EU Commission Publishes Guidance on New Packaging and Packaging Waste Rules

On 30 March 2026, the European Commission released comprehensive guidance to support the uniform implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) across the European Union, aiming to create a more sustainable, competitive and harmonised packaging sector.

The guidance clarifies key aspects of the PPWR — which introduces stricter sustainability requirements — to help Member States and economic operators interpret and comply with the new rules, particularly where previous ambiguity existed in the legal text. It is designed to reduce administrative burdens and promote greater regulatory coherence throughout the Single Market by providing practical examples and detailed explanations on areas such as design for recyclability, reuse targets, restrictions on single-use packaging, and the enforcement of PFAS limits in food contact packaging.

The document also includes guidance on extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations and the establishment of deposit and return systems for packaging waste, which are central to improving recycling rates and reducing the volume of waste entering landfills or the environment. With packaging waste per capita high in the EU, the guidance seeks to support the transition to a circular economy and help economic actors anticipate and prepare for the full application of the regulation’s provisions.

This regulatory clarification represents a key step towards common EU packaging standards, encouraging consistency in enforcement and helping businesses and Member States adapt to evolving sustainability requirements.

Source: European Commission