The PPWR and the impact on you as a producer
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), proposed by the European Commission, has been formally adopted by the European Parliament and there is much evidence that the first parts will start to be applied as early as 2026.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
The main purpose of the PPWR is to create a uniform legislative framework across all EU member states to meet the goals of reducing packaging waste, increasing circularity, and promoting the EU internal market. In Sweden, we are already meeting some of the requirements that the PPWR will entail, such as an extensive deposit and return system. However, as a producer, there are several aspects you should be aware of when making decisions about your packaging solutions moving forward..
We have therefore recorded a short webinar with information about what the PPWR will entail and when the changes are planned to take effect.
A final and formal decision regarding the PPWR is expected to come at the end of 2024. We therefore want to emphasize that our interpretation of the PPWR must be seen as preliminary.
The main changes
The legislation applies to all packaging, regardless of material type.
- The packaging waste must be reduced by 5 percent by 2030, 10 percent by 2035 and 15 percent by 2040.
- The December 31st 2030 at the latest, all plastic packaging should be material recycled at a rate of 55 percent.
- Packaging shall be considered recyclable only when it is designed for material recycling, and can be collected, source-separated and material recycled on a larger scale.
- Requirements for recycled material in new packaging.
- Less complex packaging, for example through better separation of paper and plastic.
- Clear labeling of packaging to facilitate source-separation.