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European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU PPWR)

On the 12th August 2026 the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force. Its goal is to reduce single-use packaging and plastics usage, given that packaging is the main source of single-use plastics in the EU. According to the European Commission, packaging uses too many resources and is inefficient and expensive for businesses and consumers. Packaging waste is too difficult to recycle and dealing with it costs taxpayers.

The implementation of the regulation will mostly impact businesses that are “producers of packaging” as they will need to prepare a declaration of conformity for packaging introduced into the EU market. These businesses will need to report how they comply with certain requirements and limits, including heavy metals, PFAS (if in contact with food), recycled content and reusability.

Key Measures

  • Less Wasteful: Plastic packaging must be made in part from recycled content, with increasing targets for 2030 and 2040.
  • More Recyclable: All packaging must be designed to be recyclable by 2030, so that all parts can be used something else afterwards, instead of material being dumped or burned.
  • Clearly Labelled: No more confusing labels or complicated colours, so that sorting of trash for recycling is easier.
  • Common-sense packaging: No more layers of useless packaging or pellets in deliveries. Small, light packaging without empty space.
  • Encouraging Reuse, Refill & Collection: Introducing more deposit and return systems, banning some single use plastics and making reuse or refill options available whenever possible with no extra charge.
  • Fairer and Safer: Brands using non-recyclable or environmentally harmful materials will have to pay to clean them up. PFAS (forever chemicals) will be restricted in packaging that comes into contact with food.

Key Points for the Leather Industry

  • When importing packaging or a packaged product from outside the EU, facilities should ask for a “declaration of conformity”, and ensure that the producers of the packaging have compiled supporting technical documentation. See Article 38 and 39, and Annexes VII and VIII of the regulation for details.
  • Facilities should store this documentation for 10 years for reusable packaging, and 5 years for single-use packaging.
  • Facilities should reconsider adding their logos to their packaging as this could be perceived that the facility itself is the “producer” of the packaging and that would make them liable for the conformity requirements in regard to content and recyclability.
  • Use packaging in accordance with its expected usage, i.e. no excess space and unnecessary packaging materials – the right size package for the product.

 

Some of the requirements relating to recycled content, reuse, and material recyclability will be increased or phased in over the next 15 years, with all provisions set to enter into force by 2040. 

You can access the full regulation text here:  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj/eng