The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) fundamentally changes the requirements for packaging in Europe. Manufacturers, brand owners, and distributors will have to meet significantly stricter requirements in terms of recyclability, material use, recycled content, and packaging minimization.
For many companies, the crucial question now is: What exactly is changing – and how can I make my packaging future-proof in terms of regulations?
This is exactly where we come in. We support you in adapting your packaging solutions to the new requirements at an early stage – technically, economically, and strategically.
The PPWR replaces the previous Packaging Directive and, as an EU regulation, will apply directly in all member states. The aim is to reduce packaging waste, increase recycling rates, and establish a functioning circular economy.
This means:
Companies that respond early will gain a competitive advantage and avoid costly changes later on.
In future, packaging must be classified as “recyclable.” Multi-component solutions and composite materials that are difficult to separate are coming under increasing pressure.
Consequence: Monomaterial solutions are becoming significantly more important.
Depending on the type of packaging, binding minimum percentages of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content will apply—especially for plastic packaging.
Consequence: Material changes and supply chain adjustments will be necessary.
Oversized packaging or unnecessary material thicknesses should be avoided.
Consequence: Optimization of film thicknesses, format sizes, and designs.
Instead of national exceptions, uniform requirements will apply throughout the EU in the future.
Consequence: Companies with international distribution will benefit from clearer structures.
Despite new requirements, key demands remain unchanged:
The challenge lies in reconciling regulatory requirements, product protection, and brand strategy.
We analyze the following together:
On this basis, we develop solutions that meet both current market requirements and future regulatory developments.
Our approach: Technically sound. Economically well thought out. Regulatory compliant.
Recyclable bag structures with optimized barrier properties – ideal for food, pet food, and nutritional supplements.
Sleeves can have a significant impact on recycling processes. We offer:
PPWR is not a short-term trend—it is changing the market for the long term. Companies that act early will secure stability, planning reliability, and competitive advantages.
tbs-pack GmbHOtto-Hahn-Allee 1 D - 50374 Erftstadt
CEO: Benedikt Schröder, Thomas Stumpp
Telephone: 02235 - 47048 - 0Fax: 02235 - 47048 - 21Technical service - packaging machines: +492235-47048-99E-Mail: info(at)tbs-pack.de
Website: www.tbs-pack.de Online Shop: www.tbs-pack.de/shop
The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into force on February 11, 2025. As an EU regulation, it applies directly in all member states and does not need to be transposed into national law.
Mandatory application begins on August 12, 2026. From this date onwards, manufacturers, brand owners, and distributors must comply with the new requirements.
The schedule at a glance
As this is an EU regulation, the rules apply uniformly in all member states. Companies should therefore check at an early stage whether their packaging complies with future requirements.
Not necessarily immediately – but early analysis is strongly recommended to ensure investment and production security.
No. The decisive factor is recyclability according to future evaluation criteria. However, monomaterial solutions have clear advantages.
No. The regulation applies to all types of packaging, but places particular emphasis on plastic.
In the long term, market restrictions or economic disadvantages may arise due to a lack of marketability.
The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) significantly tightens packaging requirements across Europe. Key changes primarily concern the recyclability of packaging, which must be demonstrably fulfilled in the future, and the mandatory introduction of minimum recycled content in plastic packaging. In addition, packaging minimization and material efficiency will be more closely monitored, meaning that oversized or unnecessary packaging must be avoided. Labeling requirements will also be expanded to increase transparency for consumers and recycling companies. Companies that implement these changes early on will not only ensure compliance with regulations, but also secure long-term competitive advantages.
Plastic packaging, multilayer composites, and packaging containing materials that are difficult to separate are particularly affected by the PPWR. These include stand-up pouches, flow packs, tubular bags, sleeves, and labels, which were previously not fully recyclable. Packaged foods, dietary supplements, animal feed, and beverages will also have to meet recyclability and minimum recycled content requirements in the future. Packaging that is oversized or unnecessarily complex will also come under regulatory pressure. Companies should therefore focus early on single-material solutions, recycling-optimized structures, and easily separable components in order to remain PPWR-compliant.
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