What does PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) mean?
The new European Packaging Regulation – Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, also known as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – was adopted on 19 December 2024 as part of the European Green Deal and entered into force on 11 February 2025.
Most of its provisions will apply from 12 August 2026. The aim is to make packaging more sustainable, promote recycling and strengthen the circular economy across Europe.
PPWR briefly explained: Who issues which declaration?
There are two levels. First, the food conformity (EU 1935/2004, EU 10/2011) – this is declared by the manufacturer of the item (e.g. bucket, cup). Second, the PPWR – the declaration for the final product is issued by the producer (filler/brand owner). As a distributor, we ensure proper documentation and provide the manufacturer’s evidence.
| Area | Who is responsible? | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Food conformity (EU 1935/2004, EU 10/2011) | Manufacturer | Provides the DoC (Declaration of Conformity) and test reports. |
| PPWR (final product) | Producer (filler/brand owner) | Creates the PPWR declaration based on the manufacturer’s documentation. |
| Distributor (Bikapack) | Documentation & forwarding | We review, archive and pass on the manufacturer’s documentation. |
| Shipping packaging (e.g. carton for partial quantities) | Bikapack | Own packaging level: compliant materials & licensing in AT (ARA/Reclay). |
FAQ – the 3 most common questions
| 1. Do I need a PPWR declaration from the distributor? No. The PPWR declaration for the final product is created by the producer (your company). We provide the required manufacturer documentation. |
| 2. What do I receive from Bikapack? Food DoC (EU 1935/2004, EU 10/2011) plus technical evidence (e.g. PFAS/heavy metals, recyclability) from the manufacturer. |
| 3. Trade names / internal designations? Our products may carry trade names or internal designations (e.g. product line names). The original manufacturer remains documented – the DoC continues to come from the manufacturer. |
Note: Legal texts & detailed evidence are available on request. For the final product, the producer prepares the PPWR declaration based on the manufacturer’s documentation.
Key Elements of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation)
The PPWR replaces the previous EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC and, as a regulation, will apply directly in all Member States. Its goal is to reduce waste, promote recycling, and establish sustainable packaging solutions across the EU.
| Old Directive (94/62/EC) | New Regulation (PPWR) |
|---|---|
| Only framework requirements; national transposition required | Directly applicable EU law without national transposition |
| Diverging national recycling targets | Harmonised EU-wide recycling and recycled-content targets |
| Few concrete design and material requirements | Mandatory Design for Recycling & Reuse provisions |
| No uniform labelling obligations | EU-wide harmonised labelling & symbol requirements |
| Recyclability not clearly defined | Binding criteria for recyclability & recycled-content use |
| Limited rules for reusable packaging | Promotion and, in parts, obligations for reuse quotas |
| Only general producer responsibility | Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with reporting duties |
Implementation is expected to start gradually from 2026, with transition periods until 2030. Packaging manufacturers and placing-on-the-market entities should review portfolios early for recyclability, material efficiency, and documentation.