What you need to know about the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

What is the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)?

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a legally binding law, aiming to reduce the quantities of packing and waste generated while also reducing the amount of primary materials used to contribute to a circular economy.  The PPWR Regulation affects the entire supply chain: packaging manufacturers, brand owners, retail chains selling private labels, importers, distributors and online retailers. Goods with non compliant packaging can no longer be placed and the market and sanctions apply in case of noncompliance. The EU however does plan to ease the transition by making recyclable packaging economically viable and thereby safely increasing the use of recycled plastics in packing. 

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Who needs to comply with the PPWR?

The PPWR applies to all who place packaging on the EU market. Four key roles are outlined in the regulation in which your company can be categorized, in some cases more than one of the following roles:

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• Manufacturer: involved in the physical manufacturing or financially liable to the manufacturing process of packaging. 
• Importer: sources packing from another country and places it in the EU market.
• Distributor: any one in the supply chain that makes packaging available on the market (someone other than the importer or manufacturer)
• Producer: anyone who makes a packaged product available on the national market of a member state

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When does the PPWR apply?

• August 12, 2026: The regulation comes into effect. From this date, it is prohibited to place on the market any food packaging containing PFAs in concentrations that meet or exceed the limit stated in the PPWR.
• August 2028: Start of application of the new, harmonised EU labelling system.
• January 1, 2030: Full application of the regulation. From here on, technical compliance, recyclability and compliance with the required reuse rates are mandatory.

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What data do companies need to collect?

To comply with the PPWR, businesses should establish a comprehensive packaging data inventory. Key information includes:

• Product information: SKU or product identifier and the location where the packaging is sold.
• Packaging composition: The materials in each packaging component and their weight.
• Packaging classification: stating if the packaging is a sales unit, grouped packaging, transport packaging, or another packaging type.
• Recycled content: The percentage of recycled material in each packaging component.
• Recyclability: Evidence that the packaging meets applicable design-for-recycling criteria and its recyclability performance.
• Substances of concern: Information and test results demonstrating compliance with restrictions on substances such as PFAS or heavy metals.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Registration details and other documentation required in the EU member state where the packaging is placed on the market.

How can companies prepare for PPWR?

The first step for a company to comply with PPWR is to identify their role, listed and defined in the above section, and their obligations accordingly. Secondly its making an assessment of the current shortcomings and how improvements can be made by:

• Mapping the entire packaging portfolio (material composition, recyclability, current markings).
• Review of supplier contracts, request for declarations of conformity and technical documentation.
• Review of marketing materials, labels and green claims in light of PPWR requirements.

How can Unibloom help with PPWR compliance?

The challenge with PPWR compliance lies in the fact that no single team holds all the numbers required for reporting. Procurement would have the weight and quantity while R&D would have the recycling content information. Unibloom provides the data for sustainable procurement- validated and specific emission factors on-demand and a new material tool which helps you identify low carbon solutions faster. You can not only clearly visualise your current state for PPWR compliance but also test scenarios of new materials for improvement of carbon and financial feasibility.