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What role does CEN play in the context of the PPWR?

CEN (European Committee for Standardization) plays a key role in the technical implementation of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (Regulation (EU) 2025/40).

While the PPWR defines the legal framework and the general regulatory requirements, European standardisation organisations such as CEN develop technical standards and assessment methods to support the practical application of the regulation.

These include, among other topics, criteria and testing methods related to recyclability, Design for Recycling, recycled content, labelling, reuse systems and additional technical packaging requirements.

Many of these harmonised standards and technical specifications are being gradually developed and further refined in cooperation with the European Commission. As a result, certain regulatory requirements and assessment methodologies are still evolving.

CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
Technical standards in the context of the PPWR.
While the PPWR defines the legal framework and general requirements for packaging, European standardisation organisations such as CEN develop technical standards and assessment methods to support the practical application of these requirements.

Category Role Practical relevance for packaging
Legal framework The PPWR defines objectives and requirements such as recyclability, recycled content, labelling, reuse and Design for Recycling. CEN does not issue legislation, but develops technical standards that may support the assessment and practical implementation of these requirements.
Technical standards Development of harmonised European standards and technical specifications, including testing methods and assessment criteria. These standards can help define how requirements such as recyclability or packaging performance are assessed, documented and compared.
Influence on design Technical assessment methods may address aspects such as material combinations, separability of components and recycling performance. They can influence how packaging is designed in order to meet future PPWR-related requirements and market expectations.

Notes

  • The PPWR defines the legal requirements; CEN supports the development of technical assessment frameworks.
  • Future assessments of recyclability and related packaging requirements are expected to be increasingly based on harmonised European standards.
  • Mono-material plastic packaging can offer favourable conditions for sorting and mechanical recycling, depending on product design, material quality and recycling infrastructure.
  • Please always refer to the specific product design and the applicable regulatory framework.