PPWR Compliance Guide
New EU Packaging Rules (PPWR): What Brands Need to Know Before August 2026
If you sell packaged products into the EU, packaging rules are changing. Some national requirements already apply today, and a new EU-wide regulation will apply from 12 August 2026.
What is PPWR?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is the EU's new framework for packaging sustainability. It replaces the existing Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) with directly applicable rules across all member states.
Who it applies to:
- Brands placing packaged products on the EU market
- Importers and distributors
- E-commerce sellers shipping to EU consumers
- Manufacturers of packaging materials
What it covers:
- Labelling and marking requirements
- Packaging minimisation principles
- Recyclability and reuse targets
- Documentation and compliance evidence
What's already enforced today?
While PPWR's general application begins in August 2026, several EU countries have already implemented mandatory packaging labelling rules.
France
Triman + Info-Tri — mandatory for household packaging
- Triman logo indicates the product is subject to sorting rules
- Info-Tri provides specific sorting instructions for each packaging component
- Must appear on the packaging itself (not just documentation)
- Templates available from Citeo/Adelphe
Note: The European Commission has challenged France's national approach, but Triman and Info-Tri remain required in practice today.
Italy
Environmental labelling — mandatory since January 2023
- Material identification codes required (using Decision 97/129/EC system, e.g., PET 01, PAP 21)
- Disposal/sorting information for consumers
- Applies to all packaging placed on the Italian market
Spain
Disposal fraction marking — mandatory since 1 January 2025
- Household packaging must indicate the disposal fraction/container
- Format is flexible (icons or text acceptable)
- Requirement under Royal Decree 1055/2022, Article 13
Germany
- Material identification codes are voluntary (Decision 97/129/EC)
- Main compliance burden is EPR registration, not on-pack labelling
- Less complex for labelling than France or Italy
Ireland
- No mandatory consumer sorting label system today
- Material codes optional
- EPR obligations handled through Repak
What changes under PPWR (from August 2026)?
The PPWR introduces EU-wide requirements that will apply alongside existing national rules:
Key changes coming:
- Labelling harmonisation: Common labelling formats expected (delegated acts pending). QR codes may replace some multilingual text requirements.
- Packaging minimisation: Sales packaging must be "minimum necessary" while maintaining functionality. Grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging subject to a 50% empty space cap (implementation expected by 2030).
- Documentation requirements: Compliance documentation for recyclability claims. Technical files for packaging placed on the market.
- Reuse and recyclability targets: Phased targets for reusable packaging in certain sectors. All packaging must be recyclable by specified dates.
The detailed implementing rules are still being finalised through delegated acts.
Why this is difficult for brands
If you're reading this and feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone.
The problem:
- Fragmented rules — France, Italy, and Spain have different requirements, formats, and timelines
- No single source of truth — information is scattered across national legislation, PRO guidance, and industry interpretations
- Supplier pressure — retailers and platforms are asking for compliance documentation that many brands can't provide
- Cost — traditional compliance consulting charges thousands per SKU, which doesn't scale for brands with large product ranges
Common questions we hear:
"Does PPWR apply to me?"
If you place packaging on the EU market, yes.
"Am I already non-compliant?"
If you sell in France, Italy, or Spain without the required markings, potentially yes.
"What happens if I ignore this?"
Penalties vary by country, but non-compliance can mean fines, product withdrawal, or retailer delisting.
How PPWR Copilot helps
We built PPWR Copilot to solve a specific problem: generating country-specific compliance documentation quickly and affordably.
What it does:
- Generates compliance dossiers for all 27 EU member states + UK
- Identifies required labelling elements by country
- Calculates empty space ratios for packaging minimisation assessment
- Outputs PDF documentation for suppliers, retailers, and internal records
What it doesn't do:
- Provide legal advice (we're a tool, not lawyers)
- Replace the need for professional review on complex cases
- Guarantee regulatory approval (no software can)
Who it's for:
- Brands with multiple SKUs selling into EU markets
- Compliance and packaging teams needing documentation at scale
- Companies currently paying consultants and looking for a faster alternative
Get started
PPWR Copilot offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card required. Generate up to 5 compliance dossiers during the trial.
Start Free TrialThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may change as implementing legislation is finalised. Last reviewed: February 2026.
Questions?
If you have questions about EU packaging compliance or want to discuss your specific situation, email sean@ppwrcopilot.com.