Sustainable Packaging: What You Need to Know About New EU Legislation in 2026

The European Union finalised the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in 2025. For packaging manufacturers and distributors, this means fundamental changes that will begin to take effect from 2026. We have prepared an overview of what you need to know.

What Is PPWR and Why Does It Matter

The PPWR replaces the existing Packaging Directive (94/62/EC) and introduces stricter targets for recycling, reuse, and reduction of packaging waste. Unlike a directive, a regulation is directly applicable in all member states: there is no need to wait for national implementation.

Key Changes for B2B Buyers

• Minimum recycled content: from 2030, plastic packaging in contact with the product must contain recycled material, typically 30% for PET and 10% for other plastics
• Ban on certain single-use formats: miniature hotel packaging under 50 ml will be prohibited
• Mandatory recyclability labelling: standardised symbols on all packaging
• Design for recycling: packaging must be designed to be actually recyclable, not just theoretically
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): higher fees for non-recyclable packaging

What This Means for Cosmetics

The cosmetic industry is one of the most affected sectors. Multi-material airless bottles, metallised pumps, and multi-layer tubes will come under scrutiny. The key is transitioning to mono-material solutions: packaging made from a single type of plastic that is easily recyclable.

What This Means for Household Products

For cleaning and household products, the pressure focuses on increasing the share of rPET and rHDPE in bottles. Trigger sprayers will need to meet new disassembly requirements, so that plastic and metal parts can be easily separated during recycling.

How to Prepare Now

• Audit your current packaging: identify problematic multi-material components
• Ask your supplier for alternatives made from recycled materials (rPET, rHDPE, rPP)
• Consider switching to mono-material pumps and closures
• Prepare for new labelling: find out which symbols will be mandatory
• Consult an expert: the changes are complex and specific to each category

G&G Resources and Sustainability

Our range already includes a number of products made from recycled materials and mono-material alternatives to traditional multi-layer packaging. Contact our technical consultants: we will help you design a packaging solution that meets the new legislation while maintaining the quality of your product.