Meiyang Plastic Metals Products Co.Ltd.Quanzhou
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2026
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Euro Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
Euro Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
Regulation (EU) 2025/40
Introduction
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), officially Regulation (EU) 2025/40, is the new EU legal framework replacing the old Packaging Directive 94/62/EC. It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and becomes generally applicable across all EU Member States from 12 August 2026. As a directly applicable EU regulation, it applies equally to all packaging placed on the EU market, whether manufactured inside the EU or imported from overseas, covering plastic, paper, metal, glass and multi-material packaging for food, consumer goods and industrial transport packagingEuropean C....
The core goal is to build a circular economy by regulating packaging throughout its full life cycle: eco-design, material composition, market placement, reuse, collection and recycling, while cutting packaging waste and virgin raw material consumption.
Key Targets
- Packaging waste reduction: Cut total packaging waste by 5% in 2030, 10% in 2035 and 15% in 2040, with a strong focus on plastic waste reduction.
- Recyclability: By 2030, all packaging on the EU market must be economically recyclable, with limited exemptions.
- Reuse targets: 40% of transport and sales packaging shall be reusable by 2030 (e.g. pallets, crates, IBC containers).
- Mandatory recycled content: Gradually rising minimum recycled plastic content for PET, HDPE and other plastic packaging to reduce virgin plastic use.
- Collection target: 90% collection rate for single-use plastic and metal beverage bottles.
Ban on Certain Single-Use Packaging (effective 1 January 2030)
Several types of single-use packaging are prohibited from being placed on the EU market:
- Pre-packaging for unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables
- Single-use packaging for food and beverages consumed on-site in restaurants and cafés
- Individual sachets for sauces, sugar and creamers
- Disposable mini toiletries in hotel rooms
- Luggage shrink wrap at airports
- Ultra-thin plastic bags below 15 micrometres (exemptions for hygiene / fresh food preservation)
Hazardous Substance Restrictions
Starting from 12 August 2026, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are restricted for food-contact packaging. Packaging containing restricted hazardous substances will not be allowed to enter the EU market. Limits on other substances of concern are also enforced to protect recycling streams and human health.
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)
Producers, brand owners and importers (including non-EU exporters selling goods into the EU) must register for national EPR schemes, submit regular declarations and financially cover the collection and treatment of packaging waste generated from their products. EPR obligations vary by EU member state.
Labelling & Documentation
Harmonised EU recycling labelling will replace fragmented national marks. Reusable packaging needs dedicated markings. Manufacturers shall prepare packaging compliance declarations and technical documentation, which may be inspected by market surveillance authorities. QR codes may be used to disclose material composition and recycling information.
Timeline Summary
- 11 Feb 2025: PPWR enters into force
- 12 Aug 2026: Full general application; PFAS restriction for food contact packaging applies
- 01 Jan 2030: Single-use packaging ban; mandatory recyclability for all packaging; reuse targets; 5% packaging waste reduction
- 2035: 10% packaging waste reduction
- 2040: 15% packaging waste reduction
Business Impact for Exporters
Packaging must prefer mono-material structures and avoid complex multi-layer composites hard to recycle. Suppliers need material test reports, PFAS certificates, recyclability assessment and EPR registration before shipment. Over-packaging shall be eliminated, and recycled content needs to be verified in advance.
Short Version (for email / customer cover letter)
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) is the new EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation, replacing Directive 94/62/EC. It entered into force on 11 Feb 2025 and takes full effect from 12 Aug 2026. It applies to all packaging sold in the EU (imported goods included). It sets mandatory targets for waste reduction, recyclability, reuse and recycled plastic content, bans certain single-use packaging from 2030, restricts PFAS in food-contact packaging and requires EPR registration for producers/importers. Packaging must follow eco-design rules and carry harmonised recycling labels.
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