What is the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a European Union regulation intended to reduce packaging waste and accelerate the move towards a circular economy for packaging.
Although PPWR is an EU regulation, it is highly relevant for UK businesses. Any company placing packaging on the EU market will need to comply and many UK regulations are moving in a similar direction – often on comparable or faster timelines.
In practice, UK businesses are already adapting to similar requirements through measures such as Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), meaning the shift towards recyclable, compliant packaging is already underway.
PPWR replaces a patchwork of national rules with a more harmonised approach across the EU, covering packaging design, recyclability, recycled content requirements and material restrictions.
What are the main objectives of PPWR?
PPWR sets out targets to:- Reduce packaging waste by 5% per capita by 2030, and by 15% by 2040
- Ensure all packaging is recyclable by design by 2030, with practical, large-scale recyclability by 2035
- Increase recycled plastic content in packaging (including minimum recycled content requirements for specific formats)
- Restrict certain substances of concern, including PFAS in food contact packaging
When does PPWR come into force?
PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025, followed by an 18-month transition period. The first obligations begin applying from August 2026.
From 12 August 2026, specific restrictions will apply to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in food contact packaging.
The overall PPWR roadmap extends well beyond 2026, with key milestones continuing through to 2040.
Does PPWR apply to the UK?
PPWR does not form part of UK law. However, it has a direct impact on UK businesses that manufacture, import or export packaging:
- Any company exporting to the EU must comply with PPWR requirements
- UK regulations such as PPT and EPR are already driving similar outcomes
- Many businesses are choosing to align with EU standards to simplify compliance across markets
As a result, UK companies are effectively moving towards PPWR-aligned packaging ahead of formal UK adoption, particularly where supply chains or customers operate across Europe.
How do packaging rules vary across Europe?
Although PPWR harmonises many requirements across the EU, national policies still matter. Packaging taxes, levies and deposit return schemes can vary by country.
The general direction is consistent: using virgin plastic is likely to cost more over time, while increasing recycled content and improving recyclability is expected to reduce financial and operational risk.
For UK companies operating internationally, this creates a dual compliance landscape where aligning with EU standards can simplify operations.
What is the current state of PPWR and the timeline to 2040?
2026: Harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and PFAS restrictions
From 2026, the EU will enforce more harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks. In practical terms, packaging placed on the EU market will need to be:
- Designed for recycling
- Clearly labelled for disposal and recycling
- Registered and reported under relevant EPR systems
EPR fees are expected to increasingly reflect packaging recyclability and material choices.
In addition, PPWR introduces restrictions on PFAS in food contact packaging, which will apply from August 2026. These substances, often used for grease and water resistance, are being phased out due to environmental and health concerns.
18 months after PPWR comes into force, stricter concentration limits will apply to PFAS in food packaging:
- <25 ppb for each individual PFAS
- <250 ppb for the sum of PFAS
- <50 ppm for PFAS including polymeric PFAS
2028: Standardised recycling and disposal labels
By the end of 2028, packaging must carry standardised labels across the EU. This aims to replace inconsistent national labelling approaches and provide consumers with clearer, consistent disposal guidance across borders.
2030: Recyclable by design and recycled content requirements
By 2030, all packaging must be recyclable by design, and mandatory recycled content thresholds apply to specific packaging formats.
For plastic packaging, this typically means meeting minimum post-consumer recycled (PCR) content levels that vary by packaging type.
For UK businesses supplying into the EU, this effectively becomes a market access requirement, not just a regulatory target.
PPWR also includes a target of 90% separate collection for plastic beverage bottles, intended to improve the quality of recycling feedstock by keeping it out of mixed waste.
2035: Recyclable at industrial scale
By 2035, packaging must go beyond “design” criteria and be recyclable at industrial scale. This implies proven collection, sorting and reprocessing infrastructure functioning effectively across Europe.
2040: Higher recycled content targets
By 2040, recycled content requirements increase significantly, raising PCR percentages across many plastic packaging formats.
What are the UK packaging regulations?
The UK shares similar circular economy goals but has developed its own regulatory framework. For many businesses, this means navigating UK requirements alongside EU PPWR obligations.UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)
The UK Plastic Packaging Tax applies to plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic, creating a financial incentive to increase recycled content. From April 2027, changes to PPT will affect how recycled content is calculated:- Post-industrial (pre-consumer) recycled content will no longer count towards the recycled content threshold
- Chemically recycled material is expected to be recognised as qualifying recycled content
UK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The UK is also implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which shifts more of the cost of packaging waste management from consumers to producers. Fees are increasingly linked to recyclability and packaging design.UK Deposit Return Schemes (DRS)
Deposit Return Schemes are progressing at different speeds across the UK and Northern Ireland, adding complexity for businesses operating nationwide.What should businesses do if they trade between the EU and UK?
For companies trading across both regions, there are effectively two frameworks to consider:
- PPWR in the EU
- PPT/EPR (and evolving DRS requirements) in the UK
In many cases, the most practical approach is to design packaging to meet the stricter EU standard, ensuring compliance across both markets while reducing complexity and future risk.
How can businesses comply with PPWR and UK packaging legislation?
As sustainability expectations and regulatory requirements rise, compliance is best treated as a way to future-proof packaging and reduce exposure to taxes and restrictions.
What should large companies do?
- Audit packaging formats and materials across all product lines
- Align packaging design to PPWR recyclability-by-design expectations
- Phase out restricted substances such as PFAS in food contact applications
- Engage suppliers to source certified recycled content
- Invest in packaging data management systems
What should SMEs do?
- Simplify packaging structures and materials
- Check EPR obligations early
- Ensure materials comply with emerging restrictions, including PFAS limits
- Work with suppliers that can support compliance
What should packaging converters do?
- Embed design-for-recycling into development processes
- Transition away from restricted chemistries (such as PFAS-based coatings)
- Provide traceability and certification as standard
The direction of travel is clear: both the EU and UK are moving towards a circular packaging economy. The key decision for businesses is whether to adapt proactively or reactively.
If you need support navigating these changes, Plastribution has the UK’s largest dedicated polymer technical support team. We can help you align your materials, processes and supply chain with PPWR requirements.
To find out more, simply contact us using the form below.
