Overview
- The EU started applying the first measures of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, including limits on high levels of PFAS in food-contact packaging and new registration and labelling duties for producers.
- The PPWR sets a multi-year schedule: firms must allow consumer refill of takeaway containers by 2027, introduce harmonised packaging labels from 2028, implement deposit-return schemes by 2029, and ensure all sold packaging is recyclable from 2030 with stricter criteria through 2038–2040.
- Many small businesses and online sellers say the new rules add heavy administrative costs and country-by-country registration burdens, with some reporting paused shipments to the EU and trade groups warning of disproportionate impacts on SMEs.
- Separate vehicle circularity rules that began to apply in mid-August 2026 require interim recycled-plastics targets of 15% and a 25% target by 2036, plus tighter disassembly rules and a mid-2031 export ban for cars not fit for roadworthiness inspections.
- The rules aim to cut packaging waste by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2040, recover strategic materials such as aluminium and rare earths, and shift producers toward reuse and recyclability, with member states responsible for enforcement and penalties for noncompliance.