The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was finally adopted on December 19, 2024 by the European Union voted by a majority: 476 in favor, 129 against and 24 abstentions. The proposal for this regulation was initiated in 2018 following an order from the European Commission in continuation of European Directive 2019/904, and amended by Directive 2022/162.
The latter introduced ambitious measures to reduce single-use plastic waste and strengthen sustainable materials management practices. The PPWR extends these principles by establishing a harmonized framework for all types of packaging in the European Union.
In line with these directives, the regulation aims to :
- Reduce the volume of packaging waste in Europe through progressive reduction targets by 2040;
- Promote reuse and recycling, with reinforced targets for reusable and recyclable packaging;
- Harmonize the choice of material recommendations to simplify sorting and optimize material circularity.
- Promoting the use of recycled materials
From now on, producers must anticipate the ban, from January 1, 2030, on marketing packaging with a D rating (indicating that it is less than 70% recycled at end-of-life).
However, certain key elements remain to be clarified. The criteria for defining recyclable materials, as well as compliant or disruptive packaging processes for sorting and recycling, will be published before December 2027.
In conclusion, experts in the packaging sector (producers, eco-organizations, material manufacturers) agree that this law is very ambitious, but also difficult to interpret.
If you need support in identifying the packaging in your portfolio likely to be affected by these new requirements, and in initiating the necessary changes, Léko will be happy to assist you and refer you to its experts.