PPWR: a key milestone is approaching

The PPWR is no longer a future scenario — it is the new European regulatory framework that will shape the evolution of packaging in the coming years.

Although Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force in February 2025, its general application will begin on 12 August 2026, making this the right moment to review design decisions, material selection and overall packaging strategies.

At SPG, we believe that adapting to the PPWR should not be approached solely as a compliance requirement, but as an opportunity to anticipate change, reduce complexity and move towards more efficient and competitive solutions.

The regulation reinforces key aspects such as:

• recyclability of packaging
• incorporation of recycled content in plastic packaging
• improved labelling
• promotion of reuse and return systems

In the short term, several elements are particularly relevant. Alongside the general application date in August 2026, the European Commission is continuing to develop implementing acts that will define how the regulation is applied in practice. At the same time, the market is already moving towards targets such as achieving 100% recyclable packaging by 2030.

Additionally, the Commission has highlighted that PFAS substances in packaging will be banned from August 2026, a factor that many companies are already incorporating into their technical reviews.

For manufacturers and packers, this means that decisions which could previously be postponed — such as structure simplification, material selection or preparation for circularity requirements — now have a direct impact on operations and competitiveness.

At SPG, we have been working in this direction for some time, developing solutions that combine industrial feasibility, technical efficiency and sustainability criteria.

If you would like to understand how the PPWR may impact your packaging, we encourage you to discuss it with your usual SPG contact.