Industry & innovation insights

PPWR and packaging documentation: what should businesses check?

Published:2026-04-07

Updated: 2026-10-08

PPWR began to apply on 12 August 2026. Check requirements by packaging category, market and planned placing-on-the-market date.

Shopping bags application illustration
Material example

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) began to apply on 12 August 2026. It is no longer a draft. Requirements are introduced in phases; they do not all apply on the same date and do not amount to a blanket ban on conventional plastic packaging.

Food-contact packaging and PFAS

From that date, food-contact packaging containing PFAS above the regulatory limits cannot be placed on the EU market. Composition, coatings, additives and relevant testing need review. Compostable or bio-based descriptions alone do not establish compliance with these limits.

Prepare information for the specific packaging

  • Identify category, intended use, target market and planned market date.
  • Collect composition details, supplier declarations and applicable test documents.
  • Check food-contact, labeling, recycling or composting requirements separately.
  • Review implementation dates, subsequent rules and market-specific requirements.

Compostability is not a universal compliance route for packaging. Green Free Plast can provide grade-specific technical information to support assessment. The finished packaging, use and applicable rules remain part of the final compliance review. Updated in October 2026; the regulatory source is listed below.

Start evaluating your material solution

Tell us your product, converting conditions, and target market. We will match materials, samples, and technical support.