Introduction – Why EU Packaging Rules Are Changing Everything
Packaging is everywhere. It protects products, extends shelf life, and delivers brand identity. But it also leaves behind a serious environmental burden. In 2022 alone, each EU citizen generated 186.5 kg of packaging waste. Over 40% of plastics used in the EU go into packaging, and packaging makes up half of marine litter found on European coastlines(Soure: European Commission).
The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which came into force in February 2025, aims to change that. Replacing the outdated Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), the PPWR introduces legally binding requirements for recyclability, waste reduction, and clearer product labeling. It marks a major policy shift from voluntary targets to enforceable standards, ushering in a new era for anyone placing packaging on the EU market.
But what does that actually mean for businesses using compostable and recyclable packaging? In this article, we break down what the regulation says, what it means for different industries, and how to future-proof your packaging choices.
What the PPWR Really Means for Packaging Buyers
1. Key Timelines and Legal Milestones
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Feb 11, 2025 | PPWR enters into force |
| Aug 12, 2026 | General application begins (18-month transition) |
| Feb 12, 2028 | Compostable plastic must not disrupt recycling |
| Jan 1, 2029 | Mandatory Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) on single-use bottles (plastic/metal ≤3L) |
| 2030 | All packaging must be recyclable |
| 2035 | Packaging must be recyclable at scale (widely collected & sorted) |
These milestones represent more than deadlines. They reflect a transition from a fragmented approach to packaging rules into a unified regulatory environment that places accountability directly on those who place packaging on the EU market. Producers will be expected to provide documentation, labeling, and verification—regardless of where the packaging was manufactured.
2. Recyclability Becomes the Norm
The PPWR’s core philosophy is that packaging should first and foremost be recyclable. This includes:
- Easy separation of materials
- Avoidance of toxic additives that hinder recycling
- Compatibility with current waste sorting infrastructure
Importantly, recyclability isn’t just about material type—it’s about performance in real-world conditions. Packaging must be demonstrated to be collected, sorted, and recycled at scale by 2035, or it may be banned from the market. Brands relying on multilayer materials, PE coatings, or hard-to-remove adhesives will need to rethink their packaging portfolios.
3. Compostable Packaging: Allowed, But Under Specific Conditions
Compostable packaging is not prohibited under the PPWR. However, because the regulation prioritizes recyclability, compostable formats are treated as exceptions and must meet specific criteria to be allowed. This does not mean compostable materials such as bagasse or bamboo are disallowed—rather, the regulation identifies certain product types that are explicitly exempted from the general recyclability requirement.
Compostable packaging formats exempted from the recyclability requirement include:
- Permeable tea and coffee bags
- Single-serve capsules (e.g., beverage pods)
- Very lightweight plastic carrier bags
- Sticky fruit and vegetable labels
These formats are allowed to remain compostable without needing to be recyclable, provided they:
- Are certified to EN 13432 (or equivalent for industrial composting)
- Meet home compostability standards where applicable
- Are clearly labeled with appropriate disposal instructions
Other types of compostable packaging—such as bagasse trays, bowls, or clamshells—are still permitted under PPWR but must align with broader environmental criteria and not hinder waste sorting or recycling systems. Starting February 2028, all biodegradable plastic packaging must also ensure it does not disrupt established recycling streams.
For example, a PLA clamshell box might be industrially compostable, but if it cannot be distinguished in sorting facilities, it could interfere with PET recycling and therefore become non-compliant.
These provisions reflect the EU’s cautious approach toward bioplastics. While they can play a role in niche formats, the EU’s end goal is a circular packaging economy based primarily on reuse and recycling.
Country-Specific Highlights: France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands
France
France has taken a strong stance on compostability labeling. Under its existing AGEC Law:
- Industrial compostable products cannot be labeled as “compostable”
- Home compostability is the only accepted basis for making compost claims
- Enforcement has already begun targeting greenwashing, including for imported goods
France also repealed its EPS packaging ban in 2025 to avoid conflict with EU harmonization but plans to revisit restrictions by 2030.
Germany
Germany’s existing VerpackG law already emphasizes EPR, recyclability, and detailed reporting. The transition to PPWR involves:
- Phasing in EU-wide labeling formats by 2028
- Expanding obligations for foreign importers and digital platforms
- Further alignment with pan-EU recyclability benchmarks
Italy
Italy must reconcile its CONAI system with the PPWR. Key impacts include:
- Overhaul of eco-modulated fees
- Alignment of reuse targets (especially for transport packaging)
- New enforcement powers for Italian EPR consortia
Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for progressive environmental policy and will:
- Prioritize digital waste tracking systems
- Focus enforcement on high-impact sectors like agriculture and retail
- Move quickly on reporting obligations starting in 2026
Market Impact: Innovation and Urgency
The market’s response to the PPWR reflects both opportunity and challenge.
Innovation Driven by Regulation
Many major FMCG brands view the regulation as an accelerator for circular economy goals:
- Shifting to mono-material packaging
- Reducing material complexity
- Eliminating substances of concern
In parallel, packaging manufacturers are racing to develop compliant formats. Molded fiber, paper-based barrier alternatives, and bio-based coatings that are recyclable are gaining significant ground.
Cost and Compliance Pressures
- SMEs and foodservice operators are struggling with increased compliance documentation, labeling changes, and uncertainty about compostability claims
- Cross-border sellers face inconsistent enforcement until 2028 when full harmonization is expected
- Packaging portfolio reviews are now essential for any business wanting to maintain EU access
A key industry concern is the lack of widespread composting infrastructure in certain EU regions. When compostable packaging—especially bioplastics—is not properly collected and processed, it may end up in general waste streams. However, fiber-based compostable packaging like molded bagasse trays and clamshells is often better recognized and accepted in organic waste systems, particularly where separate biowaste collection is in place. Businesses must ensure that compostable formats are not only certified but also aligned with local waste infrastructure to realize their environmental benefits and maintain consumer trust.
InNature Pack’s Solutions for a PPWR-Compliant Future
At InNature Pack, we go beyond simply making eco-friendly packaging. We actively align our offerings with evolving policy landscapes across the EU.
Certified Compostable, Fiber-Based Packaging
- EN13432-certified plates, bowls, clamshells, trays
- Plastic-free, oil-resistant molded bagasse
- Suitable for foodservice, catering, and retail use
Free from Problematic Substances
- No PE/PLA inner lining
- No intentionally added PFAS
- Passed EU 2024/3190 BPx migration testing for printed and adhesive paper packaging
Business-Ready Documentation
- Declaration of conformity
- Test reports and EN13432 certificates
Practical Use-Case Examples
- Replacing EPS clamshells for takeaway meals
- Offering bagasse plates for eco-friendly events
- Customized trays for fresh produce or bakery items
Whether you’re a brand, wholesaler, or distributor, our solutions are ready to help you minimize risk and maximize readiness.
Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now
The PPWR is not a distant deadline—it’s a phased transformation already underway. Businesses that rely on outdated packaging formats, vague eco-labels, or uncertain materials risk being left behind.
By choosing certified, fiber-based, and substance-safe solutions, you not only stay compliant—you earn trust in a market that increasingly rewards transparency and verifiable sustainability.
InNature Pack is here to help you lead, not follow. Request your free sample set or consult with our packaging compliance team today.
FAQ
Is PLA packaging allowed under PPWR?
Yes, as a temporary exception if certified compostable. But by 2028, it must also be compatible with recycling systems.
What packaging is safe to invest in long term?
Mono-material, fiber-based, and plastic-free packaging with strong certifications like EN13432 and recyclable-at-scale validation.
Can compostable packaging still be rejected?
Yes—especially in France or if labeling is unclear. Compostability must be proven and aligned with national rules.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Fines, market withdrawal, and loss of access to key retail or export channels. Greenwashing claims also carry reputational risks.
What support does InNature Pack offer?
Samples, certifications, labeling guidance, and consultation on packaging adjustments to meet EU standards.
