6 things to know about the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Article updated January 2026, original publication date in 2023

Below we’ve put together some common questions and answers about the PPWR so you can better understand this important regulatory development and how it impacts your packaging choices today.

1. What is the PPWR?

The PPWR is a European Union regulation to reduce packaging pollution and help build a circular economy for packaging. The regulation is final and was published into force in February 2025, and will apply throughout EU territory and for any imported packaging. This new EU legislation will:

• Set targets to reduce packaging waste.
• Put in place restrictions on PFAS in food packaging.
• Set specific design requirements for recycle-ready packaging across all materials.
• Set minimum percentage requirements for the use of Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic.
• Set “eco-modulation” criteria for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes that reward more sustainable packaging.

In short, this means all packaging will need to be recyclable by design and in practice, and that brands will need to incorporate more post-consumer recycled (PCR) content into their plastic packaging. This will help reduce waste and create a stronger market for recycled plastics and innovative packaging. It also encourages light-weighting of packaging, plus helps appropriate consumer disposal/recycling through new and clearer labelling.

There are also rewards for more sustainable packaging through eco-modulated EPR schemes, with the regulation suggesting lower fees based on recyclability. All in all, it’s an ambitious and positive move to reduce waste and advance a circular economy for packaging.

2. What are the timelines for the PPWR transition?

The PPWR regulation is now final, with secondary legislation in development to define more details for implementation.

The first requirement to come into force are restrictions on PFAS in food packaging, starting August 2026.

Then by 2030 all packaging on the EU market must be designed to be recyclable (i.e. recycle-ready), with a few exceptions such as healthcare packaging and packaging for infant and baby nutrition having a longer timeline of 2035. And a grading scale for recyclability will be introduced.

Then by 2035, you’ll need to demonstrate your packaging is recycled at scale which requires having the appropriate recycling infrastructure in place.

However, mandatory eco-modulated EPR fees across many EU countries already incentivize recycle-ready packaging through lower fees, with more to come. This means brands could save on EPR contributions if they switch to recycle-ready solutions now.

3. What are the PPWR restrictions regarding PFAS for food packaging?

Under the PPWR, new PFAS restrictions will apply to food packaging placed on the EU market after 12 August 2026.

This will apply to all food-contact packaging, including beverages, across all packaging materials. This deadline does not extend to pet food and animal feed packaging, personal care and beauty packaging, healthcare packaging, and other non-food goods.

There are 10,000+ substances within the PFAS group. The PFAS family of chemicals can be divided into two primary classes: polymeric and non-polymeric. Non-polymeric PFAS are shorter chain molecules like PFOA, PFOS etc. Polymeric PFAS are longer chain molecules like PTFE.

The PPWR will prohibit brand owners from placing food-contact packaging on the EU market if it contains PFAS above the following limits:

• 50 parts per million (ppm) for the sum of all PFAS
• 25 parts per billion (ppb) for individual non-polymeric PFAS
• 250 parts per billion (ppb) for the sum of all non-polymeric PFAS

4. What are the EU regulations for post-consumer recycled (PCR) material use?

Mandatory use of PCR in plastic packaging will come into force from 2030 for most types of packaging. And those targets will increase again starting in 2040. You can see the PCR targets here:

There are some exemptions, such as healthcare packaging. But the headline is, each unit of packaging that contains plastic must use a minimum percentage of PCR plastic content from 2030. This adds a layer of complexity for packaging providers to consider, especially for brands that need food-contact packaging, which in most cases means PCR sourced through chemical recycling.

As a result of these targets, we expect a surge in coming years in different recycling technologies and PCR solutions for a wide range of applications.

5. How are Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees changing?

EPR is a financial contribution paid by brand owners for packaging they put on the market to cover the cost of collecting, sorting, and recycling packaging. EPR fees are based on packaging weight and type of material, ranging from ~400 to 4,000+ €/tonne and apply across all packaging materials (glass, metals, paper, plastic, etc.)

The way Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees are calculated for EU members will evolve to incentivize recyclable packaging over non-recyclable packaging. This new structure is called “eco-modulation”, meaning EPR fees will be different based on the recyclability performance.

PPWR will harmonize the approach for eco-modulation. There will be lower EPR fees for packaging with a recyclability grade A vs. grade B. The fee structure will continue to vary by country to reflect the cost of collection, sorting and recycling in each country.

Basic eco-modulation is required as of 2025, and then eco-modulated EPR based on recyclability performance must be in place by 2030.

Overall, eco-modulated EPR should incentivize more sustainable packaging choices and fund the expansion of recycling infrastructure, helping to grow the circular economy.

6. How can Amcor help you prepare?

We can help you get ready to meet the new legislation. In 2018, we made a pledge to develop all our packaging to be recyclable or reusable, and to significantly increase our use of recycled material. We’ve made significant progress since, with over 96% of our flexible solutions now meeting design for recyclability requirements.

This makes us uniquely positioned to offer more sustainable packaging solutions to our customers across plastic, paper, and aluminum. Our team can advise you on recyclable paper-based packaging, aluminum-based solutions, or recycle-ready mono-PE or mono-PP packaging. Even for challenging product applications like fresh meat or heat treated retort packaging, we have solutions.

Our team can also help you evaluate the option to include food-grade recycled content. We can advise you on bio-based materials. Plus we can look at ways to lightweight your packaging and use less material overall.

Explore some of our more sustainable packaging options here:

Want to learn more about PPWR? Watch our webinar to hear from our sustainability experts. Or download our research report and regulatory guide below to dive deeper.

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Note: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information as of the date of publication, it is not intended to replace professional legal consultation.