European Commission Publishes Guidance to Support Implementation of New Packaging Rules

The European Commission has today published new guidance to support the implementation of the Regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), aiming to ensure a more sustainable and competitive packaging sector across the European Union.

The guidance is designed to clarify key provisions of the regulation and promote its consistent application across all Member States. By harmonising rules on packaging, the Commission seeks to improve the functioning of the EU single market while reducing administrative burdens for businesses and national authorities.

Packaging waste remains a significant environmental challenge. In 2023, each European generated an average of 178 kg of packaging waste. Without further action, total packaging waste could increase by 19% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, with plastic waste potentially rising by as much as 46%.

The newly published guidance addresses frequently asked questions from stakeholders and provides practical explanations of key concepts, such as:

• the definition of packaging,

• the roles and responsibilities of economic operators,

• and the application of reuse targets, including specific exemptions.

For example, certain small-scale distributors—such as micro-enterprises placing limited quantities of packaging on the market or operating in low-density areas—may benefit from exemptions from reuse obligations.

The Commission has also published a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to further assist stakeholders in understanding and applying the new rules in practice. These documents aim to facilitate compliance but do not modify or replace the legal provisions of the regulation.

The guidance will be translated into all official EU languages before its formal adoption.

Background

The Regulation on packaging and packaging waste has three main objectives:

1. To prevent and reduce packaging waste by limiting unnecessary packaging and promoting reuse and refill solutions;

2. To ensure all packaging on the EU market is recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030;

3. To reduce reliance on primary raw materials and strengthen markets for secondary raw materials, including through mandatory recycled content targets.

These measures form part of the EU’s broader efforts to advance the circular economy, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance resource efficiency across the Union.