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EU PPWR Readiness Guide and Customer Checklist

What is PPWR?

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is an EU-wide regulation designed to reduce packaging waste and improve sustainability across all member states. It introduces stricter requirements around how packaging is designed, labelled, recycled, and reused.

The aim is to:

Reduce unnecessary packaging
Increase recyclability
Standardise rules across the EU
Drive the use of recycled materials

Why This Affects You

If you are exporting goods into the EU, PPWR will directly impact your business.

Under the regulation, responsibility typically sits with the organisation placing packaging onto the EU market (e.g. importer, distributor, or brand owner). This means you must ensure that your packaging complies with EU requirements—even if it is sourced from UK suppliers.

Key Timelines (Subject to Change)

PPWR is expected to come into force from 2024–2025 onwards, with phased implementation
Different requirements (e.g. recyclability, recycled content) will apply over time up to 2030
Important: Requirements and guidance are still evolving and may change—ongoing review is essential

PPWR Customer Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to assess whether your packaging is aligned with current and upcoming requirements:

1. Packaging Materials

What materials are used in your packaging?
Is the packaging mono-material or made from multiple materials?
Are there any substances of concern (e.g. coatings, laminates, chemicals)?

2. Recyclability

Is your packaging designed to be recyclable in the EU?
Does it align with expected recyclability performance standards?
Could any elements (e.g. mixed materials, adhesives, labels) prevent recycling?

3. Recycled Content

Does your packaging include recycled material?
For plastic packaging, are you working towards minimum recycled content targets?
Do you have evidence or certification to support this?

4. Packaging Reduction

Is your packaging necessary and proportionate?
Can weight or volume be reduced?
Are there opportunities to eliminate excess packaging?

5. Reuse & Circularity

Can your packaging be reused, refilled, or redesigned for circular systems?
Have reuse options been explored where applicable?

6. Labelling & Consumer Information

Does your packaging include clear disposal or recycling instructions?
Are materials easily identifiable for sorting?

7. Country-Specific Requirements

Have you checked EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) requirements in each EU country you supply to?
Are there local labelling or compliance variations?

8. Roles & Responsibilities

Who is responsible for compliance within your business?
Who is considered the “producer” in the EU supply chain?
Are you registered where required?

9. Documentation & Evidence

Do you have access to material specifications for your packaging?
Can you provide supporting data if requested?
Are records being maintained for compliance purposes?

Common Risk Areas to Consider

Mixed-material packaging (harder to recycle)
Excess or unnecessary packaging
Lack of recycled content in plastics
Missing or unclear labelling
Limited visibility of material composition

How We Can Support You

While compliance sits with the organisation placing packaging on the EU market, we are here to support you in making informed decisions and preparing for PPWR.

We can assist with:

Providing material specification sheets
Offering recyclability guidance
Advising on recycled content options
Supporting bespoke labelling solutions
Identifying alternative, more compliant packaging formats
Helping review your current packaging for potential risks or improvements

If you are unsure about any aspect of your packaging, we encourage early review and discussion to avoid disruption as regulations develop.

Next Steps

Review your current packaging against this checklist
Identify any potential gaps or risks
Engage with your internal teams and supply chain
Speak to us about how we can support your transition

Please note:
PPWR requirements are still evolving, and guidance may change. We recommend regularly reviewing updates to ensure ongoing compliance.