Stricter packaging requirements with new EU regulation

To reduce waste, increase reuse and recycling, and create more consistent rules, the EU is introducing the PPWR – a regulation that IVL expert Alexandra Almasi believes will present both challenges and innovation opportunities for the packaging sector.

In Europe, the volume of packaging waste is on the rise. To address this challenge, organizations across the EU that manufacture and use packaging need to make changes, says Alexandra Almasi, expert on plastic waste at the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.

She welcomes the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), which comes into force on 12 August.

The regulation takes a broad approach to the entire life cycle of packaging, setting ambitious requirements for packaging design, waste management and producer responsibility. I think it’s positive that the rules are being harmonized across the EU and that all member states need to work toward the same goal, says Alexandra Almasi.

Gradual increases over several years

The PPWR affects virtually all businesses that work with packaging, such as manufacturers, importers, distributors, e-commerce firms and logistics companies as well as businesses that use packaging. It also includes new rules concerning PFAS substances in packaging that comes into contact with food.

The regulation does not mean that packaging must be changed overnight. However several new requirements will apply immediately to those who manufacture, import, distribute or otherwise supply packaging on the EU market.

The more significant changes will be implemented in stages. For example, from 2027–2028, restaurants and cafés must allow customers to use their own containers for takeaway, and offer reusable alternatives at no extra cost. And from 2030 there will be tighter requirements on recyclability, recycled plastic, reuse and certain types of single-use packaging.

Alexandra Almasi believes that PPWR will be a long and demanding journey for many stakeholders.

It's a considerable job, and some companies began preparing for it several years ago. At the same time, there are significant opportunities for innovation. Companies that get in early and develop packaging that is circular from the outset can gain a competitive edge.

More awareness, less waste

Alexandra Almasi hopes that the regulation will make companies more aware of the large amounts of packaging waste we generate. Until now, much of this packaging has not been recyclable or reusable and has therefore been incinerated, sent to landfill or, in the worst cases, ended up in our natural environment.

Hopefully, the regulation will help ensure that future packaging is recyclable or reusable, and to a greater extent is made from recycled materials. At the same time, it will continue to fulfil its most important function: to protect products, without posing any risks to human health or the environment.

For more information, contact:
Alexandra Almasi, alexandra.almasi@ivl.se, tel. +46 (0)10-788 67 26