Packaging

The harmonisation of waste sorting labels under the PPWR marks an important step toward a more coherent and effective European recycling system. With the technical proposal developed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the focus is on standardising pictograms, colour schemes, and clear instructions for packaging and collection bins.

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will significantly change packaging design and recycling across Europe. With requirements for recyclability, binding recycling rates, and ecologically modulated fees under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), EU legislators aim to promote the circular economy in the packaging sector. For the waste and recycling industry, this is likely to mean a shift from managing packaging waste volumes to establishing high-quality secondary raw material cycles.

New rules, new roles – and one defining question: Are you the Producer?
The PPWR leaves no room for doubts, and no room to hide.

From France to Finland, one label should tell it all. The EU’s new rules aim to make recycling clear, simple, and the same everywhere. What producers need to know. 

Selling packaged goods?
Then you must know your packaging types. With rising legal demands under EPR, accurate reporting is key.

Companies that introduce packaging in Germany must conclude a system participation agreement (also for 2025 as in previous years) and report the planned packaging quantities to the Central Packaging Register (ZSVR). Otherwise, these companies will no longer be allowed to sell their goods.

As this topic is frequently subject to doubts and questions, you can find in this blog post more information about the current situation regarding packaging licensing in Germany, what exactly sales packaging is, whether your packaging is subject to system participation obligation and what you need to do.

On December 16th, 2024, the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was formally adopted by the European Council. This Regulation applies to all packaging and packaging waste throughout Europe and will replace the current Packaging Directive of 1994.