The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, EU 2025/40) is the EU’s new regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces the existing Directive 94/62/EC and – unlike a directive – applies directly in all EU Member States without requiring national transposition.
The PPWR applies to all businesses that place packaging or packaged goods on the EU market, regardless of company size or country of origin. This includes manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online marketplaces.

Key requirements at a glance:
• Recyclability: All packaging must achieve at least Grade C by 2030 and Grade B by 2035
• Labelling: Mandatory machine-readable labelling (e.g. QR code) with material and recycling information
• Recycled content: Prescribed minimum shares of recycled material per packaging category
• Hazardous substance restrictions: Limitations on PFAS and other harmful substances in food-contact packaging
• Technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity: Mandatory for all economic operators placing packaging on the market
• Digital Product Passport: Integration of packaging data into the DPP (governed by the ESPR)

The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies in full from 12 August 2026.

→ Check whether your packaging is PPWR-compliant

The PPWR restricts the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging. From August 2026, manufacturers must document and declare the permissible PFAS levels in all packaging that comes into direct contact with food. PFAS are commonly found in grease- and water-repellent coatings on paper, cardboard, metals, and certain plastic films.

→ Start your free PPWR Conformity Check now

Any packaging with direct food contact falls within scope: fast-food wrappers, bakery bags, pizza boxes, microwave containers, and similar products. Non-food packaging is not currently subject to PFAS restrictions under the PPWR; however, voluntary compliance is strongly recommended given the additional regulations expected in the coming years.

If PFAS are detected or suspected, you must:

• Commission a material analysis from an accredited laboratory, or request a certificate directly from your supplier
• Record the results in the technical documentation
• Switch to PFAS-free alternatives before the applicable deadline, if limit values are not met
• Update the Declaration of Conformity accordingly

Our experts will guide you through every step of the assessment and documentation process.

→ Request a PFAS compliance assessment

No and yes. The PPWR introduces mandatory machine-readable identification for certain packaging functions—this can take the form of a QR code, barcode, or chip. The timing of implementation also varies depending on the packaging category.

→ Check your labelling obligations

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is governed by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). PPWR obligations relating to information and labelling may be incorporated into the DPP, but are subject to strict formal requirements.

→ Start your free Conformity Check

Yes. The PPWR explicitly covers industrial, transport, and bulk packaging – not just consumer-facing products. This includes pallets, strapping, stretch film, wooden crates, big bags, and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). All categories must comply with the PPWR’s recyclability and labelling requirements.

→ Check your industrial packaging obligations

Industrial packaging must achieve a minimum recyclability performance grade as defined by the PPWR. Grades A or B are required for most categories by 2030, with transitional provisions for certain materials. Packaging that does not meet the minimum grade may no longer be placed on the EU market after the applicable deadline.

Yes. Like consumer packaging, industrial packaging requires technical documentation—including mass balance data, material composition records, recyclability assessments, and, where applicable, a Declaration of Conformity. Our team provides you with a complete documentation package.

→ Request documentation support

Non-EU companies placing packaged goods on the EU market must appoint an EU-based authorized representative (AR) under the PPWR.
Deutsche Recycling acts as your PPWR authorized representative—handling registration, declarations, and ongoing compliance on your behalf.

The PPWR is an EU regulation and does not automatically apply to UK domestic sales. However, UK companies that export packaged goods to EU member states must comply
with PPWR requirements for those products. This includes appointing an EU authorized representative and preparing the required technical documentation.