The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (EU) 2025/40 introduces new packaging requirements for businesses placing packaged products on the EU market, including many e-commerce shipments. The Regulation applies across the EU and affects a range of packaging types, including shipping boxes, mailing bags, padded envelopes and protective packaging used for online retail sales.
What does this mean for customers?
We recommend reviewing your packaging processes and considering the following:
• Identify which EU member states you send packaged products to.
• Establish who is the packaging producer for each destination and whether registration or a Producer Responsibility Organisation is required
• Review your packaging considering weight, volume, materials, recyclability and unnecessary empty space
• Retain information such as packaging type, material, weight, dimensions, supplier details and destination data
• Requirements relating to recyclability, recycled content, labelling and empty-space ratios will be phased in over the coming years
The Regulation introduces requirements relating to:
• Packaging minimisation.
• Packaging recyclability.
• Recycled content in certain plastic packaging.
• Harmonised packaging labelling.
• Restrictions on certain packaging formats.
• Reduction of unnecessary empty space in e-commerce packaging.
Key Dates
12 August 2026 - PPWR begins to apply across the EU
The Regulation becomes applicable and businesses placing packaging on the EU market should begin ensuring compliance with relevant requirements.
12 February 2028 - Commission methodology for empty-space calculations due
The European Commission is expected to publish the methodology for calculating packaging empty space used for grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging. This is a regulatory milestone designed to support future compliance obligations.
12 August 2028 - Harmonised EU packaging labelling requirements begin to apply
New EU-wide packaging labels are expected to be introduced to help consumers correctly sort packaging waste for recycling.
From 1 January 2030 - Further packaging sustainability requirements come into effect
Additional PPWR requirements are expected to apply, including:
• Packaging recyclability performance requirements.
• Recycled content targets for certain plastic packaging.
• Packaging minimisation obligations.
• Restrictions on certain packaging formats.
• Re-use requirements for some packaging categories.
• A maximum 50% empty-space ratio for certain grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging (subject to the timing provisions set out in Article 24 of the Regulation).
Jersey Post is providing this update for general awareness and cannot assess individual packaging or EPR compliance obligations.
Useful links:
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/40/oj/eng
European Commission Guidance on Regulation (EU) 2025/40
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=PI_COM:C(2026)3702
Business.gov.uk Communication and guidance
https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/europe/european-union-eu-regulations/eu-packaging-and-packaging-waste-regulation-eu-ppwr/