The European Packaging Regulation has been in effect since August 12, 2026—What Companies Need to Know Now

The PPWR applies to all economic operators along the packaging supply chain. This includes producers, importers, distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers of packaging or packaged products. It does not matter whether products are sold to businesses or end consumers, as the regulation expressly does not distinguish between B2B and B2C transactions.

The scope of the PPWR is very broad and covers all types of packaging, regardless of the material used. This includes sales packaging that directly encloses the product, outer packaging used to bundle multiple sales units, transport packaging for storage and shipping, and packaging for e-commerce. In addition, other types of packaging—such as reusable, service, primary production, or compostable packaging—are also covered by the regulation.

As of August 12, 2026, packaging must meet certain material requirements. These include compliance with limit values for heavy metals and PFAS limit values for food packaging. At the same time, companies are required to conduct a conformity assessment for their packaging and issue an EU Declaration of Conformity. Packaging has thus become a standalone compliance requirement and must demonstrably meet the applicable PPWR requirements.

To demonstrate PPWR compliance, companies must prepare and maintain technical documentation. This documentation is based on calculations, tests, specifications, and other evidence demonstrating that the relevant requirements are met. An EU Declaration of Conformity must also be prepared based on the conformity assessment. The documentation must be continuously updated and kept available beyond the required retention periods.

In the coming years, additional key requirements of the PPWR will be gradually specified and made mandatory. These include guidelines on the recyclability of packaging, mandatory minimum recycled content requirements for plastic packaging, requirements for reusable packaging, and regulations to minimize packaging volume and empty space. In addition, new labeling requirements will be introduced, such as those regarding material composition, the recycled content, or the reusability of packaging. Many of these requirements are still contingent on pending delegated acts, implementing acts, and technical standards.

Whether it’s an initial impact analysis, specific questions about packaging labeling, or assistance with documentation and compliance requirements: Our experts will guide you through the implementation of the PPWR and other national packaging regulations. In addition, we provide support in communicating with suppliers and evaluating packaging for international markets. Learn more about packaging compliance

In our training course “PPWR—Requirements and Obligations Under the New EU Packaging Regulation,” you’ll gain a comprehensive overview of the new requirements. Topics include affected economic operators, packaging requirements, labeling and information obligations, as well as documentation and compliance obligations. The training is designed for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other companies throughout the supply chain. About the PPWR Training Course

In addition to open online training courses, we also offer customized in-house training and workshops. We tailor these sessions specifically to your company’s packaging, processes, and challenges, and assist you with the practical implementation of PPWR requirements. Contact us at sales@kft.de.