Plastic packaging faces the highest regulatory burden under the PPWR, with mandatory recycled content thresholds, single-use plastic restrictions, recyclability requirements, and deposit return scheme obligations. This guide covers all PPWR requirements applicable to plastic packaging.
Recycled Content Thresholds for Plastic Packaging
| Packaging Type | 2030 | 2040 |
|---|---|---|
| Contact-sensitive (food/medical) | 10% | 25% |
| SUP PET beverage bottles | 30% | 65% |
| SUP other plastic beverage bottles | 30% | 60% |
| All other plastic packaging | 30% | 50% |
Recyclability Requirements
From 2030, all plastic packaging must be recyclable. The Commission will establish recyclability assessment criteria through delegated acts. Packaging that cannot be recycled at scale by 2035 will be prohibited from the EU market. Key recyclability issues for plastic packaging include: multi-layer structures with incompatible polymers; black carbon pigments that prevent NIR sorting; labels and adhesives that contaminate recycling streams; and barrier coatings that cannot be removed during recycling.
SUP Restrictions
The Single-Use Plastics Directive prohibits certain plastic packaging formats including polystyrene food containers and cups. The PPWR's minimisation requirements prohibit unnecessary plastic packaging formats. Companies should review their plastic packaging portfolio against both the SUP Directive and PPWR minimisation rules.
Deposit Return Scheme Obligations
Single-use plastic beverage bottles up to 3L must be included in national DRS by 2029. Producers must register with national DRS operators and pay DRS fees. PET bottles must contain at least 30% recycled content from 2030.