PPWR: what the new EU packaging rules mean for your business

The rules in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) apply to all European Union countries. Not all the rules will come into force at the same time. The legislation will be phased in gradually until 2035. 

What changes will take place between 2026 and 2035?

The PPWR will be introduced over the coming years. Stricter requirements will apply to the design, manufacture, and use of packaging. To reduce waste and save on raw materials, packaging must be smaller and lighter, amongst other things. Also, stricter rules will be introduced for harmful substances in packaging, such as PFAS and other hazardous chemicals. The requirements apply to all packaging. Not only for products, but also for packaging used in shipping, such as boxes, packing material, tape, and labels.

The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) is responsible for checking whether businesses follow the rules.

Who is covered by the PPWR?

Do you package, sell, import, or ship products? If so, you will be subject to PPWR. Exactly what the rules will mean in practice is not yet entirely clear and depends on your activities and your role in the supply chain

There are various roles, such as manufacturer, importer, producer, and supplier. Information on the responsibilities for each role can be found at Verpact. This is the producer organisation that organises the collection, recycling, and reuse of packaging in the Netherlands.

What do you need to have ready by 12 August?

These are the rules that come into force on 12 August 2026:

1 Do not use PFAS in food packaging

Do you sell food or drink? Packaging that comes into direct contact with food must no longer contain harmful PFAS substances above a certain limit. Examples include pizza boxes, trays, and cups. PFAS are long lasting chemicals that are harmful to health and the environment.

2. Prove that packaging complies with EU rules

If you have packaging manufactured or import it, you must be able to prove that it complies with European rules. To do this, you need an EU declaration of conformity. This is a document stating that the packaging complies with European rules. The manufacturer must arrange this. Suppliers must provide the information required for this.

3. Make sure clear information is provided on the packaging

It must be clear where the packaging comes from. So this information must be displayed on the packaging. Or it must be accessible via a QR code:

• A number (for example, a batch or serial number) to identify the packaging.
• The name and address of the manufacturer or importer.

The manufacturer or importer must include this information on the packaging. Check for yourself that this has been done.

4. Check your supplier

Do you buy packaged goods or resell them? If so, you must check the following:

• Does the packaging have the correct label?
• Are the manufacturer’s name and address stated on the packaging?
• Does the packaging have a declaration of conformity?

5. Use up your old packaging

Do you still have old packaging that does not meet the new requirements? If so, you may continue to use it provided it was placed on the market before 12 August 2026. Packaging is defined as having been placed on the market as soon as a manufacturer or importer delivers it for the first time within the EU, for example to a shop or wholesaler.

How to prepare for rules coming into force later

After 12 August, new rules will be introduced in phases. Get ready now with these practical steps:

• Document how you manage packaging and why you make certain choices. This will help you show that you follow the rules – for example, to the ILT, customers and suppliers.
• Keep a record of how much packaging you use and what materials it is made from.
• Use as little material as possible. Packaging must not be larger or heavier than is necessary to properly protect and transport a product.
• Take a critical look at the packaging you use to ship orders. From 2030, the empty space in a shipping box must not exceed 50%. Packing material also counts as empty space.
• Sell your product as a refill, where possible. Your customer will then bring their own container or packaging.
• Choose reusable or recyclable packaging, such as cardboard or types of plastic that are easy to recycle. From 2030, there will be more recycling requirements. Plastic packaging must then be made partly from recycled plastic.
• Make sure customers know how and where to dispose of the packaging. Standardised symbols will be introduced for this purpose. These are likely to be announced by the end of 2026.
• Check whether you need to register in the countries where you use packaging. In the Netherlands, you do this via Verpact. You declare to Verpact how much packaging you use and cooperate with the collection and recycling of packaging waste. Do you use more than 50,000 kg of packaging material per year? If so, you will pay a waste contribution to Verpact for the collection and recycling of packaging. From 2028, this will also apply if you use less packaging.
• Work with suppliers and recyclers when choosing materials and designing packaging. This will help you prepare better for the new requirements.
• See also the Verpact timeline (PDF, in Dutch) for an overview of all obligations.

Stay up to date with the new rules

The PPWR will be phased in over several years. We will update this page as new rules are finalised so you will know in good time what your business needs to do.

The rules are complex and it is not always easy to work out exactly what applies to your situation. Do you have any questions about this? Sector organisation Verpact can help you. You can also check out the European Commission’s FAQs.