Stop the Clock: Pro Food and Unionplast Request a 24-Month Delay for PPWR Implementation

More than 500 European companies and associations—including Pro Food and Unionplast—have joined the “Stop the Clock” initiative, which urges at least a 24-month postponement of the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). According to industry players, the implementation framework for the new EU regulation, currently set to take effect on August 12, 2026, is incomplete, making corporate compliance and a smooth ecological transition practically impossible.

The Problem of an Incomplete Implementation Framework

The European petition supported by Pro Food and Unionplast highlights that the PPWR in its current form does not yet have the necessary implementing acts and technical criteria. The associations argue that there is a lack of harmonized testing methodologies, criteria for assessing the recyclability of packaging, and operational guidelines clarifying the obligations of economic operators across the supply chain.

In the absence of these conditions, companies are expected to make declarations of conformity, modify their production processes, prepare packaging waste documentation, and plan investments without fully knowing the rules they must comply with. According to the signatories of the “Stop the Clock” appeal, economic operators currently lack the reliable tools necessary to fully adapt to the new waste management and sustainability provisions.

The Industry Does Not Oppose the Green Transition or Sustainability

Mauro Salini, President of Pro Food, emphasized that the request for a delay does not question the environmental objectives of the PPWR or the principles of the circular economy. Rather, its goal is to avoid legal uncertainty, unnecessary costs, and potential impacts that could hinder the transition.

“Companies are not asking to stop the transition, but to implement it based on complete and verifiable rules,” stated Salini. He added, “It is unreasonable to expect companies to certify compliance, modify processes, and plan investments while the fundamental elements of the application framework have yet to be developed. Stop the Clock is a responsible request for legal certainty, not a step back in sustainability.”

Concerns Regarding the 2030 Plastic Packaging Restrictions

Industry organizations specifically draw attention to the restrictions outlined in Article 25 and Annex V of the PPWR, which are set to enter into force on January 1, 2030. These measures affect, among others, the HoReCa sector and single-use plastic packaging for pre-packaged fresh fruits and vegetables under 1.5 kilograms.

According to Pro Food’s position, before banning certain packaging solutions, an objective comparison of their environmental performance with potential alternatives is essential. The association argues that unilateral bans could have an unjustified negative impact on the competitiveness of European industry. The organization’s ultimate goal is not to reduce the number of rules but to create clear and uniform regulations capable of guaranteeing concrete packaging and waste management results in the EU market.

References and Sources:

• Original Reference: Profooditalia – PPWR Stop the Clock Outreach

• Official EU Background: European Commission – Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) Official Page