It sets minimum recycled content in plastic packaging from 2030 or later (10% to 35%), per-capita waste cuts of 5% by 2030, and a 70% recycling target for all packaging waste. The EU generated 81.5 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2024.
Why this market is moving now
- The regulation applies from 12 August 2026, so obligations now bind packaging producers and importers.
- Recycled-content minimums for plastic packaging take effect from 2030 at the earliest, which requires sourcing and contracts to start now.
- Member States must lay down penalty rules by 12 February 2027.
- The Commission has proposed to lighten the authorised-representative duty for small cross-border sellers; Parliament and Council are still examining it.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste applies from 12 August 2026. | 12 Aug 2026 application date | 2026 | European Parliament and Council |
| The regulation has been in force since 11 February 2025, and the old Packaging Directive 94/62/EC was generally repealed on 12 August 2026. | 11 Feb 2025 entry into force | 2025 | European Commission, DG Environment |
| From 1 January 2030 (or three years after the related implementing act takes effect, if later), plastic packaging must contain at least 30% recycled content for contact-sensitive PET packaging, 10% for other contact-sensitive plastic, 30% for single-use plastic beverage bottles and 35% for other plastic packaging. | 10-35 % minimum recycled content (2030) | 2030 | European Parliament and Council |
| By 2040 the minimum recycled content rises to 50% for contact-sensitive PET, 25% for other contact-sensitive plastic, and 65% for single-use plastic beverage bottles and other plastic packaging. | 25-65 % minimum recycled content (2040) | 2040 | European Parliament and Council |
| Each Member State must cut packaging waste per capita against 2018 by at least 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040. | 5 % reduction by 2030 vs 2018 | 2030 | European Parliament and Council |
| Member States must reach a recycling rate of at least 70% by weight of all packaging waste by 31 December 2030. | 70 % by weight (2030) | 2030 | European Parliament and Council |
| Member States must ensure separate collection of at least 90% a year of single-use plastic beverage bottles and metal beverage containers up to three litres by 1 January 2029. | 90 % separate collection by 2029 | 2029 | European Parliament and Council |
| The EU generated 81.5 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2024, or 181.0 kg per inhabitant, up 3.2 kg per person on 2023. | 81.5 million tonnes | 2024 | Eurostat |
| The EU generated an average 35.9 kg of plastic packaging waste per person in 2024, of which 15.3 kg was recycled. | 35.9 kg per person | 2024 | Eurostat |
| Member States must set penalty rules for breaches of the regulation by 12 February 2027, and these must include administrative fines for failing the Articles 24 to 29 obligations. | 12 Feb 2027 deadline for national penalty rules | 2027 | European Parliament and Council |
| In December 2025 the Commission proposed to suspend the obligation to appoint an authorised representative for producers selling packaged products directly to consumers in other Member States. | Dec 2025 Environmental Omnibus proposal | 2025 | European Commission, DG Environment |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- European Parliament and Council: Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (2025-01-22)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
It shall apply from 12 August 2026.
- Figure 3
(c) 30 % for single-use plastic beverage bottles; (d) 35 % for plastic packaging other than those referred to in points (a), (b) and (c)
- Figure 4
(a) 50 % for contact-sensitive packaging made from PET as the major component, except single-use plastic beverage bottles; (b) 25 %
- Figure 5
(a) 5 % by 2030; (b) 10 % by 2035; (c) 15 % by 2040.
- Figure 6
(c) by 31 December 2030, a minimum of 70 % by weight of all packaging waste generated
- Figure 7
By 1 January 2029, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the separate collection of at least 90 % per year by weight
- Figure 10
By 12 February 2027, Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation
- Figure 1
- European Commission, DG Environment: Packaging waste (2026-10)
Quoted lines
- Figure 2
Status: In force since 11 February 2025 Application date : 12 August 2026
- Figure 11
the Commission proposed, in December 2025, in its so-called Environmental Omnibus, to suspend the obligation for producers to appoint an authorised representative
- Figure 2
- Eurostat: Plastic packaging waste in the EU: 35.9 kg per person (2026-10-22)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
In 2024, 81.5 million tonnes of packaging waste were generated in the EU, or 181.0 kg per inhabitant.
- Figure 9
an average of 35.9 kg of plastic packaging waste was generated per person in the EU, of which 15.3 kg was recycled
- Figure 8
Companies to watch
Fost Plus
Belgian packaging scheme that describes itself as the driving force behind the circular packaging economy in Belgium and has a PPWR section for members; source https://www.fostplus.be/en.
Interzero
Offers packaging licensing across Europe and EPR compliance services; source https://www.interzero.com/en.
Der Grüne Punkt
Offers packaging licensing and a recycled plastics product line; source https://www.gruener-punkt.de/en.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the European Union market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
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Frequently asked questions
When does the EU PPWR apply?
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 applies from 12 August 2026. It has been in force since 11 February 2025, according to the European Commission.
What recycled content is required in plastic packaging?
From 1 January 2030, or three years after the related implementing act takes effect if later, the minimums are 30% for contact-sensitive PET packaging, 10% for other contact-sensitive plastic, 30% for single-use beverage bottles and 35% for other plastic packaging. They rise in 2040.
How much packaging waste does the EU produce?
Eurostat reports 81.5 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2024, or 181.0 kg per inhabitant. Plastic packaging was 35.9 kg per person.
What are the PPWR recycling targets?
The regulation sets a minimum of 70% by weight of all packaging waste recycled by 31 December 2030.
What are the PPWR waste reduction targets?
Member States must cut packaging waste per capita from the 2018 level by at least 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040.
What are the penalties for breaking PPWR rules?
Member States must lay down penalty rules by 12 February 2027. These must include administrative fines for breaches of the Articles 24 to 29 obligations.
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