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HomePackaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
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Regulation (EU) 2025/40 establishes a harmonised legal framework for packaging and packaging waste across the European Union. Its primary objective is to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market while significantly reducing the environmental and health impacts associated with packaging throughout its life cycle. By replacing Directive 94/62/EC, this regulation introduces clearer, stricter, and more uniform requirements for all economic operators and Member States, fostering a transition towards a circular economy. The scope of the Regulation is comprehensive. It applies to all packaging placed on the EU market, whether empty or filled, regardless of the material used, and whether produced within the Union or imported from third countries. It also covers all packaging waste generated within the EU. Packaging is defined broadly, as any item intended for containment, protection, handling, delivery, or presentation of products, including its components. However, items that form an integral part of a product and are disposed of together with it are excluded. Through these provisions, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 seeks to harmonise national measures on packaging, prevent market fragmentation, and promote sustainable practices. It introduces obligations such as recyclability and reuse targets, restrictions on hazardous substances, and requirements for eco-friendly design and labelling. In doing so, it not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also creates a level playing field for businesses operating across multiple Member States
- Published:
- Corporate author(s): Directorate-General for Environment (European Commission)
- Themes: Environment policy and protection of the environment , Environmental regulations
- Subject: environmental protection , harmonisation of standards , labelling , packaging , plastic waste , waste management , waste recycling
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| ISSN | ISBN 978-92-68-37678-2 | DOI 10.2779/6056528 | Catalogue number KH-01-26-006-EN-N |
- Released on EU publications website:
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