The European Commission has published the comprehensive implementation guidance and a corresponding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This new guidance aims to establish a clear framework for economic operators regarding waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Under the regulation, all packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable by 2030, while strict restrictions come into force against single-use plastics and unnecessary packaging volume.
BRUSSELS – According to the latest briefing from the European Commission, the volume of packaging waste in the EU has increased by more than 20% over the last decade. Without intervention, an additional 19% increase is projected by 2030. The PPWR is the response to this sustainability challenge, and the newly released guidance provides technical details to assist companies in the transition, with a particular focus on design criteria and mandatory recycled content.
Targeting Waste Reduction: Quantitative Expectations
One of the primary pillars of the PPWR is waste reduction at the Member State level. The guidance establishes specific targets for the total mass of packaging waste generated in the EU (compared to the 2018 baseline):
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By 2030: A minimum reduction of 5%.
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By 2035: A minimum reduction of 10%.
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By 2040: A minimum reduction of 15%.
Furthermore, the regulation mandates that empty space in packaging must be reduced to a minimum. Distributors must ensure that the ratio of empty space to the product does not exceed 40%. This marks the end of the era of oversized boxes, particularly in e-commerce.
Recyclability and Mandatory Material Content
The guidance details the definition of “recyclable packaging.” Starting January 1, 2030, all packaging must comply with Design for Recycling (DfR) criteria.
Special attention is given to the mandatory proportion of recycled content in plastic packaging. From 2030, plastic packaging placed on the market must contain:
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30% for contact-sensitive packaging (e.g., food) (excluding PET bottles).
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30% for single-use plastic beverage bottles.
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35% for other plastic packaging.
By 2040, these ratios will increase significantly, reaching 65% in certain categories, thereby stimulating the development of the market for secondary raw materials.
Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics
The FAQ document clarifies the list of prohibited packaging types that will take effect from 2030:
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Miniature Packaging: Single-use plastic packaging for small toiletries (shampoo, body wash) used in hotels will be banned.
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Fresh Produce Packaging: Single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables under 1.5 kg will be prohibited, unless essential for quality preservation.
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On-site Consumption: In the HORECA sector (restaurants, cafes), single-use packaging for food and beverages consumed on the premises will be banned.
Reuse Targets: The Pivot
A dedicated chapter of the PPWR guidance is focused on reuse. In the beverage sector, at least 10% of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages must be marketed in reusable packaging by 2030. For take-away food and drinks, retailers must offer customers the option to use their own containers and provide reusable alternatives.
Mandatory Deposit Return Systems (DRS)
To ensure high recycling rates, the regulation stipulates that by 2029, all Member States must establish a return system for single-use plastic beverage bottles and metal beverage cans if they do not achieve a 90% separate collection rate through other methods.
Summary and Transparency
The European Commission emphasizes that the introduction of harmonized labelling will be fundamental: packaging must indicate material composition to help consumers easily identify the correct collection bin. The PPWR guidance and FAQ protect the integrity of the single market, preventing the 27 Member States from creating divergent rules, thus facilitating the cross-border operations of companies.
Official Sources:
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European Commission – Press Corner: Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – Implementation Guidance and FAQ (IP/26/664)
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European Parliament: Legislative Train Schedule – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation