PPWR regulation is now applicable

The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) became generally applicable on 12 August 2026, marking one of the most significant legislative developments in recent years in the fields of packaging, the circular economy and sustainability. Regulation (EU) 2025/40 replaces the former Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC), establishing harmonised rules that are directly applicable across all EU Member States.

The Regulation has a clear objective: to reduce packaging waste, promote reuse, improve recyclability, increase the use of recycled materials and enhance the environmental performance of packaging placed on the European market. The new requirements affect virtually every company that manufactures, imports, distributes or places packaged products on the EU market

What does this mean for businesses?

The PPWR introduces a comprehensive set of new requirements, including:

• Mandatory packaging design requirements to ensure recyclability.
• Reduction of packaging volume and minimisation of unnecessary empty space.
• Minimum recycled plastic content requirements for specific packaging applications.
• New obligations relating to reusable packaging and reuse systems.
• Restrictions on the use of certain substances in packaging.
• New labelling, information and technical documentation requirements.
• Strengthened obligations for economic operators throughout the value chain..

Although many of the Regulation’s targets will be introduced progressively until 2030 and beyond, its entry into application requires companies to begin assessing their products, processes and supply chains without delay, ensuring timely compliance and reducing the risk of non-compliance.

How to prepare your organisation

For many organisations, compliance with the PPWR will require a comprehensive review of how packaging is designed, specified, sourced and placed on the market.

Key implementation steps include:

• Identifying the requirements applicable to each type of packaging.
• Assessing the compliance of existing packaging.
• Reviewing technical specifications and material selection.
• Preparing the required technical documentation.
• Engaging suppliers and customers throughout the value chain.
• Developing an implementation roadmap aligned with the Regulation’s timeline.
• How impact partners can support

At impact partners, our multidisciplinary team specialises in the circular economy, sustainability and European environmental legislation, helping organisations adapt to new regulatory requirements while transforming compliance into a strategic business opportunity.

Our services include:

• Assessment of regulatory requirements applicable to your business and products.
• Technical compliance assessments for packaging.
• Support in preparing technical documentation.
• Development of PPWR compliance and implementation strategies.
• Integration of PPWR requirements with other European regulatory frameworks, including the
• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR),
• ESG requirements and carbon footprint assessments.
• Training and capacity-building programmes for management and technical teams.

impact partners has also contributed to the development of practical tools and sectoral projects supporting the Portuguese industry in the areas of sustainability, circular economy and regulatory compliance, working closely with business associations and companies across multiple industrial sectors.

The PPWR should not be regarded solely as a legal requirement. It also represents an opportunity to drive innovation, improve resource efficiency and strengthen business competitiveness in an increasingly sustainability-driven European market.

If you would like to understand how the new Regulation will affect your organisation or develop a tailored implementation roadmap, the impact partners team is ready to support you.