PPWR: New EU Packaging Rules — What You Need To Know

The EU's PPWR (Aug 2026) sets strict rules for glass and plastic packaging: substance safety, recyclability, recycled content and minimisation. GAASCH PACKAGING helps you prepare now, keeping your packaging compliant on the EU market beyond 2030.

The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation comes into force in August 2026. For businesses supplying or procuring primary packaging in glass or plastic – bottles, jars and pharma containers – it brings specific obligations around substance safety, recyclability, recycled content and minimisation. Deadlines are tighter than many businesses realise, and the design and sourcing decisions you make today will determine whether your packaging remains on the EU market in 2030 and beyond. GAASCH PACKAGING is here to help you understand what is required and to ensure your packaging is ready.

Key Dates
The PPWR unfolds in waves. Here are the four dates every glass and plastic packaging business needs in its calendar.

Feb 2025
Regulation entered into force, superseding the 1994 Packaging Directive.

Aug 2026
Substance restrictions and conformity requirements begin to apply. Technical documentation must be ready.

Jan 2030
Recyclability grades enforced, recycled-content targets for plastic activated, packaging minimisation rules apply.

Jan 2038
Only Grade A or B packaging (≥80% recyclability) permitted on the EU market. Grade C plastic formats must be phased out.

Who Is Affected?

The PPWR applies to everyone in the supply chain, not just the brand that puts the product on shelf. Each actor carries distinct obligations, and failure at any point in the chain can trigger non-compliance for the whole.

Read more about it on the GAASCH PACKAGING website: https://gaaschpack.eu/sustainability/ppwr