Knowledge!

EU has adopted a new regulation on packaging and packaging waste, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The aim is to reduce packaging waste, increase reuse and recycling, and create more resource-efficient and circular packaging across the EU.

PPWR entered into force on February 11, 2025, and will begin to apply generally on August 12, 2026. Many of the more detailed requirements will then be introduced gradually over the coming years.

For Blue & Green, PPWR means an increased focus on our packaging, the information we have about it and the opportunity to document that applicable requirements are met.

PPWR regulates the packaging – not the product in it

An important difference is that PPWR places demands on the packaging itself. It therefore does not matter whether the packaging contains a cleaning agent, cosmetics, food, electronics or any other product. If a package or a packaged product is placed on the EU market, the packaging is subject to PPWR.

The regulations include requirements for:

• that the weight and volume of the packaging should be minimized to what is necessary for it to be able to fulfil its function
• increased recyclability and requirements for packaging to be designed for recycling
• minimum recycled content in some plastic packaging
• increased reuse of certain types of packaging
• restrictions on certain substances in packaging materials;
• harmonised labelling and information on packaging
• documentation showing that the packaging complies with the applicable requirements.

The requirements will be introduced gradually and several details will be specified through complementary EU rules and standards.

Documentation is becoming increasingly important

One of the major changes is that companies must be able to show that their packaging meets the requirements that apply. Depending on the packaging and the requirements that apply, the documentation may include, among other things:

• EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
• Technical documentation
• information on materials and material composition
• descriptions of the construction and function of the packaging
• calculations, assessments and test results proving that the applicable requirements are met.

PPWR thus effectively turns the packaging into a regulated product whose conformity must be proven by documentation.

Who is responsible for ensuring that the requirements are met?

A common misconception is that the responsibility always lies with the company that manufactures the bottle, canister or carton itself. That is not the case. The PPWR allocates obligations between different economic operators, including manufacturers, importers and distributors.

Companies that have a package or packaged product manufactured and sell it under their own name or brand name can be subject to the manufacturer’s obligations under the PPWR.

For companies that work with private labels, it is therefore important to clarify the division of responsibilities and ensure that the necessary information and documentation can be transferred through the supply chain.

How does Blue & Green work with PPWR?

At Blue & Green, we have begun the work of preparing the business for PPWR. Among other things, we work with mapping our packaging and packaging components, collecting technical information from our suppliers and building up documentation and traceability for the packaging used for our products.

We are also following the development of standards and supplementary EU rules that will gradually specify several of the PPWR’s requirements. Since Blue & Green manufactures products both under its own brand and as a private label, the flow of information between our packaging suppliers, us and our customers is becoming increasingly important.

Our goal is to have good control over the packaging we use and to be able to provide our customers with relevant and accurate information for their work with PPWR.

A regulatory framework that changes the perception of packaging

The PPWR is one of the biggest changes to EU packaging legislation in many years. The requirements are being introduced gradually, but the direction is clear: less packaging waste, better recyclability, increased use of recycled materials and better documentation.

For many companies, the biggest change will therefore not only be choosing the right packaging, but also being able to show that the packaging meets the requirements that apply.

Disclaimer
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