EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Entry into force: 11-Feb-2025  
General Application date: 12-Aug-2026 

Aims and Key Points  

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets out sustainability and labelling requirements for packaging throughout its life cycle. It aims to reduce unnecessary packaging, cut waste, promote reuse, refill and recycling and contribute to the circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050. 

The PPWR covers all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of material or origin. Its sets requirements for manufacturing, composition, and reusable or recoverable nature of all packaging placed on the EU market and includes packaging waste management and prevention measures. 

One of the more eye-catching provisions is that by 2030, packaging must not exceed 50% of the volume of the product it contains. In simple terms, empty space inside a box will be heavily restricted. The goal is to tackle “overpackaging,” a long-standing issue in sectors such as e-commerce, cosmetics, and consumer electronics. Excess packaging not only increases material use but also drives up transport emissions, as larger parcels take up more space in delivery vehicles. 

In addition, packaging must be designed to minimise the presence of harmful substances, to protect human health and the environment. All packaging must be recyclable meaning that it must be designed for material recycling and to be able to be collected, sorted and recycled at scale when it becomes waste. 

How to Prepare for the PPWR 

Businesses will have to proceed as soon as possible to ensure compliance of the packaging they are using and verify that their producers are registered in the Member States. It will be important to identify the different economic operators and responsibilities in the supply chain and monitor regulatory updates, changes, and postponements. 

This means rethinking packaging design. For example, online retailers that currently ship small items in oversized boxes filled with void-fill materials such as air pillows or paper will need to adopt more compact solutions. Similarly, luxury brands that rely on elaborate, multi-layered packaging for presentation purposes may need to scale back to stay compliant. 

There are also implications for logistics. Companies using standardised box sizes for efficiency may need to introduce a wider range of packaging formats to better match product dimensions. While this could increase operational complexity, it may ultimately reduce shipping costs by improving space utilisation. 

The regulation is expected to push innovation in packaging design, including the use of flexible materials, right-sized packaging technology, and automated packing systems that tailor box sizes to individual orders. 

Ultimately, the 50% rule reflects a broader shift in EU policy toward sustainability and resource efficiency. Companies that adapt early are likely to benefit not only from compliance but also from cost savings and improved environmental performance, while those slow to change may face both regulatory and reputational risks. 

How we can help 

• Provide support to ensure your new packaging is compliant with the regulation, including carrying out conformity checks or providing documentation and guidance to allow you to do this. 

• Supply a draft Declaration of Conformity which should be created once your packaging is compliant (you do not need to supply this with the product however it should be available if requested by the authorities) 

• Provide the EU Authorised Representative role for you new packaging. 

Contact Us 

Contact us at info@arccompliance for any questions on packaging and regulatory compliance. We offer Authorised Representative services in the EU and UK, supported by expert consultants at Product Compliance Support Ltd, delivering comprehensive product compliance solutions to help you navigate these changes with confidence. 

References 

European Commission (2025). Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC.  

Packaging and packaging waste (from 2026). Summary of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste 

Further PPWR Resources

EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40 Guidance

FAQs EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40

Article Date 

12-May-2026