PPWR · EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Comply with PPWR before 12 August.

Centralize packaging registration, recyclability scoring and reporting in a single platform. Operational in 1-2 weeks, no consultants required.

  • Automated packaging registration in every EU country
  • A-E recyclability scoring per SKU following PPWR criteria
  • Audit-ready reporting for national and international authorities
  • ERP integration: enter your data once, reuse it everywhere
  • Avoid fines of up to 4% of your annual revenue per EU country

Trusted by 2,000+ companies

ABB
Ajinomoto
Eiffage
KLN
Pepe Jeans
Sabadell
Valeo

PPWR key deadlines

The timeline is progressive, but the obligations start now.

  1. 12 Feb 2025 PPWR enters into force (EU Regulation 2025/40)
  2. 12 Aug 2026 Start of general application
  3. 2028 Recyclability scoring becomes mandatory
  4. 2030 Minimum recycled content in plastics

Penalties can reach up to 4% of your annual revenue, applied per country.

What PPWR changes for your business

Four new obligations affecting anyone placing packaging on the EU market.

01

National packaging registration

Each EU Member State can require registration of the packaging you place on its national market.

02

Design and recyclability

Every piece of packaging needs a recyclability grade (A-E) calculated using the PPWR methodology.

03

Minimum recycled content

Mandatory minimum recycled material in plastic packaging starting in 2030.

04

Mandatory annual reporting

Verifiable data submitted to national authorities and the European Commission every year.

Who PPWR affects

Applies to almost any company placing packaged goods on the EU market. Pick your sector to see the details.

Food and beverage producers and distributors

The sector with the highest volume of primary and secondary packaging. Bottles, cans, trays, films, cardboard packs. PPWR requires per-SKU recyclability scoring, minimum recycled content in plastics, and weight reduction per unit sold.

Packaging types affected:

  • PET and glass bottles
  • Aluminium and steel cans
  • Multi-material trays
  • Flexible films

Retail chains, fashion and home e-tailers

PPWR covers every sales unit and transport pack you ship. That includes carrier bags, shipping boxes, textile polybags and promotional packaging. Every SKU must carry its recyclability grade.

Packaging types affected:

  • Shipping boxes and mailers
  • Textile polybags
  • In-store carrier bags
  • Hangers and tags

Cosmetics, perfumery and drugstore

Complex multi-material packaging (glass plus dispenser pump plus secondary box) that typically scores poorly on recyclability. PPWR pushes redesign of low-scoring formats and forces brands to justify the materials chosen.

Packaging types affected:

  • Glass jars and bottles
  • Flexible tubes
  • Folding cartons
  • Pumps and valves

Online sellers, marketplaces and fulfilment

From 2030 PPWR caps empty space in shipping boxes at 40%. It also applies to marketplaces acting as de facto importers when the seller is based outside the EU.

Packaging types affected:

  • Corrugated cardboard boxes
  • Void fill material
  • Padded mailers
  • Tape and seals

Logistics operators and 3PLs

Transport packaging (pallets, stretch films, corner protectors, reusable boxes) falls under PPWR. 3PLs are accountable to their customers for the scoring and traceability of the packaging they handle.

Packaging types affected:

  • Wooden and plastic pallets
  • Stretch and shrink films
  • Reusable boxes
  • Labels and seals

Pharma, OTC and medical devices

Packaging is also regulated for health safety, but PPWR still applies. The challenge: justify non-recyclable materials driven by parallel regulatory requirements and prove the scoring on secondary and tertiary packaging.

Packaging types affected:

  • PVC/Aluminium blisters
  • Secondary cardboard boxes
  • Paper leaflets
  • Sterile primary packaging

How Dcycle solves PPWR end to end

01

Automated packaging data collection

Connect your ERPs, invoices and product specs. Dcycle classifies every packaging item automatically, applies the right factors and leaves the data ready for reporting.

02

Per-SKU recyclability scoring

Automatic A-E grading following the PPWR methodology for every SKU in your catalogue. No spreadsheets, no external consultants.

03

Audit-ready reports for national and international audits

Every data point with its source document, change history and approval chain. Ready for national audits in each EU Member State and international audits by the European Commission, with nothing extra to chase.

Official Dcycle guide

Download the PPWR 2026 guide

Everything your business needs to know to comply with PPWR before 12 August. Country-by-country deadlines, obligations by packaging type, recyclability scoring, and how it fits with CSRD and ESRS.

Download free guide

Free · 32 pages · PDF · 2026 edition

PPWR 2026 ultimate guide cover by Dcycle

Frequently asked questions about PPWR

Which companies does PPWR apply to?

Any company placing packaging on the EU market: producers, importers, distributors, and e-commerce platforms. It does not depend on where the company is based, but on the market where the packaging is sold.

When does it enter into force?

PPWR (EU Regulation 2025/40) entered into force on 12 February 2025. General application starts on 12 August 2026, with progressive deadlines through 2040 for different obligations.

What penalties can apply for non-compliance?

Penalties are set by each Member State but can reach up to 4% of the company's annual revenue, applied per country. Authorities can also ban non-compliant packaging from the market.

Does it apply if I sell across several EU countries?

Yes. PPWR is a directly applicable EU regulation, but each Member State keeps its own register and national reporting system. With Dcycle you manage every country from a single platform.

How does PPWR fit with CSRD and ESRS?

PPWR generates packaging and recyclability data that is directly reusable in your CSRD report (especially under ESRS E5: resource use and circular economy). With Dcycle, a single dataset feeds every framework.

How fast can I be operational with Dcycle?

In 1-2 weeks from contract signature. We connect your systems, import your packaging catalogue and leave the recyclability scoring live. You do not need a multi-month project with external consultants.

How is pricing structured?

Pricing scales with packaging volume and the number of countries you operate in. During the demo we give you a fixed quote tailored to your situation, with no surprises.

Talk to an expert

Talk to a PPWR expert

In 30 minutes we show you how Dcycle automates PPWR compliance using the data you already have in your business.

  • Diagnosis of your current packaging
  • A plan to meet PPWR without rework
  • A free 30-minute call, no commitment

Ready to solve PPWR for good?

Request a personalized demo and we will show you in under 30 minutes how Dcycle automates PPWR compliance end to end.

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