PPWR imposes stricter requirements on packaging
For whom?
- packaging manufacturers
- importers
- distributors
- businesses that place packaging on the market
- businesses that use packaging
What changes?
As of 12 August 2026 the first obligations from the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will start to apply. The PPWR is intended to ensure that packaging becomes more sustainable. And it ensures the same rules apply across the European Union. Many companies that manufacture, market, or use packaging may be affected by the new rules.
The first obligations are among others:
- Packaging manufacturers must have completed a conformity assessment and draft a conformity statement.
- Businesses must determine their role or roles in the packaging chain. A company can have more roles.
- Which obligations apply depend on the role of the company and the type of packaging.
Not all rules have been finalised yet. The European Union will continue to work out the PPWR over the coming years. As a result, further rules will be introduced up to and including 2029.
So, make sure you prepare in time. Check Verpact’s overview to determine your company’s role (pdf, in Dutch). The role determines which new rules you will have to deal with. Do you develop new packaging, or do you invest in packaging machinery? Then take the new rules into account.
Verpact plays a central role in the collection and recycling of packaging in the Netherlands. View their full overview of changes resulting from the PPWR (in Dutch). Also check the EU’s information on the PPWR.
When?
The first obligations resulting from the PPWR apply from 12 August 2026.