EU packaging rules have become mandatory for businesses. On 12 August, the EU-wide Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force, replacing the previous 1994 directive.
The key difference is that PPWR is a regulation, not a directive. It applies directly, without requiring implementation through national legislation in each of the 27 EU member states. This means a single set of rules applies across the entire bloc, with no national variations or loopholes.
The regulation affects not only European companies but also businesses that supply goods to the EU market. UK businesses, while formally outside the EU after Brexit, will not be able to sell into the bloc without complying with PPWR — following the same logic as GDPR or CBAM. The requirements apply to manufacturers, importers and distributors of packaging.
The regulation sets targets for reducing packaging waste, increasing the share of recycled materials and ensuring that packaging is recyclable. Some provisions will be introduced gradually over the coming years, giving companies time to adapt their supply chains and redesign their packaging.
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