Overview
Packaging uses large quantities of primary raw materials. Increasing quantities of packaging are generated in the EU while the levels of re-use, collection and recycling remain low.
This is a significant barrier to achieving a low-carbon, circular and resilient economy.
EU rules on packaging cover all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of material or origin.
They also set requirements for manufacturing, composition, and the reusable or recoverable nature of all packaging placed on the EU market and include packaging waste management and prevention measures.
Background
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a central legal framework dedicated to reducing environmental degradation and driving circularity across the EU.
Replacing the 1994 Packaging Directive (Directive 94/62/EC), it establishes a harmonised, directly applicable regime governing all packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of material or origin, and all packaging waste generated across Member States.
The Regulation covers the entire lifecycle of packaging, setting mandatory rules for eco-design, recycled material content, waste prevention, reuse formats, and high-quality collection and recycling.
Why do we have this law?
Packaging is one of the EU's most resource-intensive sectors. In 2022, packaging waste reached a record 186.5 kg per person, a figure projected to grow continuously without regulatory intervention.
Beyond consuming vast quantities of virgin raw materials and driving carbon emissions, packaging represents nearly half of all marine litter.
It also presents public health concerns through the presence of harmful chemicals, such as PFAS ("forever chemicals"), in food contact materials. Furthermore, varying national waste rules were creating trade barriers within the EU internal market.
The PPWR was introduced to address these environmental and health risks while ensuring a level playing field for European businesses.
Alignment with other EU policies
The regulation is a key part of both the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. It directly supports the Zero Pollution Action Plan by restricting hazardous chemical substances in food-contact packaging and curbing plastic litter across marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Furthermore, the framework advances Europe’s 2050 Climate Neutrality Objectives by lowering carbon footprints, reducing virgin material extraction, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels used in plastic production.
Finally, it works in tandem with the Single-Use Plastics Directive, complementing specific product bans with broad waste prevention measures, binding reuse targets, and mandatory Deposit Return Systems.
Legislation: Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste
Status: In force since 11 February 2025
Application date: 12 August 2026
Summary of legislation + factsheet + packaging and packaging waste explained
