The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) does not come into force all at once. Instead, it follows a step-by-step timeline, with increasing requirements over time until 2030.
Understanding the timeline is key to preparing correctly. What do businesses need to do now, and what will come later?
From August 12, 2026: PPWR Document of Conformity required
Since August 12, 2026:
- Packaging must comply with applicable PPWR requirements, such as restrictions on Substances of Concern including PFAS.
- Companies must be able to demonstrate compliance.
- The PPWR Document of Conformity (DoC) becomes operational.
- Each item sold on the EU market must have a PPWR DoC.
2028: Increasing requirements and the growing importance of packaging design
In 2028, the recyclability requirements will be published to ensure packaging is effectively recyclable by 2030. This means companies will need to understand packaging performance in sorting and recycling installations when choosing and designing packaging.
Examples of critical aspects
- Colour, including carbon black, black PET and non-detectable colours.
- Material combinations, including multi layer packaging.
- Components such as labels, decorations and closures.
2030: Full implementation phase
All PPWR requirements will be fully embedded in 2030, and packaging must be:
- Designed for recycling.
- Able to meet strict sustainability requirements.
- Free from problematic materials and substances.
Only packaging with full compliance to the PPWR will be allowed on the EU market in 2030.
Key takeaway
- Only packaging with full compliance to the PPWR will be allowed on the EU market in 2030.
- The PPWR is implemented step by step, starting in August 2026, with full implementation in 2030.
If you have questions about the PPWR timeline or what the requirements could mean for your packaging, our Sustainability Team is happy to help.
