What Took Effect on 12 August 2026
Heavy metal limits
The combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium in packaging must not exceed 100 mg/kg.
01
Recyclability
Packaging placed on the EU market must possess recyclable properties.
02
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and Technical Documentation
Businesses must maintain a formal DoC and supporting technical documentation demonstrating that their packaging meets PPWR requirements.
03
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registration
Producers, including importers, must register for extended producer responsibility in the country where the packaging is sold.
04
PFAS restrictionsPFAS restrictions
Strict limits apply to PFAS in food-contact packaging, and the intentional addition of PFAS is banned in industrial packaging.
05
How Recyclability Grades Work
Packaging is classified into recyclability grades based on recycling rate: Grade A requires 95% or higher, Grade B requires 80% or higher, and Grade C requires 70% or higher. Packaging below 70% is considered non-recyclable under the PPWR framework. From 2026 to 2029, businesses may self-declare their packaging's recyclability grade. From 2030 onward, official grading becomes mandatory, typically assessed using recognized tools such as RecyClass.
Why This Matters for Sourcing Decisions
For buyers sourcing shrink film, stretch wrap, or bags for products sold into the EU, this phased timeline means sourcing decisions made now should already anticipate the 2030 recyclability and recycled-content thresholds, not just the requirements already in force. Suppliers who can provide documentation, heavy-metal compliance data, and a credible path toward Grade C (and eventually Grade B) recyclability will be far easier to work with as these deadlines approach.
How We're Approaching It
As a manufacturer of PE and POF shrink film and a range of plastic bag products, we are tracking the PPWR's phased requirements and reviewing our product lines against its recyclability and documentation standards. If you are evaluating your packaging supply chain for EU compliance, our team is happy to discuss your specific product line and requirements -- see our products page for our current film and bag range, or contact us directly to start the conversation.
