The PPWR Record is the definitive compliance intelligence hub for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The PPWR, which entered into force on 11 February 2025, is the most significant overhaul of EU packaging law since the 1994 Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). It introduces mandatory recycled content thresholds, packaging minimisation requirements, reusability targets, deposit return scheme obligations, and digital product passport requirements for all packaging placed on the EU market.
What is the PPWR?
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation 2025/40) replaces Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. Unlike the old directive, the PPWR is a directly applicable regulation — it does not require transposition into national law and applies uniformly across all 27 EU member states. It covers all packaging placed on the EU market regardless of the material (plastic, paper, glass, metal, wood, composite) and regardless of whether the packaging is used in B2B or B2C contexts.
Key Requirements
Recycled Content
Mandatory minimum recycled content thresholds for plastic packaging: 30% by 2030, 50% by 2040. Contact-sensitive plastic packaging has separate thresholds.
Read requirements →Packaging Minimisation
Packaging must be minimised to the minimum weight and volume necessary. Unnecessary packaging formats are prohibited. Void space limits for e-commerce packaging.
Read requirements →Reusability Targets
Mandatory reusable packaging targets for specific sectors: beverages, transport packaging, e-commerce, food service. Targets apply from 2030.
Read requirements →Deposit Return Schemes
All EU member states must establish deposit return schemes (DRS) for single-use plastic beverage bottles and metal cans by 2029. 90% collection rate target.
Read requirements →Extended Producer Responsibility
Harmonised EPR rules across the EU. Producers must register, report, and contribute to packaging waste collection and recycling costs.
Read requirements →Digital Product Passport
Packaging must carry a QR code linking to a digital product passport with material composition, recycled content, and recyclability information.
Read requirements →Materials Coverage
Plastic
Highest regulatory burden. Recycled content thresholds, SUP restrictions, microplastics rules.
Plastic compliance →Paper & Cardboard
Recyclability requirements, PFAS restrictions for food contact paper, fibre-based packaging rules.
Paper compliance →Glass
Reusability targets for glass beverage bottles. DRS inclusion. Recycled content tracking.
Glass compliance →Metal
Aluminium and steel cans in DRS scope. Recycled content requirements. Lightweight targets.
Metal compliance →Wood & Composite
Eco-design requirements for wood packaging. Composite material recyclability assessment.
Wood compliance →