I. Core positioning and reform background of PPWR new regulations
Definition:
Packaging and packaging waste regulations (PPWR) is the European Union in January 2025 issued new legislation, designed to replace the implementation of 30 years of the packaging directive (94/62 / EC), through the whole life cycle of regulation to promote packaging industry to circular economy transformation, has unified legal applicability and enforced.
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Key facts:
Effective timeline: Effective on February 11, 2025, and fully implemented after an 18-month transition period (August 12, 2026).
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Environmental causes: The European Union generates 84 million tons of packaging waste each year, with an average of 188 kilograms per person. Only 38% of it is effectively recycled, and the problems of plastic pollution and resource waste are prominent.
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Regulatory upgrade: for the first time, the whole chain is covered (production-circulation-recycling), the whole subject is covered (manufacturers, importers, distributors, etc.), and the whole material is covered (paper, plastic, metal, etc.), ending the independent supervision mode of member states.
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Ii. Core regulatory requirements: Reshape industry rules in four dimensions
1. Recyclability and material control
Mandatory standards: A recyclability grading system will be implemented from 2030, and all packaging (except natural materials) must meet the basic requirements for recyclability.
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Ingredient identification: 42 months after the effective date (about 2028), all packaging must be clearly marked with material ingredients;The new list of restricted substances will be implemented by the end of 2026, with the total amount of heavy metals (lead + cadmium + mercury + hexavalent chromium) ≤100mg/kg, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) banned in food contact packaging.
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2. Packaging reduction and design optimization
Function minimization:?Since 2030, packaging to meet the product protection requirements under the premise of the volume and weight optimization, the manufacturer/importer liable compliance first.
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New regulations on e-commerce packaging: The gap ratio of combined packaging/transport packaging shall not exceed 50%, which directly impacts the current situation of excessive packaging in e-commerce.
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3. Single-use plastic bans and reuse targets
Scope of ban: Fresh fruit and
Vegetable Packaging, disposable plastic packaging for food and beverage takeaway (HORECA), disposable toiletries packaging for hotels, etc., will be completely banned from 2030.
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Reuse target: From 2030, the reuse rate of transportation/sales packaging should reach 40%, and the combined packaging should reach 10%, promoting the popularization of circular packaging mode.
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Iii. Industry impact: The chain reaction of the global industrial chain
Key trends
Regional differences: The EU market companies need to prioritize packaging design refactoring (e.g., reduction and replacement material), eu export enterprises face rising compliance costs, especially to rely on the eu market of asia-pacific manufacturing (such as China, southeast Asia electricity packaging suppliers) forming reversed transmission pressure.
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Technology transformation opportunities: The demand for degradable materials, modular packaging, and smart recycling marking technology is surging, and the global sustainable packaging market is expected to increase to more than 8% annual growth between 2025-2030.
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Cost transfer risk: The compliance cost of smes may increase by 15%-30%, and some enterprises may withdraw from the EU market because they cannot afford the cost of material upgrade and testing.
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Iv. Enterprise response strategy: transitional action framework
Packaging assessment:?Complete the compliance audit of recyclability, material composition and void ratio of existing product packaging within 6 months.
Design optimization: Simplify the packaging structure, use a single material instead of composite materials, and pilot a foldable and reusable packaging scheme.
Supply chain collaboration: Cooperate with material suppliers to develop cartons and paperboards with recycled content (such as high proportion recycled fiber required by the EU), and establish the whole chain traceability system.
Compliance team building: Set up an inter-departmental PPWR special team, focusing on the phased implementation of the material restriction list by the end of 2026 and the reduction target by 2030.
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V. Recommended Resources
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