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 replaced the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). The PPWR intends to reduce the use of single use plastics and mitigate the environmental impact of packaging, boosting the circular economy.
The PPWR will make amendments to the Single Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904 and is intended to increase recycling and reduce over-packaging resulting in plastic pollution.
The draft PPWR amends the SUP Directive to include additional banned SUP items of:
(i) the shrink wrap used in airports or train stations for wrapping luggage;
(ii) the polystyrene or other plastic chips that are used to protect packed goods during transport;
(iii) multi-pack plastic rings used as grouped packaging;
(iv) packaging for less than 1.5 kg pre-packed fresh fruit or vegetables;
(v) packaging for food and beverages filled and consumed within premises in a hotel, restaurant, and catering sectors;
(vi) packaging in the catering sectors containing individual portions or serving, such as coffer creamers, sugar or sauces and
(vii) packaging in hotels / accommodation intended for individual booking such as small shampoo bottles, lotion bottles etc.
There will be a phased introduction of the regulations with SUP items being banned in 2030.