February 2025 – The European Parliament
and the European Council formally adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/40
on packaging and packaging waste
("PPWR") on 16 December 2024, as part of
a comprehensive review of packaging obligations in line with the
Circular Economy Action Plan.
The PPWR introduces measures affecting all packaging and
packaging waste, impacting businesses across various sectors. Key
provisions include restrictions on substances in packaging (e.g.
limits on on lead content), mandatory recyclability requirements,
and specific rules on extended producer responsibility for
packaging waste.
Packaging must be designed for recycling by 1 January 2030 and
capable of being recycled at scale by 1 January 2035. Additionally,
minimum recycled content requirements for plastic packaging will be
enforced as of 1 January 2030, including a 30% threshold for
single-use plastic beverage bottles, with certain exceptions, such
as medical devices. These minimum recycled
