The PPWR Legislation Guide for Businesses

Having come into force from August 2026, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will greatly affect how we design, consume and get rid of packaging in the EU.

To help you prepare for the changes, we’ll talk you through what the regulation is, its objectives and purpose, and what your business can do to remain compliant below.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a new EU law replacing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) that was adopted in the 1990s. It entered into force on 11 February 2025, with requirements applying from 12 August 2026.

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation timeline

PPWR’s August rollout is just the beginning. The PPWR timeline for implementation will be a phased one, with more requirements set to be gradually introduced between the August date and 2030.

The PPWR joins other legislation and regulatory awareness set to bring about change across the packaging landscape in 2026, including:

• The Extended Producer Responsibility’s mandate of clearer labelling on recyclable packaging
• Tighter controls and phasing out of non-essential of PFAS, aka “forever chemicals”, due to their non-stick, waterproof and heat-resistant properties

The PPWR aims to reduce the impacts of packaging on the environment, as well as harmonise packaging rules across the EU, so that goods can move more freely. It will do this by:

• Preventing the generation of packaging waste through restrictions on what packaging can be used, and promoting reusable and refillable packaging solutions
• Making all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030
• Adopting the same rules on labelling, void space, and mandatory recycled content across the EU – with the rules applying to all businesses

Now that PPWR is in effect, its rules apply to the following:

• All businesses which place package on the EU market. This includes manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers
• All packaging types: primary, secondary, tertiary and service packaging
• Micro-enterprises, which are small businesses that generally employ fewer than 10 people and have a low annual turnover, will be subject to less stringent rules but will still be required to meet core obligations

Of course, the PPWR will apply to UK businesses who export packaged goods into the EU, too. For the industries we work with, there are further impacts to consider. Businesses in the Food, Pet Food and Health & Sport industries must ensure that their packaging remains compliant with food safety standards, necessitating a balance of sustainability and regulatory requirements.

Those in the Lawn & Garden and Building world, meanwhile, require sustainable alternatives that won’t compromise on their much-needed product safety either.

How will PPWR impact businesses?

The objectives set out by the PPWR will have a variety of implications and impacts on businesses.

Under the PPWR, businesses will have to:

• Redesign their packaging, necessitating greater investment in sustainable solutions. PPWR requires the removal of all unnecessary packaging units; it’s up to the business to decide how they’ll reduce the empty space ratio or thickness of the packaging, along with opportunities for refill possibilities.
• Navigate higher short-term costs as they transition to new materials and technologies needed to increase the proportion of recycled content in their plastic packaging.
• Adapt to these changes at pace in order to remain competitive in their market
• Be more transparent with regards to communicating their sustainability efforts

 Much of the above will need co-ordination and communication throughout supply chains. Non-compliance across any stage, across component suppliers or logistics partners, could create issues with the chain as a whole. Therefore, it’s vital that you revisit contracts, carry out audits and seek to improve supplier relationships to remain compliant.

Since new requirements are now applicable and will continue to develop until 2030, staying on top of current requirements is going to be vital if you’re to stay ahead.

Here’s what we’d recommend…

Carrying out packaging audits

Evaluating your current packaging materials and processes is the first thing you should start with. Assessing the overall environmental impact from production to disposal lets your business identify the areas that need improvement in order to reduce waste, increase recyclability and strengthen reuse potential.

This step will also let you check whether any current materials fall under upcoming restrictions, and that your labels comply with EU requirements.

Do your supplier due diligence

As we mentioned above, compliant suppliers will be essential under PPWR. For added transparency and peace of mind, we’d suggest that you verify with your suppliers that they can also provide you with the necessary compliance data.

Simplify the recycling process

By taking a recycling-first approach to your packaging design you’ll minimise the chances of disrupting recycling streams. Opt for a mono-material format, and avoid inks, coatings, laminates or colours that could hold up the recycling process. Targeting PPWR recyclability grades A (≥95%) or B (≥80%) now will go a long way towards keeping you ahead of incoming restrictions.

Work with packaging experts

Working with packaging experts who understand the industry can make implementing PPWR across the entire organisation a more streamlined process. Our approach to packaging means we can advise you on optimal material usage, reducing the amount of material required, and making decisions that contribute to a circular economy.

Whatever your concerns or needs are, the experienced team at Tyler Packaging can help you ensure that you’re compliant with PPWR. Trusted by a range of industries, our commitment to sustainability strengthens compliance, production and the entire product lifecycle, ensuring you only use the materials and energy needed.

For more information on our recyclable-ready packaging, check out the full range here – or to understand our approaches to sustainability and innovation in more detail, our Why Tyler page can help out with both.

Ready to talk through your requirements with us? Get in touch with Tyler by filling in the form here.