PPWR: What the new EU packaging regulation means for Swiss companies

Why the PPWR is relevant now

The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) fundamentally changes the legal framework for packaging. The aim of the regulation is to reduce packaging waste, improve the recycling of materials and create uniform rules across Europe.

What many companies are currently underestimating: The PPWR also affects Swiss companies, especially when packaging or packaged products are delivered to the EU.

The new requirements are binding from August 2026. That sounds like a lot of time. In practice, however, it means that companies have to now with their packaging, materials and processes. If you wait, you risk time pressure, delivery problems or additional costs.

What is the PPWR?

The PPWR is an EU regulation that replaces and standardizes existing national packaging laws. In contrast to previous directives, it applies Direct and binding in all EU member states, without national leeway.

The core objectives of the PPWR are:

• Reduction of packaging waste
• Promotion of recyclable and recycled materials
• Avoidance of overpackaging
• Strengthening reusable and take-back systems
• Transparency along the entire supply chain

This means that packaging should in future Less, simpler, more recyclable and demonstrably compliant be.

Who does the PPWR apply to?

The PPWR affects all companies that manufacture, use or place packaging on the market, regardless of whether they are based in the EU or Switzerland.

The regulation is particularly relevant for:

• Manufacturers and distributors of packaging
• Companies that deliver packaged goods to the EU
• Retailers and logistics companies
• Industrial companies with their own packaging

Affected are all types of packaging:

• Sales packaging
• Outer packaging
• Transport packaging
• Packaging made of cardboard, paper, plastic, wood or composite materials

The most important requirements of the PPWR in practice

Recyclability

In future, all packaging must recyclable be. Composite materials or unnecessary combinations of materials are coming under increasing pressure.

Recyclate content

Binding regulations apply to plastic packaging Minimum recyclate quotas, which are gradually increasing.

Packaging minimization

Oversized packaging and unnecessary empty spaces are no longer permitted. Packaging must be reduced to the necessary amount.

Reusable and reuse

Depending on the type of packaging and area of application, reusable or take-back solutions are required or strongly encouraged.

Labeling

In future, packaging must uniformly labeled so that consumers and disposal companies can separate materials correctly.

Material requirements

Certain substances and material combinations are restricted or banned. The composition of materials is becoming increasingly important.

Timetable: When what applies

The PPWR will be available from August 12, 2026 applied on a mandatory basis. Further requirements will then gradually take effect:

• 2026Application of the regulation
• 2028Uniform EU labeling
• 2029Expansion of take-back and deposit systems
• 2030: All packaging must be recyclable
• 2035 / 2040Binding reduction targets for packaging waste

Even if there are individual transitional periods: The preparations must have started long ago.

Why a PPWR consultation is crucial

In practice, it quickly becomes clear that the PPWR is Not just a product issue, but a combination of material selection, application, logistics, supply chain and documentation.

Typical questions from companies are as follows:

• Which of our packaging is affected?
• Are our current materials PPWR compliant?
• Where can we save material without jeopardizing product protection?
• What evidence will we need in the future?
• Which alternatives make economic sense?

These questions can be not across the board answer. They must be considered individually.

The declaration of conformity: documentation becomes mandatory

A central element of the PPWR is the Declaration of conformity. In future, companies must be able to prove that their packaging meets the requirements.

These include, among others:

• Description of the packaging
• Material composition
• Compliance with legal requirements
• Technical documentation
• Traceability over several years

This is where it becomes particularly clear: without structured advice, PPWR quickly becomes complex.

How PRODINGER supports you with the PPWR

At PRODINGER Verpackung AG, we do not see the PPWR as a purely legal issue, but as a Consulting assignment.

Our sales force will support you:

• Analyze your existing packaging
• Recognize risks and need for action at an early stage
• Develop PPWR-compliant alternatives
• Optimizing packaging instead of blindly replacing it
• Reconciling economic efficiency and sustainability

Our aim is not to replace as many products as possible, but to sensible solutions that are legally compliant, practicable and sustainable in the long term.

Conclusion: The PPWR is mandatory. Good advice is the key.

The PPWR will permanently change the packaging landscape. Companies that act early will create planning security, avoid hectic situations and strengthen their position in the market.

If you use packaging or deliver to the EU, you should actively address the issue now.

Talk to your PRODINGER Verpackung AG sales representative.

Together we will examine how you can implement the PPWR requirements sensibly and economically.

Please contact us:

+41 61 335 90 00
service@prodinger.ch

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