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20. January 2025

The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) – What does it mean for your business?

Starting in 2025, the EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will come into force, bringing about a sustainable transformation across industries throughout the EU. Many elements already known from the amendment of the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) will be introduced in other European countries as well. The PPWR aims to reduce the amount of packaging waste, promote the reuse and recycling of packaging, and strengthen the circular economy. It was officially adopted by the European Parliamnt on November 27, 2024, and published in the EU Official Journal on the morning of 22 January 2025. The next step is its entry into force on 11 February 2025. Following a transitional period of 18 months, it will become binding for all as of 12 August 2026.

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Here is a summary of the key changes and specific requirements to help you prepare in advance. In the coming months and years, we will regularly update you on the progress and obligations of individual stakeholders.

Implementation timeline:

The PPWR will be rolled out gradually. The key dates are:

  • From mid-2026:
    • Introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in all EU countries
    • Appointment of an authorized representative in each member state
    • Declaration of conformity for packaging used
  • From mid-2027:
    • Registration requirement
  • From 2028:
    • Labeling requirements
  • From 2030:
    • All packaging must be recyclable
    • Minimum recycled content rates
    • Reuse quotas
    • Packaging minimization requirements
    • Packaging waste reduction per capita
  • From 2040:
    • Stricter requirements for packaging reduction, minimum recycled content, and recyclability. Only packaging from recycling classes A-B may be placed on the market.

What does this mean for you specifically, and what are the next steps?

The introduction of the PPWR presents businesses with new challenges, but it also offers opportunities to optimize packaging recycling and improve the ecological footprint. RIGK, as an experienced partner in packaging take-back and recycling, is here to support you and continue offering tailored solutions to efficiently implement the new requirements.

We recommend addressing the new requirements early to ensure timely responses to changes. With the use of recycled content and the declaration of conformity, new challenges arise for packaging manufacturers and users.

The obligations defined in the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) do not necessarily align with those in the PPWR. We are waiting for relevant information from Brussels, as responsibilities under national legislation differ across Europe. For example, the INCOTERMS will no longer be used as a tool to determine responsibility at the border.

The current German Packaging Act remains in effect until it is aligned with the PPWR. In any case, RIGK is here to assist you with implementing the PPWR requirements – whether it’s about reuse quotas or packaging certification, feel free to contact us!

 

Contact:

If you have any questions, your contacts at RIGK are available to assist you at any time.