What is the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and when does it come into force?
The European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a new, directly applicable regulation across the entire European Union aimed at reducing packaging waste, promoting reuse, increasing packaging recyclability, and using resources more efficiently.
The regulation applies to all packaging materials – paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, metal, wood, and composite packaging.
Unlike the previous EU Packaging Directive, which was implemented through each country's national legislation, the PPWR is a regulation, meaning its requirements apply directly in all European Union member states.
Although the regulation officially entered into force on February 11, 2025, most of its requirements will start to apply on August 12, 2026. Additional requirements and transitional periods will come into effect in subsequent years.
What does this mean for you as a SUPERBOX customer?
If you use SUPERBOX packaging for your products, you, as a packaging user or a supplier placing products on the market, will also have to comply with the PPWR requirements.
This means that packaging will have to meet established requirements regarding material composition, restrictions on hazardous substances, recyclability, proper labeling, and the reduction of excessive packaging. The packaging must be no larger than necessary to protect and transport the product, and excessive empty space must be reduced as much as safe product packaging allows.
SUPERBOX constantly monitors updates to the PPWR requirements and aims to ensure that the packaging we offer complies with the current European Union regulations.