Category: European Union

Companies that first introduce packaging or packaged products in an EU member state are generally considered to be producers under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40. This can also be the case for companies selling directly to end users in other EU member states.

The entity defined as a producer is generally responsible for extended producer responsibility tasks. This includes reporting packaging materials and volumes, and paying corresponding fees.

This guide explains how you can determine which company is the PPWR producer. I also share several practical examples of supply chains involving both EU and non-EU-based companies.

• Manufacturers, importers, and distributors can be defined as producers
• The producer is often the first entity that introduces packaging in a particular EU member state
• The producer must comply with EPR obligations

Continue reading PPWR Producers Requirements in 3 Steps

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40 sets requirements applicable only to certain types of entities. In plain language, this means that what you must do to comply with the PPWR differs depending on whether your company is defined as a:

a. Manufacturer
b. Importer
c. Supplier
d. Distributor

It is therefore critical that you understand their respective definitions and can accurately find your place in the PPWR supply chain.

Further, companies can also be defined as producers (in addition to their primary definition), which results in additional extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations applying.

Why should I read this guide?

Read this guide if you want to understand whether you are defined as a producer, manufacturer, importer, distributor, supplier, or other entity. You can read this guide to learn more about PPWR requirements:

Continue reading Who is Responsible for EU PPWR Compliance?

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40 is applicable from 12 August 2026. That said, the PPWR contains many requirements concerning labelling, documentation, EPR, and other aspects that only start to apply years later.

This guide serves as a timeline for PPWR requirements and their respective dates.

Methodology

Step 1: I mapped out all the articles mentioning a date*

Step 2: I determined if the requirement is relevant to either:

• Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other economic operators, or
• EU Commission or Member States

Step 3: The respective PPWR requirements tied to a particular date were added to one of the two tables below

*Note that the table contains the dates identified during this stage. I cannot guarantee that I identified every single article or requirement tied to a specific date.

Continue reading EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) Timeline: 2026 to 2040