Need to understand your PPWR gaps?
Start with a readiness assessment to identify priority packaging, documentation needs and next steps before PPWR obligations apply.
EU PPWR at a glance
- Applies from 12 August 2026
The PPWR generally applies across the EU from 12 August 2026, with further requirements phased in over time. See the PPWR timeline. - Replaces the former PPWD
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 replaces the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive with directly applicable EU rules. Learn what changes under the PPWR. - Covers all packaging
The regulation applies to packaging and packaging waste, regardless of material or origin. See who is affected. - 2030 is a key milestone
By 2030, packaging placed on the EU market must meet major recyclability and recycled content requirements.
Benefits of preparing for PPWR compliance early with TÜV SÜD
Gain an independent view of readiness
Identify packaging, material, supplier data and documentation gaps through a structured third-party readiness assessment.
Connect testing with compliance planning
Assess recyclability, recycled content, substances and labelling risks with packaging testing and product compliance expertise.
Prioritise actions across EU markets
Receive a practical roadmap for testing, evidence collection, supplier alignment and documentation across your target EU markets.
PPWR compliance services for packaging readiness
TÜV SÜD combines independent third-party assessment, packaging-related testing expertise and product compliance knowledge to translate PPWR requirements into clear compliance actions. From readiness analysis to technical evaluation and documentation support, our services provide a clear view of compliance gaps, evidence needs and next steps.
PPWR readiness assessment
Assess your packaging portfolio against relevant PPWR requirements, including packaging type, material, intended use, target markets and supply chain role. The assessment identifies priority gaps and provides a structured action plan for further testing, documentation or redesign.
Packaging testing and material analysis
Evaluate packaging materials against technical PPWR-related requirements, including recyclability, recycled content, substances of concern, PFAS, heavy metals and compostability where applicable. Test results can support supplier claim verification and compliance decisions.
Design for recycling assessment
Review packaging formats, material combinations, labels, closures and other design features against Annex II recyclability criteria. The assessment identifies improvement opportunities before packaging redesign or market launch.
Technical documentation support
Prepare evidence for PPWR compliance, including supplier information, test records, material data, assessment results and Declaration of Conformity support.
EPR and supply chain data support
Review the data needed for Extended Producer Responsibility obligations, supplier information collection, eco-modulated fee preparation and market-specific reporting. This supports PPWR preparation across multiple EU markets and supply chain partners.
Regulatory monitoring and advisory
Stay updated on 30+ delegated acts, implementing acts and guidance that may affect detailed PPWR requirements. TÜV SÜD helps translate regulatory developments into practical implications for your packaging portfolio and compliance roadmap.
What is the EU PPWR and who does it apply to?
What is the EU PPWR?
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, known as the PPWR, is the new EU regulation for packaging and packaging waste. Its full title is Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste.
The PPWR replaces the former Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. This shift from a directive to a regulation is important because the PPWR is directly applicable across EU Member States. For businesses, this creates a more harmonised set of packaging requirements across the EU market.
The regulation applies to all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of material or origin. This includes packaging used in industrial, commercial, retail, service, office and household contexts.
Who does PPWR apply to?
The PPWR places obligations across the packaging value chain. The exact requirements depend on your role, packaging type and activity in the EU market.
- Packaging manufacturers: ensure packaging design, materials and documentation meet PPWR requirements.
- Brand owners and producers: review packaging choices, supplier data, labelling, EPR duties and compliance evidence.
- Importers: verify imported packaging or packaged products meet PPWR requirements before EU market placement.
- Distributors and retailers: check conformity, labelling and required information before making products available.
- E-commerce and fulfilment providers: manage packaging minimisation, role allocation and responsible operator checks.
PPWD vs PPWR: what has changed?
The PPWR replaces the former Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive with a directly applicable EU regulation. This creates a more harmonised and binding framework for packaging compliance across the EU.
Area | Former PPWD | New PPWR |
|---|---|---|
Legal status | Directive transposed into national laws | Regulation directly applicable across the EU |
Reuse and refill | Limited binding obligations | Binding targets for selected packaging types and sectors |
Recycled content | Few mandatory requirements | Minimum recycled content for certain plastic packaging |
Design for recycling | Limited specific eco-design obligations | Stronger design-for-recycling criteria and recyclability requirements |
EPR framework | Implemented separately by each Member State | More harmonised EPR framework, including eco-modulated fees |
Labelling | Varied national approaches | More harmonised EU labelling for recyclability, sorting and waste disposal |
Enforcement | Mainly national monitoring | Stronger monitoring and penalties across the EU |
Key PPWR requirements businesses should prepare for
Technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity
Companies may need to maintain evidence that packaging meets relevant PPWR requirements. This can include test results, supplier declarations, material data, assessment records and conformity documentation.
Recyclability and design for recycling
The PPWR introduces stronger requirements for packaging recyclability. Businesses will need to assess whether packaging can be collected, sorted and recycled at scale, and whether design choices support recycling processes.
Recycled content in plastic packaging
The regulation introduces recycled content requirements for certain plastic packaging. Companies may need to verify material composition, supplier claims and evidence for recycled content.
Packaging minimisation
Packaging should be designed to reduce unnecessary material use while maintaining product safety, hygiene, transport protection and functionality.
Substances of concern, including PFAS
The PPWR includes restrictions on substances of concern in packaging. Food-contact packaging is an important area of focus, especially for PFAS-related requirements.
Labelling and consumer information
Businesses may need to prepare for more harmonised labelling and information requirements across the EU, including information on material composition, sorting and disposal.
Extended Producer Responsibility and reporting
Producer responsibility obligations will remain important under the PPWR. Businesses may need to prepare data for registration, reporting and eco-modulated fee calculations.
PPWR timeline and key deadlines
The PPWR timeline includes a phased implementation schedule from entry into force to major 2030 and 2040 milestones. Businesses should review upcoming PPWR deadlines early to understand how packaging design, material selection, labelling, data collection and compliance documentation may be affected.
The first key date is 12 August 2026, when the PPWR generally applies. Later milestones introduce further requirements for labelling, packaging data, waste reduction, reuse and refill, recyclability and recycled content.
Prepare for PPWR compliance
Assess your packaging readiness and identify the next steps for compliance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why is PPWR compliance important?
PPWR compliance is important because the regulation introduces binding EU-wide packaging requirements that may affect market access, packaging design, material choices, supplier data and documentation. Companies that do not prepare may face packaging redesign delays, missing evidence, EPR reporting issues, customer scrutiny, market access risks or penalties.
What are the PPWR requirements for 2030?
By 2030, packaging placed on the EU market must meet major recyclability requirements. Certain plastic packaging will also need to meet recycled content requirements. Businesses should assess their packaging portfolio early to understand where redesign, testing or documentation may be needed.
What documents are needed for PPWR compliance?
Depending on the applicable requirements, companies may need supplier declarations, material data, test reports, recyclability assessments, recycled content evidence, labelling information, EPR data and conformity documentation.
How can companies prepare for PPWR compliance?
Companies can start by mapping packaging portfolios, identifying affected roles and markets, reviewing supplier data, assessing high-risk packaging, planning testing and preparing technical documentation.
