EU regulation
EU Packaging Rules in 2026: What the PPWR Means for Businesses
The PPWR generally applies from 12 August 2026. This guide explains its scope, the businesses it can affect and the first official requirements.
In brief
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40 generally applies from 12 August 2026. It covers packaging of every material and origin and can affect manufacturers, importers, distributors, businesses that place packaging on the market and businesses that use packaging.
Key facts
- The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026.
- It covers all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of material or origin.
- A business can hold more than one role in the packaging chain, and its obligations depend on that role and the type of packaging.
What is the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is the EU framework for packaging and packaging waste. It applies to all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of material or origin.
The regulation sets requirements for the manufacture and composition of packaging, its reusable or recoverable nature, and packaging waste management and prevention.
When did the PPWR start to apply?
The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency states that the first obligations took effect on 12 August 2026.
Which businesses can be affected by the PPWR?
According to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the new rules can affect the following businesses:
- Packaging manufacturers
- Importers
- Distributors
- Businesses that place packaging on the market
- Businesses that use packaging
Which first PPWR obligations applied from 12 August 2026?
For businesses in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency highlights the following initial obligations:
- Packaging manufacturers must have completed a conformity assessment and draft a conformity statement.
- Manufacturers must draw up and keep a packaging dossier containing information including material, weight and environmental impact.
- Manufacturers must comply with the maximum PFAS levels for packaging.
- Businesses must determine their role or roles in the packaging chain.
The applicable obligations depend on the company's role and the type of packaging. One company can have more than one role.
What PFAS limits apply to food-contact packaging?
From 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging may not be placed on the EU market when it contains PFAS at or above the limits below, to the extent that another EU legal act does not already prohibit that concentration:
- 25 ppbfor any PFAS measured with targeted PFAS analysis, excluding polymeric PFAS from quantification.
- 250 ppbfor the sum of PFAS measured as the sum of targeted PFAS analysis, where relevant with prior degradation of precursors, excluding polymeric PFAS from quantification.
- 50 ppmfor PFAS including polymeric PFAS.
Are all PPWR requirements already finalised?
No. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency states that not all rules have been finalised and that further PPWR rules will be introduced up to and including 2029.
The European Commission also states that the regulation aims to make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
Why does a company's role in the packaging chain matter?
A company's PPWR obligations depend on its role in the packaging chain and the type of packaging involved. Because one company can have several roles, the relevant obligations are determined role by role.