Overview of PPWR regulations

Uniform legislative framework for packaging

The revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) of 2024 aims to establish a uniform legislative framework for all EU member states to meet packaging waste reduction targets. These regulations have far-reaching implications for companies in the packaging industry and will also affect Optimum Group's operations.

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PPWR 2024: New Standards for Packaging

Innovation and Sustainability in the Packaging Industry

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) of 2024 introduces new regulations for all EU member states aimed at reducing packaging waste and improving recycling processes. These regulations set stricter requirements on packaging design principles, the use of recycled materials and minimum packaging sizes.

Optimum Group supports this transition to sustainable packaging solutions and helps companies comply with the new PPWR requirements, with innovation and environmental friendliness at the centre.

In 2024, the revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will officially come into force. This marks the beginning of a new unified legislative framework within the EU, aimed at drastically reducing packaging waste and improving recycling processes.

By 2025, all EU member states should have implemented an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. This system will ensure that producers become responsible for the entire life cycle of their packaging, including its collection and recycling.

From 2029, deposit schemes will be introduced for specific packaging. This system aims to increase collection rates and ensure more efficient recycling of used packaging. The aim is to recover at least 90 per cent of such packaging.

Promote circular economy by choosing labelling materials that support recyclability and enable recyclable packaging, or reuse.

From 2035, Recycled at Scale (RaS) scores will be introduced to measure the actual recyclability of packaging within existing recycling infrastructures. Packaging must achieve a minimum score to be considered recyclable.

By 2040, requirements for the use of recycled materials and reusable packaging will be further tightened. This includes higher minimum percentages of recycled material in packaging and higher reuse targets for different product categories.

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Design for Recycling

Recyclability scores for packaging

From 2025, packaging must comply with the principles of Design for Recycling. This means that packaging will be assessed for its recyclability and compatibility with existing recycling streams. The scores are classified as follows:

Score A: Highest recyclability
Score B: Average recyclability
Score C: Lowest recyclability
From 2035, the Recycled at Scale (RaS) score will be applied to determine whether packaging can be effectively recycled within the existing infrastructure. Packaging with a score below 70% is considered non-recyclable.

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Packaging Minimisation

Reducing packaging to minimum dimensions

From 1 January 2030, all packaging must be reduced to the minimum dimensions to avoid unnecessary use of material. This includes minimising the weight, volume and number of layers of packaging while maintaining safety and functionality. A maximum ratio of 50% empty space will be allowed for grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging.

Gerecycled Materiaal

Minimum requirements for recycled plastic

Minimum requirements are set for the use of recycled material in plastic packaging. By 2030, the recycled material content in contact-sensitive PET packaging must be at least 30%, rising to 50% by 2040. Similar requirements apply to other plastic packaging, with percentages ranging from 10% to 65%, depending on the type of packaging.

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Compostable and Biodegradable Packaging

New requirements for eco-friendly packaging

The new regulations also include requirements for compostable and biodegradable packaging. Such packaging must be biodegradable in uncontrolled conditions (home compostable) and must not interfere with recycling streams. Bio-based plastics, made from biomass, are now recognised and their applicability will be assessed within three years.

Prevention targets and Collection

Reduction and separate collection of packaging waste

Ambitious targets have been set for the reduction of packaging waste per capita, ranging from a 5% reduction by 2025 to 37% by 2040. Deposit schemes for specific packaging will be introduced from 2029, with the aim of collecting at least 90% of such packaging.

Reuse and Refill

Targets for reusable packaging

From 1 January 2030, reuse and refill will become mandatory for certain product categories. For alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including water and juices, the reuse rate must be 10% by 2030 and 40% by 2040. Transport packaging must also be reusable, with targets of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040.

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