The road to better packaging: What are some of the milestones of the EU PPWR

The EU PPWR has been in effect for a few months now, but the real journey is just beginning.

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Let’s take a look at some of the milestones set for the next 15 years and what they mean for the future of recycling.

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February 2025

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is made official!

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Marking the start of the EU’s new push for greener, more sustainable packaging.

The regulation sets out clear rules to reduce unnecessary packaging, boost recycling, and encourage reuse.

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August 2026

The PPWR becomes applicable across the EU.

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This means Member States and businesses need to start aligning with the new rules. For businesses, it’s a big shift toward innovation and responsibility.

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For consumers, it means less waste in everyday life and more eco-friendly choices on the shelves.

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February 2027

All food and drink venues across the EU must allow customers to bring their own containers for takeaway meals and beverages.

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This move is part of the EU’s wider effort to cut down on single-use packaging and promote a culture of reuse.

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January 2028

The European Commission will adopt clear criteria for recyclability and introduce design-for-recycling grades (A, B, C) for packaging.

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These grades will help businesses design packaging that is easier to recycle and give consumers a clearer idea of how recyclable their packaging is.

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August 2028

All packaging must clearly display its material composition and provide recycling instructions.

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Making it easier for everyone to recycle correctly and reduce confusion about what can and cannot be recycled!

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January 2029

Member States must set up deposit return systems for single-use plastic and metal containers up to 3 liters.

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Consumers will be able to return bottles and cans to collection points and get a deposit back.

This deposit return system complements other PPWR measures, creating a stronger, more efficient recycling network.

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January 2030

All packaging sold in the EU must be recyclable, and minimum recycled content requirements come into effect.

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PET food packaging must contain at least 30% recycled material.

Beverage bottles must also meet 30% recycled contents.

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This milestone ties together years of PPWR measures. From bringing your own containers, to clear labelling, deposit return systems, and design-for-recycling grades.

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January 2040

Recycled content targets are scaled up significantly to make packaging even more circular and resource-efficient.

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PET food packaging must now contain 50% recycled material.

Beverage bottles must reach 65% recycled contents.

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With these regulations put into place, we can expect higher standards for recycled products, and much, MUCH less waste!

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What an exciting road ahead.