🇪🇺 BRUSSELS — Companies placing packaged products on the EU market will face the first major obligations under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) from 12 August 2026, marking a significant step in Europe's transition to a circular packaging economy.

The regulation introduces new requirements for packaging design, traceability, documentation and compliance. Businesses must ensure packaging is minimized, complies with substance restrictions, includes required identification information and is supported by technical documentation retained for up to five years for single-use packaging and ten years for reusable packaging.

📦 The rules apply to virtually all packaging placed on the EU market, including primary, secondary and transport packaging, as well as labels, tapes and other packaging components. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, e-commerce businesses and brand owners may also need to comply with national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.

📈 The PPWR implementation will continue in phases through 2028 and 2030, introducing additional requirements on recyclability, recycled content, harmonised labelling and mandatory reuse targets as the EU accelerates its circular economy ambitions.

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