The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) will fully take effect in August.
The EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will come into effect on February 11, 2025. After an 18-month transition period, the regulation will be fully applied from August 12, 2026.
Unlike the previous Packaging Directive, this regulation is directly binding and does not allow for national interpretation. In practice, this means that all packaging in the EU will be subject to uniform and legally enforceable requirements.
This also means that from that date, German companies must meet the core requirements for packaging design and construction and provide the necessary declarations of conformity.
Germany has adopted a new packaging regulation consistent with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.
Germany is particularly affected: with over 3.3 million tons of plastic packaging waste annually, it ranks first among EU countries. Therefore, German FMCG, e-commerce, and manufacturing companies face significant changes in their packaging management practices.
To this end, the German Federal Cabinet revised the Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz) in February 2026 to align with the EU's PPWR, making its packaging compliance rules more stringent. This revision aims to strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), recyclability standards, and reporting obligations for companies placing packaging in the German market.
This reform places packaging waste, plastic recycling, and the circular economy at the heart of regulatory policy. For global packaging companies, this move in Germany signifies stricter regulations in one of Europe's largest and most influential markets.
The PPWR is more than just a new regulation; it marks a turning point in sustainable packaging management. Companies that prepare in advance can mitigate risks and enhance their competitive advantage.
When will the PPWR become mandatory in Germany?
The PPWR will come into effect on February 11, 2025. After an 18-month transition period, the regulation will be fully applicable from August 12, 2026. From that date, German companies must meet the core requirements for packaging design and composition and provide the necessary declarations of conformity.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
In Germany, violations of the Packaging Act can result in fines of up to €200,000 per case. Sales bans and removal from major online platforms are also additional risks. Non-compliance can also lead to increased long-term costs and loss of market share.
Do small businesses also need to comply with PPWR?
Yes. PPWR applies to all businesses placing packaging in the EU market-regardless of size. However, small businesses may be at a disadvantage because larger companies have earlier and easier access to recycled and alternative materials.
How does PPWR differ from previous packaging regulations?
PPWR is a directly applicable EU regulation that ensures uniformity of rules across all member states. In contrast, previous directives allowed for national-level flexibility in implementation. PPWR eliminates these differences and requires a declaration of conformity for each type of packaging.
How does digitalization support PPWR compliance?
Digital tools automate compliance monitoring, reduce manual workload, and provide long-term efficiency improvements. They enable centralized data management and standardized workflows, which are crucial for structured and reliable PPWR compliance.
PPWR Key Milestones
August 12, 2026: Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation become mandatory requirements
2027: Digital identification via QR codes
2028: Harmonized packaging labeling across the EU
2030: All packaging must be recyclable
2035: Proof of actual recycling required
