17/10/2025
FLEXIBLE PACKAGING & PPWR: WHAT IMPACT WILL IT HAVE ON YOUR BUSINESS?
The flexible packaging industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation.
As of February 11, 2025, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) officially came into force — the new European framework that will redefine how companies design, produce, and manage packaging.
The first measures will apply from 2026, with full implementation expected by 2030.
Key requirements of the new PPWR regulation
Here are the key requirements that all companies will need to comply with over the coming years:
- Recyclability → all packaging must be designed to be recyclable and effectively recycled at scale.
- Eco-modulated EPR → environmental fees will be adjusted based on the packaging’s recyclability level.
- Minimization → mandatory reduction of packaging weight and volume.
- PFAS restrictions → limits on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in specific packaging types.
- Mandatory PCR content → plastic packaging must include a minimum percentage of post-consumer recycled material.
- Single-use plastics → bans on certain categories of single-use plastic packaging.
- Compostability → mandatory use of compostable materials for specific packaging categories.
- Reuse targets → minimum reuse quotas for transport and beverage packaging.
- Harmonized labeling → standardized labeling requirements for packaging information across the EU.
This regulation marks a decisive step towards a more sustainable packaging system, where material design and management are key to maintaining competitiveness.
A webinar to navigate the change
Over the past few months, SDR PACK has been actively exploring the implications of the PPWR, taking part in training sessions and technical roundtables.
From this process of reflection came a concrete initiative for our clients, suppliers, and industry professionals: a webinar developed in collaboration with UNISG – University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo, our long-standing partner and a leading center of excellence in the European food sector.
Beyond educating future professionals, UNISG also provides analysis and consulting services for companies, from sensory testing to shelf-life assessments.
The goal of the webinar is to offer practical tools to correctly interpret the regulation, anticipate sustainable packaging trends, and identify technical solutions already aligned with the PPWR.
Webinar Agenda
- Key takeaways from the PPWR: making sense of the new regulation.
- Innovative and sustainable packaging solutions in line with EU requirements.
- The impact of new materials on production efficiency.
- How to prepare for change while maintaining performance and product quality.
- UNISG focus: the impact of different packaging types on the sensory shelf-life of food products.