What exactly does PPWR actually mean?
The new European Packaging Regulation – the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), officially Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – is part of the European Green Deal and entered into force on 11 February 2025.
The new requirements will be introduced gradually. Initial key provisions will apply from 12 August 2026, while additional obligations and transition periods will follow until 2030 and beyond. The aim of the regulation is to make packaging more sustainable, promote recycling and further strengthen the circular economy across Europe.
PPWR briefly explained: Responsibilities within the supply chain
The PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) defines different responsibilities for the economic operators involved in the packaging supply chain. Depending on the specific role, manufacturers, importers, distributors, companies placing packaging on the market and fillers may each have different regulatory obligations.
For food contact packaging, compliance with Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 and, where applicable, Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 remains highly relevant. The related documentation is generally prepared by the packaging manufacturer based on the respective materials and intended use.
As a distributor of packaging products, Bikapack focuses in particular on documentation management, traceability, supplier communication and the forwarding of relevant information within the supply chain.
| Area | Primary responsibility | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Food contact compliance (EC 1935/2004 / EU 10/2011) |
Packaging manufacturer | The manufacturer generally provides Declarations of Conformity (DoC), specifications and supporting technical documentation for the respective packaging item. |
| PPWR conformity (packaging requirements) |
Manufacturer / economic operator depending on role | Responsibilities may vary depending on the packaging type, supply chain structure and market placement model. Additional requirements are gradually introduced through implementing and delegated acts. |
| Distributor (Bikapack) |
Documentation, verification & information flow | Bikapack collects, reviews and archives available supplier and manufacturer documentation and forwards relevant information within the supply chain. |
| Traceability | All relevant economic operators | Products, suppliers and batches should remain traceable within the supply chain through internal systems and documentation processes. |
| Own shipping packaging (e.g. cartons, repacking, partial quantities) |
Bikapack | For packaging used within Bikapack’s own shipping and logistics processes, Bikapack is responsible for the respective packaging level and related documentation where applicable. |
FAQ – the 3 most common questions
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1. Do I always need a PPWR declaration directly from the distributor? Not necessarily. Depending on the packaging type and supply chain structure, relevant documentation is generally prepared by the manufacturer or the responsible economic operator. Bikapack provides available supplier and manufacturer documentation and supports the required information flow within the supply chain. |
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2. What documentation can Bikapack provide? Depending on product availability and supplier information, Bikapack can provide food contact declarations, technical data sheets, specifications, certificates and additional available information regarding topics such as PFAS, BPA, heavy metals, recyclability or recycled content. |
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3. Trade names / internal designations? Products may carry trade names, internal article descriptions or customer-specific identifiers. The relevant manufacturer and the available technical documentation remain internally assigned and traceable through the corresponding systems and processes. |
Note: Regulatory requirements under the PPWR are being introduced gradually and further specified through additional implementing and delegated acts. Available documentation and information are therefore subject to continuous review and ongoing updates within the supply chain.
Key Contents of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation)
The PPWR (“Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation”), officially Regulation (EU) 2025/40, replaces the previous EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC and applies directly in all EU Member States as a regulation. Its objective is to reduce packaging waste, promote recycling and further strengthen the circular economy within the European Union.
| Previous Directive (94/62/EC) | New Regulation (PPWR) |
|---|---|
| Only framework requirements, national implementation necessary | Directly applicable EU law without national implementation |
| Different national recycling targets | EU-wide harmonized requirements for recyclability and recycled content |
| Limited specific design and material requirements | Mandatory requirements for Design for Recycling and partially for reuse systems |
| No uniform labeling requirements | EU-wide harmonized labeling and information requirements |
| Recyclability not clearly defined | Binding criteria for recyclability and recycled material usage |
| Limited regulations for reusable packaging | Promotion and partially mandatory reuse and refill quotas |
| Only general producer responsibility | Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with additional documentation and reporting obligations |
| No PFAS-specific packaging regulations | Additional requirements for certain packaging applications related to PFAS |
The new requirements will be introduced gradually. Initial key provisions will apply from August 12, 2026, while additional obligations and transition periods will follow until 2030 and beyond. Packaging manufacturers and distributors placing packaging on the market should review their product portfolios at an early stage with regard to recyclability, material efficiency, labeling obligations and documented compliance verification.