PPWR – What You Should Know About the Regulation
At the end of 2022, the draft of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations, abbreviated as PPWR, was published. This encompasses requirements regarding packaging and packaging waste of materials, including specifications for packaging design, as well as requirements for reusable packaging and waste management. Unlike the currently applicable EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC, the PPWR is a regulation whose provisions are binding for all 27 EU member states. This applies to both initial packaging providers and online retailers.
The EU Packaging Regulation PPWR aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. It stipulates that by 2030, all packaging in the EU must be recyclable. The regulation requires companies, including online retailers, to adapt their design and material usage to increase recycling and reuse. Key aspects include reducing packaging weight, promoting the circular economy, and complying with extended producer responsibility guidelines.
What is the current status of the EU Packaging Regulation PPWR?
The draft PPWR has been under review by the European Council since March 2024, with a preliminary voting date in the EU Parliament set for April 24. Finalization is anticipated in autumn 2024, followed by implementation, ensuring the new EU Packaging Regulation takes effect within 18 months. Begin addressing your obligations under the PPWR today. Deutsche Recycling GmbH is here to assist you, providing support to gain a competitive advantage.
What are the goals of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations
The aim of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations is to significantly reduce the environmental impact of packaging in the European Union. This is to be achieved by reducing resource consumption and packaging waste, as well as promoting the circular economy within companies. The PPWR targets EU-based companies as well as those importing packaging into the EU, applying to domestic and imported products alike. To establish a functioning circular economy for packaging, the PPWR includes specific target objectives:
- Reduction of packaging waste: The regulation sets clear targets for reducing the quantity of packaging waste. For example, by 2025, 65% of all packaging waste must be recycled, increasing to 70% by 2030. Specific goals for materials such as plastic, glass, metal, and paper are also defined.
- Design requirements for recyclable packaging: Specific design requirements are imposed to enhance the recyclability of packaging. This means companies are encouraged to eliminate unnecessary packaging and, where possible, use reusable packaging.
- Use of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials: The regulation builds upon the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and establishes stricter rules for the use of single-use plastic The draft includes a ban on certain single-use packaging.
- Labeling and transparency: Packaging must be clearly labeled to inform consumers about recyclability and proper disposed packaging waste.
- Promotion of more sustainable packaging solutions through EPR systems: The Extended Producer Responsibility obliges companies to consider the entire lifecycle of their packaging, including design, use, and disposal. Manufacturers must ensure their packaging is easily recyclable and bear the costs of collection, recovery, and recycling. Concurrently, businesses are encouraged to develop and utilize more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Timeline for EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) Compliance
Upon enactment, the regulation will establish specific deadlines to fulfill PPWR goals:
- By 2030: All EU market packaging must be recyclable
- By 2035: The majority of packaging should meet recyclability standards
- Starting 2035: Manufacturers must prove extensive packaging recycling
Impact of PPWR on Online Retail
The PPWR affects not only manufacturers and businesses but also online retailers, who must ensure their packaging complies with the new requirements. This includes selecting materials that are easily recyclable and reducing packaging sizes to avoid material waste. What does this mean specifically for packaging in e-commerce?
- Recycling-oriented design: Components of recycling packaging should be separable and recyclable as individual parts, following the familiar collect, sort, and recycle process.
- Minimization of weight and volume: The weight and volume of packaging should be limited to the necessary minimum. The goal is to ensure functionality while reducing material consumption.
- Prohibition of unnecessary enlargements: Packaging that artificially increases the perceived product volume through double walls, false bottoms, or similar elements is not permissible.
- Empty space ratio maximum 50%: The empty space in packaging, filled with materials such as air cushions or foam, must not exceed 50% of the total volume.
Additionally, the European Packaging Regulation PPWR stipulates that the amount of chemicals used, such as those in printing, must be limited to a minimum or excluded altogether.
EPR in Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations for Online Retailers
The PPWR places significant emphasis on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which mandates manufacturers to oversee not only the production and distribution of their goods but also the disposal of associated packaging. Online retailers, particularly those branding or influencing packaging design, must enroll in a national register, remitting corresponding fees and adhering to regular reporting of packaging activities.
In Germany, oversight falls under the LUCID packaging register. Another focal point of the new EU regulation pertains to merchants shipping across multiple European countries sans local presence, necessitating the appointment of an authorized representative (EU representative) for extended producer responsibility. This measure aims to ensure adherence to environmental obligations.
Implementation of PPWR with Deutsche Recycling GmbH
The EU Packaging Regulation PPWR applies across industries in all EU countries. As a manufacturer or online retailer, you are subject to binding regulations. This includes products you already package from a wholesaler. If you are unsure about compliance with the PPWR or specific packaging requirements in Germany, Deutsche Recycling GmbH is here to assist you. We will assess whether your business processes comply with legal requirements, conduct comprehensive compliance checks, determine if adjustments are necessary, and optimize costs within packaging guidelines.