WHAT IS PPWR? WHAT EXPORTERS TO EUROPE NEED TO KNOW

1. What is PPWR?

PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the European Union’s new regulation on packaging and packaging waste management, formally adopted as EU Regulation 2025/40.

PPWR aims to reduce packaging waste, promote a circular economy, and establish more harmonized requirements for packaging across the EU market. The regulation entered into force on February 11, 2025, and began to apply on August 12, 2026.

 

2. Which Businesses Will Be Affected by PPWR?

PPWR applies to all types of packaging placed on the EU market, including:

• Packaging for products exported to the EU
• Industrial packaging
• Transport packaging
• E-commerce packaging
• Packaging for electronic, automotive, and mechanical components

This means Vietnamese companies exporting goods to Europe, as well as businesses supplying products to global supply chains connected to the EU market, may be affected by PPWR.

 

3. Key PPWR Timeline

• Date	Key Milestone
  22 January 2025	PPWR (EU Regulation 2025/40) published in the Official Journal of the European Union
  11 February 2025	PPWR officially entered into force
  12 August 2026	Most PPWR provisions begin to apply across the EU
  2028	Harmonized packaging material identification labeling begins to be introduced
  1 January 2030	Several important requirements take effect, including recyclability, minimum recycled content, and restrictions on unnecessary empty space
  2035	Packaging must demonstrate recyclability at scale
  2040	Further targets for reuse and circularity will be introduced

 

4. Key PPWR Requirements for Packaging

4.1 Restriction of Hazardous Substances

PPWR requires hazardous substances in packaging to be controlled.

This includes:

• Lead (Pb)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)
• Mercury (Hg)

The total concentration must remain within the limits specified by EU regulations.

4.2 Reducing Excessive Packaging

One of the key objectives of PPWR is to reduce packaging waste.

Businesses are expected to:

• Design packaging appropriately for the product
• Minimize unnecessary empty space
• Optimize packaging dimensions

These measures can help reduce material consumption as well as transportation costs.

4.3 Increasing Recyclability

Packaging should be designed to:

• Facilitate sorting
• Facilitate recycling
• Minimize the use of materials that are difficult to process

The future direction of packaging is increasingly focused on environmentally responsible solutions that support the circular economy.

4.4 Promoting Reuse

PPWR encourages the use of packaging that:

• Can be reused multiple times
• Has a long service life
• Helps reduce waste generation

This is one reason reusable packaging solutions such as Danpla and reusable plastic trays are receiving increasing attention.

4.5 Greater Transparency of Material Information

Suppliers may be required to provide information relating to:

• Material composition
• Packaging weight
• Recyclability
• Reusability

These data are often compiled into packaging assessment reports or documentation required by customers.

 

Source: TSK - VN