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.
Unlike a Directive which requires countries to adapt it to its national laws, PPWR is an EU regulation and therefore will apply directly to Member States.
Under the Windsor Framework, PPWR will apply, in part, directly to Northern Ireland.
It is important to be aware of what requirements will apply to NI. More detail can be found via the EU Commission Notice and below is a brief overview of the key requirements:
| 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 early provisions focus on compliance, documentation and preparatory measures.
Useful links:
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
Guidance document on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)