PPWR provisions include requirements on recyclability, minimum recycled content, labelling, packaging minimisation, reuse, and refill-related obligations.

By Michael D. Green, James Bee, and Toon Dictus

Key Points:

• The PPWR includes sustainability and labelling requirements across the entire packaging life cycle, from production to use and waste management.
• The European Commission has recently released FAQs and implementation guidance to clarify key aspects of PPWR compliance ahead of the 12 August 2026 application date.
• Businesses placing packaging on the EU market — including manufacturers, importers, distributors and e-commerce operators — should assess their obligations now to ensure timely compliance

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was adopted on 19 December 2024 and entered into force on 11 February 2025, replacing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. It establishes sustainability and labelling requirements across the entire packaging life cycle, from production to use and waste management, in support of the EU’s circular economy objectives and 2050 climate neutrality target. Only packaging that complies with the PPWR may be placed on the EU market, with “packaging” defined broadly as any item intended to be used by an economic operator for the containment, protection, handling, delivery, or presentation of products, regardless of material.

With the 12 August 2026 application date approaching, this article provides an overview of the PPWR framework, including its core objectives, the range of economic operators affected, and key sustainability, recyclability, labelling, and waste-reduction requirements. We also highlight the European Commission’s recent implementation guidance and FAQs published on 30 March 2026, outline selected compliance dates, and suggest practical steps companies can take now to prepare for compliance.

For more information, see this Latham article.