The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) explained
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is set to transform packaging sustainability across the EU.
PPWR, adopted in December 2024, replaces the former directive (PPWD), leading into a new era of packaging practices. The regulation will enforce stringent requirements on recyclability, reuse, and recycled content in packaging materials, pushing for enhanced packaging circularity. From 2030, all packaging must be recyclable, and from 2035, they must be recycled at scale in order to be placed on the EU market.
Key dates and implementation
The regulation was formally adopted in December 2024 and published in January 2025. It will enter into force mid-February and will take effect in mid-August 2026, having binding legal power across all EU Member States. Stora Enso is actively working with other industry leaders to ensure a smooth transition to these new regulations, demonstrating our commitment to circular packaging solutions. It's crucial for businesses to understand and adapt to the PPWR requirements to stay compliant and seize the opportunities for sustainable growth.
A push towards enhancing packaging circularity
PPWR introduces stringent recyclability and reuse requirements to improve packaging circularity and reduce packaging waste, and it covers a range of topics, including:
- Restrictions for substances of concern in packaging
- Recyclability requirements
- Requirement for minimum recycled plastic content in packaging
- Compostability
- Binding reuse targets for 2030 and 2040 for specific packaging formats
- Requirements for packaging efficiency
- Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and eco-modulation of EPR fees
- Packaging restrictions for specific plastic single-use packaging, and
- Waste reduction and recycling targets for Member States
Stora Enso and PPWR
Recyclability is a prerequisite for accessing the EU market
According to PPWR, all packaging shall be recyclable from 2030 and recycled at scale from 2035. Fulfilling the recyclability criteria is a prerequisite for accessing the EU market. The recyclability of the packaging will be determined by assessing each packaging based on the Design for Recycling Criteria to be developed by the EU Commission for each packaging category. Based on the compliance with the DfR criteria, packaging will be assigned a recyclability score linked to a performance grade. Each packaging unit is required to attain at least 70% recyclability by 2030 and 80% by 2038 to gain market access.
Binding reuse targets
The binding reuse targets introduced in the Regulation will be applied from 2030. The reuse obligations target specific packaging formats, such as transport, grouped and sales packaging for beverages. The reuse obligations require that a specific share of such packaging placed on the EU market is in reusable packaging within a system for reuse. There are certain exemptions to the reuse targets, e.g. cardboard boxes are exempted from the transport and grouped packaging reuse targets.
What happens next?
PPWRenters into force on 12 February 2025. The Regulation will be applied 18 months after entry into force, meaning that the rules will be applied in all EU Member States from 12 August 2026.
Many of the measures and goals defined under PPWR are either directly or indirectly linked and require a large number of secondary legislation to be adopted by the EU Commission in the coming years to provide the more detailed methodologies for reaching the different goals, such as recyclability and reuse requirements, defined under the Regulation. Stora Enso is actively involved in key trade associations and cross-industry alliances to monitor developments in this area and collaborate with the value chain to ensure seamless and timely implementation of PPWR and the secondary legislation.
Our commitment
Stora Enso also has representatives in European standardisation organisations and in mirror groups via national standardization organisations, trade associations, and industry alliances to assist with the preparation or update of harmonised standards, where needed.
For more insights, get in touch with our regulatory experts
As a leader in the fiber-based packaging industry, Stora Enso has been actively participating in the PPWR legislative process. We collaborate closely with key industry organisations to advocate for the interests of the fiber-based packaging sector. We will continue to do so during the implementation phase and the adoption of the secondary legislation.
We continuously support customers with insights and learnings from the legislative process and support in ensuring that future packaging is in line with the PPWR requirements. If you wish to have more in-depth insights on the PPWR and its potential implications to your company, get in touch with our experts.
Note: This information does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Stora Enso accepts no liability for the interpretations and statements contained in this article or for any future changes in regulatory requirements.
