Packaging and Packaging Waste
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was adopted by the European Parliament and came into force on 11 February 2025 and will begin to apply from 12 August 2026. PPWR has replaced the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD).
The regulation is designed to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability and drive a more circular economy across packaging.
PPWR will see a shift in how packaging is regulated, moving from a waste-focused framework to one that places greater responsibility on design, production and upfront compliance.
Much of PPWR will apply in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. This Commission Notice specifies the parts of the regulation including reuse, Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) and Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) - that will not apply in Northern Ireland.
| Applicable to NI | Not applicable to NI |
| Recyclability of packaging | Re-use and refill targets |
| Labelling | EPR & DRS obligations |
| Restrictions on single-use packaging | Recycling targets |
The regulation introduces a phased implementation framework, meaning that obligations will not all apply all at once.
Requirements will come into force progressively between 2026 and 2030 and in some cases up to 2040. The earlier provisions focus on compliance, documentation and preparatory measures.
Who is affected?
The rules apply to businesses placing packaging on the Northern Ireland or EU markets, and do not apply to packaging placed on the market in England, Scotland or Wales.
Packaging first placed on the Northern Ireland or EU markets from 12th August 2026 must meet the requirements that apply from that date which includes substances in packaging and reusable packaging.
A decision on whether to align with the PPWR across the UK has not yet been taken but a formal consultation process to consider regulatory consistency is being planned.
Contact: singleuseplastics@daera-ni.gov.uk
Useful links:
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
EU guidance document on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
EU FAQ on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
If you export to the EU, you may wish to respond to the European Commission’s consultation on the draft implementing rules for national registers of producers. The consultation is open until 10 September 2026 and can be found via the link below:
EU Commission consultation – Rules on national registers of producers