EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) Waste Reduction Targets, Banned Single-Use Packaging Formats, and Deposit Return Systems
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
In force since February 11, 2025 (waste reduction targets and banned-format provisions apply in stages from 2030)
Overview
This card focuses on the specific operational practice for the "per capita packaging waste reduction targets at Member State level," the "ban on single-use plastic packaging for specific uses," and the "deposit return system (DRS) for single-use beverage containers" under Article 43 and Annex V, among other provisions, of the PPWR.
Each Member State is legally required to reduce per capita packaging waste generation, compared with 2018 levels, by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. In addition, the packaging listed in Annex V — including single-use plastic portion packaging for condiments, sugar, and creamer in the HORECA (hotel, restaurant, café) sector, single-use plastic packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg, single-use plastic grouped packaging such as shrink wrap that bundles multiple products, and single-use packaging (of any material) for cosmetics, hygiene and toiletry products for individual bookings in the accommodation sector — may not be placed on the EU market from January 1, 2030 (Article 25(1)). Member States must further ensure the separate collection of at least 90% of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers of 3 litres or less by January 1, 2029, and set up deposit return systems to that end (Article 50(1) and (2)). Member States with a separate collection rate of 80% or more in 2026 that apply for exemption and submit an implementation plan by January 1, 2028 may be exempted from that obligation (Article 50(5)).
Enforcement Timeline
February 11, 2025: The PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) enters into force.
2029: Deadline for achieving a 90% separate collection rate for single-use plastic and metal beverage containers (3 litres or less). Member States must set up deposit return systems, unless exempted under the conditions in Article 50(5).
January 1, 2030: The restrictions on the packaging formats and uses listed in Annex V (such as HORECA portion packaging, shrink-wrap grouped packaging and accommodation-sector toiletry packaging) take effect. Deadline for the Member State waste reduction target (5% reduction versus 2018).
2035: Deadline for the Member State waste reduction target (10% reduction versus 2018).
2040: Deadline for the Member State waste reduction target (15% reduction versus 2018).
Business Impact
HORECA operators, food and beverage manufacturers, and retailers will need to complete the redesign of alternatives to the single-use small packaging and secondary packaging banned under Annex V — such as bulk provision, refill-compatible formats, and paper-based substitute materials — by 2030. Businesses continuing to use packaging formats subject to the ban in particular need to establish an early transition schedule and procurement plan for alternative packaging.
Beverage manufacturers and container producers will need to respond to the deposit return systems introduced by Member States by adding barcodes and identification markings to covered containers, building coordination arrangements with collection points, and establishing refund processing systems for returns. Because system design differs by Member State (countries with a separate collection rate of 80% or more in 2026 that apply for exemption by January 1, 2028 may be exempted), businesses operating across multiple countries need to continuously monitor regulatory developments in each country and build country-specific compliance structures.