PPWR as of August 12, 2026: These requirements are now in effect

As of August 12, 2026, the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) (EU) 2025/40 is, in principle, directly applicable. This means that, among other things, new requirements regarding substance restrictions, conformity, documentation, and the obligations of economic operators will take effect. Other requirements—such as those regarding recyclability, recycled content, and packaging minimization—will be phased in gradually over the coming years.

You can find a comprehensive overview of the regulation, its objectives, deadlines, and impact on packaging on our page about the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR).

👁

What PPWR requirements have been in effect since August 12, 2026?

As of August 12, 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is, in principle, directly applicable in the member states of the European Union.

Current relevant topics include, in particular:

PFAS in food packaging: New limit values for PFAS apply to food contact packaging. For individual PFAS measured through targeted analysis, the limit value is 25 ppb; for the total of these PFAS, it is 250 ppb. In addition, the PPWR contains further requirements and limit values.
Compliance and Documentation: For affected new packaging, compliance with the applicable requirements must be demonstrated, and the necessary technical information and documentation must be provided.
Harmonized Roles: The PPWR establishes uniform definitions and obligations across the EU for the various economic operators within the packaging supply chain.
Traceability: The respective roles also entail requirements regarding information and traceability within the supply chain.
Market surveillance: Packaging newly placed on the market must comply with the applicable PPWR requirements. The competent authorities can monitor compliance and take appropriate measures in the event of violations.

What will not yet be in effect as of August 12, 2026?

Not all of the PPWR’s requirements must be met as early as August 12, 2026. Many of the provisions will take effect gradually over the coming years. These include, in particular:

No blanket requirement for single-material packaging: Starting in August 2026, the PPWR does not generally require that packaging consist exclusively of a single material.

Nevertheless, single-material packaging can serve as an important foundation for recycling-oriented packaging concepts and “design for recycling.” We highlight the possibilities offered by mono-PE, mono-PP, and mono-PET on our dedicated page.

Recyclability: The specific requirements for the recyclability of packaging will take effect gradually at later dates. Starting in 2030, these requirements will become particularly relevant.

Minimum recycled content: Mandatory minimum percentages of recycled plastic for certain types of plastic packaging will generally not apply until 2030.

Packaging Minimization: Additional requirements for reducing the weight and volume of packaging will come into effect gradually and do not need to be fully implemented as early as August 2026.

Reusable and Reuse Targets: Requirements and target quotas for certain reusable packaging or reusable systems will also take effect at later dates.

Additional Labeling Requirements: New harmonized labeling requirements for packaging will not be fully applicable as of August 12, 2026, but will be introduced in accordance with the specified transition periods and implementing regulations.

For businesses, this means: The PPWR has generally been applicable since August 12, 2026, but not all future requirements are already in effect today.
It is therefore crucial to determine which requirements apply to the respective packaging and when they become relevant.

PPWR Timeline: What Are the Next Requirements?

The PPWR will take effect in stages. While the regulation has generally been applicable since August 12, 2026, additional requirements and deadlines will not take effect until the coming years. It is therefore important for companies not only to be familiar with the currently applicable requirements but also to keep track of the upcoming PPWR deadlines.

August 12, 2026 – PPWR becomes generally applicable
As of this date, the PPWR is generally applicable. This means that, among other things, certain substance restrictions as well as requirements for compliance, documentation, and the obligations of economic operators will apply.

Starting in 2028 – Additional labeling requirements
In the coming years, new harmonized labeling requirements for packaging will take effect. The specific dates depend in part on implementing acts yet to be adopted and the transition periods provided for therein.

Starting in 2030 – Recyclability and recycled content will continue to gain importance
Starting in 2030, key requirements of the PPWR regarding the recyclability of packaging will take effect. Mandatory minimum percentages of recycled plastic will also apply to certain types of plastic packaging. Requirements for minimizing packaging, as well as specific reuse and returnable packaging requirements, will also become increasingly relevant.

Starting in 2035 – Large-Scale Recycling
Starting in 2035, another key factor will be whether recyclable packaging is actually being recycled on a large scale. As a result, the PPWR is gradually evolving from design for recycling to actual recycling infrastructure and practices.

The practical implementation of the PPWR is being clarified through additional guidelines and support materials. You can find an overview of the latest guidance from the European Commission in our article on the European Commission’s new PPWR guidelines.

👁

What does the PPWR mean for your packaging material?

Which PPWR requirements apply to a particular packaging depend, among other things, on the material, design, application, and intended use. At tbs-pack GmbH, we review and evaluate relevant specifications and, when selecting suitable packaging solutions, take into account not only regulatory requirements but also product protection, material usage, processability, and machine compatibility.

As a manufacturer, we provide suitable packaging solutions for a wide variety of applications and keep abreast of the latest developments regarding the PPWR as well as other specific guidelines.

Would you like to know how the PPWR affects your packaging materials, review an existing packaging design, or find a suitable alternative material?

Then take advantage of our free PPWR Check!

👁

Would you prefer to discuss your sustainability assessment directly with us?

We’d be happy to advise you personally on the requirements of the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), the recyclability of your packaging, and potential areas for improvement. We’ll determine which requirements apply to your packaging and which packaging solutions are suitable for your product.

You can reach us by phone at +49 2235 79479 0
Or send us an email: info_at_tbs-pack.de

As of August 12, 2026, certain restrictions on materials, compliance and documentation requirements, and various obligations for economic operators, among other things, have come into effect. Additional requirements will take effect gradually.

Would you like to know which recyclable packaging is right for your product? Feel free to contact us by phone at +49 2235 79479 0 or by email at info_at_tbs-pack.de.

Yes. New PFAS limits for food contact packaging have been in effect since August 12, 2026. The packaging materials used and the associated information should be reviewed accordingly.
We’d be happy to provide you with expert advice—contact us at info_at_tbs-pack.de.

No. There is no blanket requirement to use a single material starting in August 2026. More extensive requirements regarding recyclability and “design for recycling” will only become relevant gradually.

Not because of a minimum PPWR quota that has been in general effect since August 12, 2026. Mandatory minimum percentages of recycled plastic will apply to certain types of plastic packaging starting in 2030.

Not automatically. The specific packaging, its application, and the applicable requirements are the deciding factors. We’ll review your requirements and, if necessary, advise you on suitable material alternatives. Feel free to email us at info_at_tbs-pack.de or call us at +49 2235 79479 0.

Yes. At tbs-pack, we have expert knowledge of PPWR. We monitor and evaluate relevant guidelines, coordinate with our suppliers, and incorporate these insights into our consulting services. This allows us to provide you with targeted support in selecting suitable packaging materials.

Do you have a specific inquiry? Feel free to email us at info_at_tbs-pack.de or call us at +49 2235 79479 0—we’re here to help!

Starting in 2030, key requirements of the PPWR regarding the recyclability of packaging will take effect. Packaging must be designed to meet the specified criteria for design for recycling. In addition, certain types of plastic packaging are subject to mandatory minimum percentages of recycled plastic.

In addition, starting in 2030, further requirements regarding packaging minimization, as well as specific reuse and refillable packaging targets, will come into effect. The specific requirements that apply depend, among other things, on the type of packaging, the material, and its intended use.

The PPWR applies to companies throughout the entire packaging and supply chain. This includes, among others, manufacturers and importers of packaging and packaged products, as well as retailers, distributors, and other economic operators that make packaging available on the European market.

The specific obligations a company must fulfill depend on its role within the supply chain and on the type of packaging in question. Companies should therefore assess which PPWR requirements and deadlines apply to their packaging materials and applications.