PPWR: What the EU packaging regulation means for UK businesses

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) marks a significant shift in how packaging is designed, used and disposed of across Europe. It came into force on 11th February 2025 and will apply from 12th August 2026, replacing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). Its formal title is Regulation (EU) 2025/40.

How PPWR affects UK businesses

Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, PPWR remains highly relevant for UK businesses, particularly those that manufacture, export to or source from EU markets. It applies in three main ways. If you place packaged goods on the EU market, your packaging must comply, whoever made it. If you operate in Northern Ireland, most of PPWR applies directly under the Windsor Framework. And if you trade only in Great Britain, the UK’s own rules are moving in a similar direction.

What PPWR aims to do

PPWR aims to:

Reduce packaging waste
Improve recyclability
Drive a more circular economy

It introduces stricter requirements on packaging design; mandates increased use of recycled content and sets targets for reuse and waste reduction. Unlike previous directives, which allowed national variation, PPWR applies directly across all EU Member States, creating a more harmonised framework.

The headline changes to plan for

In practice, that means a few headline changes to plan for. From 12th August 2026, food-contact packaging can’t contain PFAS above set limits, and every packaging type sold in the EU needs an EU Declaration of Conformity. That declaration is signed by whoever places the packaging on the market under their own brand, not by the supplier. From 2030, all packaging must reach recyclability grades A, B or C, and plastic packaging must contain minimum recycled content.

What PPWR means for UK organisations

For UK organisations, the implications are both operational and strategic. Companies exporting goods into the EU will need to ensure their packaging complies with PPWR, while those with EU-based supply chains may see changes cascade upstream. At the same time, the regulation aligns closely with the UK’s own sustainability agenda. That includes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the Plastic Packaging Tax at £228.82 per tonne and forthcoming consistency reforms. The result is growing convergence in expectations, so much of the evidence you already collect will carry across.

How RAJAPACK can help

RAJAPACK can help with the packaging you buy from us. As the regulations evolve and new parts are introduced, we can keep providing the updated details you need to stay EU compliant. We hold supplier specifications for our cardboard boxes, paper tapes and void fill, so we can share the material and recycled-content data behind your records. Our double-wall cardboard boxes are made from at least 70% recycled material, and our recycled polythene mailers use 100% recycled polythene. Where you want to move away from plastic, paper void fill, paper tape and reusable mailers such as our Movopack range are credible substitutes.

Why the time to prepare is now

PPWR isn’t just an EU regulatory issue. It’s a key development shaping packaging standards, data requirements and sustainability practices across the wider European market. For UK businesses that want to stay competitive and compliant, the time to prepare is now.

Key timeline

2025: Entry into force (11 February)

2026: Mandatory compliance begins (12 August)

PFAS banned in food-contact packaging above the set limits
Combined limit on lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium across packaging
An EU Declaration of Conformity required for every packaging type

2028: Harmonised labelling applies (12 August)

All packaging must carry a harmonised label showing material composition to help consumer sorting

2030: Recyclability, reuse and recycled-content targets

All packaging must be recyclable within grades A, B or C (70% recyclable by weight minimum)
Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging and a 50% cap on empty space in transport and e-commerce packs
Single-use plastic bans begin, including fruit and veg under 1.5 kg and dine-in cups and plates

2035

Packaging must be recyclable at scale, not just designed for recycling.

2038

Stricter standards: only grades A and B allowed.

2040

Final waste-reduction and reuse targets.

Get support from our expert packaging team

Not sure how PPWR applies to the packaging you buy? Contact our team of packaging experts today and they can talk you through compliant options and share the material and recycled-content data you need for your records.