Countdown to 12 August 2026: EU PPWR (EU) 2025/40 Goes Into Force — Is Your Plastic Bottle Packaging Ready?

As the 12 August 2026 application date approaches, the European Union‘s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is set to fully replace the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC). This regulation, which entered into force on 11 February 2025, will become directly applicable across all 27 EU Member States in August 2026, representing a fundamental shift in how plastic bottle packaging is designed, produced and labeled for the EU market.

On 30 March 2026, the European Commission published official implementation guidance to facilitate uniform application of the new rules, clarifying key compliance obligations for manufacturers, importers and economic operators that place packaging or packaged products from third countries onto the EU market.

Key compliance requirements for plastic bottle producers and exporters:

1. Mandatory recycled content targets
The PPWR establishes legally binding minimum percentages of post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging. For single-use plastic beverage bottles, the recycled content requirement is set at ≥30% by 2030 and ≥65% by 2040. For PET contact‑sensitive packaging (excluding single-use beverage bottles), the target is ≥30% by 2030 and ≥50% by 2040. Other plastic packaging must contain ≥35% recycled plastic by 2030 and ≥65% by 2040.

2. Heavy metal and PFAS substance restrictions
From 12 August 2026, packaging placed on the EU market cannot contain lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium exceeding a total concentration of 100 mg/kg. Additionally, for food-contact packaging, the PPWR imposes precise PFAS limits: 25 µg/kg for any individual PFAS by targeted analysis, 250 µg/kg for the sum of PFAS by targeted analysis, and 50 mg/kg for total PFAS including polymeric PFAS. Food-contact packaging containing PFAS above these limits will be prohibited on the EU market.

3. Recyclability performance grading
All packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable. Packaging will be classified as Grade A, B or C based on recyclability performance. Where a packaging unit has a recyclability performance grade below 70%, it will be considered technically non‑recyclable and may be restricted from market placement.

4. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and labelling obligations
Manufacturers and importers must register in national EPR registers in member states where packaging is placed on the market, report packaging volumes and pay waste management fees. From 2028, uniform labelling pictograms showing material composition for consumer sorting will be required, with digital information (e.g., QR codes) on reusable and compostable packaging from 2029. Reusable packaging will require specific labelling informing users of the reuse system and return points.

5. Packaging minimisation and empty space restrictions
From 2030, manufacturers and importers must ensure packaging weight and volume are reduced to the minimum necessary to maintain functionality, with empty space within packaging not exceeding 50% (e.g., space filled with paper or bubble wrap). Packaging designed with double walls, false bottoms or unnecessary layers will be prohibited.

From our side: How we support your compliance journey

As a dedicated supplier of plastic bottles, we have aligned our production process with these upcoming EU requirements. We are able to produce bottles with verified recycled content percentages, carry out substance testing to meet PFAS and heavy metal limits, and provide recyclability performance documentation. Our team can also assist with EPR registration for key EU markets and provide packaging labelling that meets the new harmonised standards. We welcome inquiries regarding your specific product requirements—please contact us for a customised compliance plan.