The PPWR is a new EU law that enacts a single set of rules for how packaging must be designed, used, recycled, and reduced across all EU countries, Cathrine Löfgren, project manager at the Swedish research institute RISE, told the audience of the IPA World Congress + Probiota 2026 in Dublin last week.
The new regulation encourages companies to cut unnecessary packaging and use materials that are safe and recyclable. Manufacturers in Europe and those who export products to the EU must prepare to comply by Aug. 12, 2026.
“Everyone who places packaging or packaged products on the European market needs to be aware of the requirements in the PPWR,” said Löfgren.
EU PPWR 2026: Harmonized packaging rules to cut plastic waste
Until now, packaging was guided by the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive rather than a regulation, meaning that each country implemented rules differently, causing problems with relabelling for different markets and creating unnecessary barriers, Löfgren told delegates.
The new regulation aims to harmonize packaging rules across Europe.
According to 2022 data from the European Commission, 40% of plastics used were for packaging, half of marine litter was packaging, and as much as 186.5 kg of waste was generated per person in the EU.
To combat plastic pollution and excessive waste, the PPWR will cover several areas, including but not exclusive to packaging design, recyclability, labeling, recycled content, reuse and prohibited packaging.
How supplement brands should prepare
As Löfgren explained, from August 2026 companies will need to have several pieces of documentation available and ready to submit to the European Commission when requested.
Every company placing products on the EU market, including bottles, jars, blister packs, sachets and cartons, must be able to show that they have assessed their packaging, documented their compliance plan, and started steps toward minimizing, recycling and safely sourcing materials.
Companies should begin by auditing all packaging types currently in use and identifying which PPWR requirements apply, she advised. They must obtain updated supplier declarations on recycled content and confirm that materials are free from restricted substances.
All assessments and decisions should be documented, including explanations of why weight or volume cannot be further reduced without compromising product stability or consumer use, and evaluations of recyclability.
Furthermore, Löfgren advised that material substitutions or design adjustments should be explored early, noting that blister packs, for example, may require aluminum replacements to meet recyclability rules.
By acting early, supplement brands can secure compliance, prevent costly delays, and demonstrate a clear plan for sustainable, regulation-ready packaging, she noted.
“Start by reviewing the packaging you currently use, identify which requirements apply, assess where you may not be compliant, and find solutions early,” Löfgren said. “Changes such as material substitutions or design adjustments take time.”
