PPWR | Reliable Packaging Solutions for Food, Beverage, and Pharmaceutical Industries
Understanding EU Packaging Requirements and Preparing Materials Design and ProductionThe EU PPWR introduces new requirements for packaging materials, design and end-of-life management. Brands, manufacturers and packaging suppliers exporting to the EU need to review packaging structures, recycled material use and supporting documentation alongside product protection and production efficiency. Benison is a high-quality Shrink Packaging, Shrink Tamper Band, Packaging Lines, Packaging Machines, Packaging Material, Automatic Packaging Machines, Packaging Film, Laminated Materials, Automatic Production Line manufacturer from Taiwan since 1962. 60 years professional experience in packaging industry and total 400 workers locating in Taiwan's headquarters and three overseas branches of China, Philippines and Thailand. Also Benison has distributors around the world more than 50 countries to provide 24 hours service every day.
PPWR
PPWR EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Understanding EU Packaging Requirements and Preparing Materials Design and Production
The EU PPWR introduces new requirements for packaging materials, design and end-of-life management. Brands, manufacturers and packaging suppliers exporting to the EU need to review packaging structures, recycled material use and supporting documentation alongside product protection and production efficiency.
｜What Is PPWR
PPWR is the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40. It covers the entire packaging life cycle, from design, production and use to end-of-life management.
The regulation aims to reduce unnecessary packaging, improve recyclability, increase recycled material use and promote reuse. It applies from 12 August 2026, with individual requirements phased in under the relevant provisions. Companies exporting to the EU should assess material structures, recycling conditions and supporting documentation alongside product protection, presentation and production efficiency.
｜Which Packaging and Businesses Should Consider PPWR
PPWR applies to all packaging placed on the EU market, including plastic, paper, metal and glass. Applicable requirements should be checked for both empty packaging and packaging imported into the EU with products.
Businesses in food, beverages, supplements, cosmetics, household goods, electronics and industrial products should identify their supply chain responsibilities based on brand ownership and actual supply arrangements:
● Own-brand exporters: Determine whether you are a manufacturer under the regulation and identify the packaging assessments and documentation for which you are responsible.
● OEM / ODM manufacturers: Agree on specifications, documentation and contractual responsibilities with brand customers, and provide the necessary information.
● Packaging and material suppliers: Provide manufacturers with the information and evidence needed to demonstrate that materials meet applicable requirements.
A company may hold several roles. Responsibilities should be determined for each product and transaction.
｜What Are the Main PPWR Requirements for Packaging
1. Assess the Recyclability of the Complete Package
Design for recycling must consider the complete package, including the main material, labels, inks, adhesives and other components, as well as collection, sorting and recycling conditions after disposal. Mono-material structures can be an assessment option, but a material name alone does not demonstrate that the complete package meets the requirements.
2. Check Recycled Plastic Content by Packaging Category
Minimum recycled content requirements for plastic packaging are based on post-consumer plastic waste, with targets and exemptions varying by packaging category. Companies should verify recycled material sources, content calculations and traceability. Food-contact applications must also comply with the relevant safety rules.
3. Reduce Unnecessary Weight Volume and Empty Space
Packaging weight and volume should be reduced while maintaining essential protection, transport and hygiene functions. Assessment can cover film thickness, pack dimensions, coverage and filling materials. Grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging have additional empty-space requirements that must be checked against the applicable conditions.
4. Check Substance Restrictions and Food-Contact Requirements
The combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium in packaging and its components must generally not exceed 100 mg/kg, subject to statutory exemptions. Food-contact packaging is also subject to PFAS concentration limits. Assessment should cover the materials and components actually used.
5. Prepare Labels Technical Documentation and a Declaration of Conformity
According to their responsibilities and the applicable dates, manufacturers must carry out conformity assessment, prepare technical documentation and issue an EU Declaration of Conformity. Supplier material information and evidence form part of the basis for this documentation. A general commitment statement must still be checked for the specifications, uses and evidence it covers.
6. Check Reuse Requirements and Specific Packaging Restrictions
Some transport, grouped and beverage packaging is subject to reuse requirements, while certain single-use plastic packaging formats are restricted. First establish the actual use of the packaging, then check scope and exemptions. Promotional multipacks and packaging for handling protection, for example, require separate assessment.
7. Check EPR Obligations in Each Sales Country
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) covers the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling packaging after it becomes waste. Businesses meeting the definition of a producer should check registration, reporting and fee requirements in each sales country. Existing national rules remain applicable until the harmonised EU registration rules are fully implemented.
8. Check Compostability Requirements for Specific Packaging
Specific packaging, including beverage infusion bags and adhesive labels for fruit and vegetables, is subject to compostability requirements. Compostable, degradable and recyclable are different concepts. A material being degradable alone does not establish compliance with recycling requirements for other packaging.
Key PPWR Implementation Dates
| Date | Main Requirements and Preparation |
|---|---|
| 11 February 2025 | The regulation enters into force. |
| 12 August 2026 | The regulation starts to apply. Check substance restrictions, economic operator responsibilities, conformity assessment and related documentation. |
| From 2028 | Requirements for compostability of specific packaging, minimisation of empty space in sales packaging and material identification labels apply according to their respective schedules. |
| From 2029 | Monitor recycled content calculation and verification methods, and labelling requirements for reusable packaging. |
| From 2030 | Requirements for design for recycling and performance grades, minimum recycled content, packaging minimisation and restrictions on specific single-use packaging apply separately. |
| From 2035 | Further assess whether packaging meets recycled-at-scale requirements under actual collection, sorting and recycling conditions. |
| From 2038 | Recyclability requirements for applicable packaging increase to performance grade A or B. |
| From 2040 | Minimum recycled content targets for plastic packaging increase further, depending on packaging category and exemptions. |
This is a summary of key points. Check the legislation in force and subsequent delegated and implementing acts. For further details, refer to the full text of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste on EUR-Lex.
｜What Can Businesses Start Preparing Now
Mono-Material Packaging Options
Benison offers mono-material PP/PE flexible packaging. Materials and formats can be assessed against product barrier, shelf-life, heat-resistance and sealing requirements. Inks, adhesives and other components should also be included when reviewing the complete packaging structure.
Recycled Material Application Assessment
For PCR-rPET packaging, confirm material specifications based on product use and packaging needs. For each specification, clarify what information and supporting evidence can be provided on material sources and recycled content.
Material and Equipment Compatibility
Changes to packaging structure, thickness or dimensions can affect film feeding, film sealing, shrink appearance and production speed. Sample packaging trials help assess adjustments to settings, components or equipment so packaging changes suit actual production needs.
｜Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Using Mono-Materials or Adding PCR Mean Compliance with PPWR
The complete packaging structure, use, applicable dates and documentation still need to be checked. Recyclability and recycled content are separate requirements and do not replace obligations such as substance restrictions and labelling.
2. Is a Supplier Declaration Alone Sufficient
Check that the declaration covers the actual specifications and is supported by testing, material and traceability data. The responsible manufacturer must still complete the required conformity assessment and documentation.
3. Must Existing Equipment Be Replaced
First test the intended materials to check seal quality, shrink results and production speed. Then assess whether settings, components or equipment need to be adjusted.
｜Discuss Your Packaging Needs with Benison
Please complete the form and provide the information below so Benison can understand your packaging needs and production conditions.
Benison can assess material selection, packaging formats and equipment to help identify feasible adjustments.
For assessment recommendations please provide:
1. Product and packaging photos, food-contact requirements and storage conditions.
2. Current packaging structure, thickness, weight and components.
3. Equipment used, production capacity, sealing and shrinking conditions.
4. Available material specifications, test results and recycled content data.
Based on product characteristics and production needs, Benison can help assess material options, equipment compatibility and sample packaging trials. Compliance of individual packages must still be confirmed against actual specifications, uses and supporting evidence.
Recommendation of popular products, please see the product introducing pages for more details.
PPWR | Global Leader in High-Efficiency Packaging Machines and Materials
Established in 1962 and based in Taiwan, Benison & Co., Ltd. is a leading supplier of packaging solutions. We specialize in shrink packaging, heat shrink films, tamper-evident bands, and automated packaging machines for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Our products include horizontal flow wrappers, auto label sleeve applicators, and over-wrapping machines, all designed to enhance production efficiency and reliability.
Our expertise spans both packaging machinery and film production, offering industry-leading technology and eco-friendly solutions. Advanced heat shrink packaging machines and automatic shrink wrap systems ensure high efficiency and reliability for various industrial applications. Sustainable shrink films provide excellent product protection and presentation. Focused on innovation and comprehensive customer service, we attract international buyers seeking top-quality and reliable packaging solutions, reinforcing our position as a global leader in the packaging industry.
Benison has been offering customers high-quality heat shrink packaging and shrink wrap machines, both with advanced technology and 60 years of experience, Benison ensures each customer's demands are met.