As a global leader in industrial packaging, Greif remains committed to sustainability and helping customers navigate evolving regulatory requirements. One of the most significant packaging regulations affecting the European market is the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This page provides an overview of the regulation, key requirements, implementation timelines, and resources to support understanding of its potential impact on packaging design, manufacturing, distribution, and end-of-life management.

Please note that this information does not constitute legal, regulatory, or packaging advice. It is intended as a general, non-exhaustive summary of the PPWR based on publicly available information. Customers should consult relevant EU and national authorities, legal counsel, and their own regulatory compliance teams to assess obligations specific to their circumstances.

This page was last updated in July 2026.

מה זה PPWR? 

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is an EU-wide regulation designed to reduce packaging waste, increase packaging circularity, promote reuse, and improve recyclability across all packaging materials. Unlike the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, the PPWR applies directly across all EU Member States, creating a more harmonized regulatory framework for packaging placed on the EU market.

The regulation introduces a broad range of requirements and targets, including waste reduction measures, design-for-recycling requirements, reuse and refill targets, minimum recycled content requirements for certain plastic packaging, harmonized labeling requirements, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions that encourage more sustainable packaging choices.

The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025 and generally applies from 12 August 2026, with additional requirements and performance targets being phased in through 2030, 2035, and 2040. The European Commission continues to develop implementing measures, technical guidance, and delegated acts that further define specific obligations under the regulation. As a result, businesses should continue monitoring regulatory developments and assess how evolving requirements may impact their packaging portfolios, operations, and compliance strategies.