The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into force in the European Union on 12 August. This regulation aims to reduce the amount of packaging waste and lower the costs incurred by manufacturers in complying with all EU requirements. Perhaps the most significant change is the stricter restrictions on the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in contact with food.
This was announced by the European Commission.
Comprehensiveness rather than fragmentation
The PPWR replaces the disparate standards that were previously in force across EU Member States. The new European regulations cover the entire ‘life cycle’ of packaging and provide greater legal certainty at every stage — from production to disposal.
Strict requirements for PFAS
The regulation clearly sets limits on the content of ‘forever chemicals’ that may be present in food packaging. If the concentration exceeds the limit, the use of such packaging on the EU market is prohibited.
These are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known for their long persistence and ability to penetrate ecosystems, causing adverse effects in humans and animals.
PFAS are often used to enhance the water- and grease-repellent properties of materials. This is why these compounds are frequently found in takeaway food containers, pizza boxes, baking paper, microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers.
"The new Regulation will help reduce waste, increase recycling, and make packaging that comes into contact with food safer for consumers by limiting harmful substances. At the same time, the new rules involve adaptation costs, so we have been working intensively with market operators to implement them in a pragmatic and non-bureaucratic way,” emphasised Jessica Roswall, Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.
Expected outcomes
The European Union had forecast that, if no action were taken, packaging waste would increase by 19 per cent by 2030, with plastic waste rising by as much as 46 per cent.
The PPWR is therefore a response to environmental challenges, which also have an impact on the bloc’s economy. Through this new standard, European lawmakers aim to halt the growth in packaging waste, promote efficiency in the waste value chain and help shape a circular economy.
As reported by Reuters, each European generates 180 kg of packaging waste annually. According to Eurostat, 35.3 kg of this waste consisted of plastic derived from fossil fuels. In 2023, only 42 per cent was sent for recycling.
Overall, the EU aims to reduce waste by 5 per cent by 2030 and by 15 per cent by 2040 compared to 2018 levels. Furthermore, it is taking measures to control waste exports.
In Ukraine, however, the drafting of legislation on packaging remains ‘stuck’ in ministerial offices. A working draft of the bill was presented in February 2026. Since then, the document has made no progress.
EcoPolitics covered these and other environmental reforms that have yet to be finalised in a separate article.
