On March 30, 2026, the European Commission published implementation guidelines for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), providing detailed guidance for the full implementation of the new regulations on August 12, 2026.
The new regulations aim to unify EU packaging rules, promote the development of the sustainable packaging industry, and cover all stakeholders in the supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, and e-commerce companies, involving the entire lifecycle management of packaging materials, design, and recycling.
PPWR's Four Core Elements
The core content of the new PPWR regulations revolves around four main aspects, building a comprehensive, high-standard packaging control system.
Hazardous Substance Control: Strict limits are imposed on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact packaging (single non-polymer PFAS <25ppb, total <250ppb, total fluorine ≤50ppm), and the total heavy metal content is limited to 100mg/kg.
Recyclability Requirements: From 2030, all packaging must meet recycling grade C or higher; packaging with a recyclability of less than 70% will be prohibited from sale.
Recycled Material Ratio: Plastic packaging must contain 30%-65% recycled materials (e.g., ≥30% recycled material in PET food packaging by 2030).
Packaging Reduction: E-commerce packaging void ratio must not exceed 40% (tightened to 50% by 2030), and excessive design is prohibited.
Please remember the following key timelines:
To ensure a smooth implementation of the new regulations, the EU has set key timelines for phased implementation:
August 12, 2026: PFAS restrictions and heavy metal limits come into effect, and core regulations are fully implemented.
From 2027: Packaging must include digital identifiers such as QR codes.
From 2028: Uniform material composition labeling across the EU.
From 2030: Some single-use plastic packaging will be banned, and the proportion of recycled materials in plastic packaging will be mandatory.
