirements.
Get ready for the PPWR with SFA Packaging
The PPWR is radically changing the rules for packaging. Would you like to know if your packaging is PPWR-ready? SFA Packaging is here to help. Get in touch with our specialists and take the first step today.
The 10 most frequently asked questions about the PPWR
- What is the difference between the PPWR and the old EU Directive?
The old EU directive left room for national interpretation. As a result, each EU country imposed different requirements on packaging. The PPWR is a European regulation.
This means that the same rules apply immediately in all EU Member States. This provides greater clarity and a more level playing field. - From when does the PPWR apply?
The PPWR will come into force on 12 August 2026. The initial requirements focus primarily on administrative matters, such as declarations of conformity, technical files and traceability.
From 2030, materials and design will have a greater impact. Recyclability, reusability and overpackaging will then carry greater weight. - Who does the PPWR apply to?
The PPWR applies to companies that place packaging on the European market. These include manufacturers, brand owners, importers, distributors and retailers. E-commerce companies will also be affected.
Do you use packaging for products? If so, you must be able to demonstrate that it complies with the requirements. This includes the choice of materials, recyclability, documentation and traceability. - What is a PPWR declaration of conformity?
A PPWR Declaration of Conformity (EU Declaration of Conformity of EU DoC) is a Legal notice in which the manufacturer confirms that a specific package complies with the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR – Regulation (EU) 2025/40). Without this declaration, the packaging may not be placed on the EU market from the applicable date. - How do I obtain a declaration of conformity?
You will usually receive a declaration of conformity from your packaging supplier or manufacturer.
Request this declaration for each type of packaging, for example for boxes, tape, filling material or dispatch bags. If you import your packaging from outside the EU or market it under your own brand, you may be responsible for the declaration yourself. Make sure you keep the declaration together with the technical information so that you can demonstrate that your packaging complies with the PPWR. - Is the declaration of conformity compulsory?
Yes. The PPWR will come into force on 12 August 2026. Manufacturers must then be able to demonstrate that their packaging complies with European regulations. This is done by means of a declaration of conformity, supported by a technical packaging dossier. - What is the ratio of empty space to unoccupied space?
The PPWR sets limits on the amount of empty space in packaging. From 2030, shipping or transport packaging may contain no more than 50 per cent empty space. The European Union’s aim is to reduce unnecessary use of materials and unnecessary transport.
For businesses, this means that packaging must be better tailored to the dimensions of the product. A more efficient design saves on materials, reduces transport costs and helps to meet future PPWR requirements. - What does ‘technically recyclable’ mean under the PPWR?
Packaging is technically recyclable if it is designed appropriately. The material must be easy to sort. Processing within existing recycling systems is also a factor. Think of single-material packaging. Plastic packaging without disruptive barriers also fits into this category. - Is bio-based or compostable packaging an alternative under the PPWR?
Not always. The PPWR focuses mainly on recyclability and reuse, not compostability. Bio-based or compostable materials are only allowed if they are degradable within the right industrial processes and do not interfere with existing recycling streams. - How do I know if my current packaging is PPWR-ready?
To achieve this, you need an understanding of design and materials. Application, recyclability and documentation are also important factors. From 12 August 2026, the ability to demonstrate compliance will play a greater role.
SFA Packaging helps companies with assessment and optimisation. This enables you to work specifically towards PPWR-compliant packaging. Get started now.