About PPWR

By 2030 at the latest, all packaging must be designed for recycling and achieve a least class C (≥70% recyclability). The design will minimize the weight and volume, avoid mixture of materials that makes it harder to recycle and follow technical guidelines which is established by the EU commission. Classification is based on recyclability according to tables in appendix to the PPWR.

By 2030 the PPWR demands a minimum share of recycled materials in plastic packaging:

• 30% for PET that is in contact with food.
• 10% for other contact sensitive plastics.
• 35% for remaining plastic packaging.

Exceptions apply to medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging and UN approved packaging. By 2040, the requirement will raise up to 65% depending on the type of packaging.

The PPWR forbids some single use packages from 2030 including:

• Plastic wraps around fruits and vegetables below 1,5kg.
• Mini packs for hygiene products on hotels.

Exceptions exist for cardboard-based packages.

The EU-commission have authority to adopt delegated acts that can change details in the PPWR, for example:

• Recycling classification methodology.
• Minimum number of rotations for reusable packaging.
• Definitions of “Recycled at Scale”

These acts will be published successively until 2030.

The producers need to make sure that their packages fulfil the requirements for recycling, PCR-contents, marking and design. A technical documentation and a Declaration of Conformity (DOC) is required for each packaging. Producers are also affected by extended producer responsibilities and modulation of fees based on the environmental performance of the packaging.

The PPWR aims to reduce packaging waste by:

• 5% by 2030
• 10% by 2035
• 15 by 2040

In addition, at least 55% of all packaging materials should be recycled by 2035. The regulation is a crucial step towards a climate neutrality and a circular economy within the EU.