EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) applies to all packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of material type, and affects stakeholders across the entire packaging value chain. The Regulation introduces, among other things, new definitions of responsible operators, such as producers and manufacturers, rules concerning substances in packaging, requirements for documentation and declarations of conformity, as well as provisions on reuse, recyclability, and material recycling.

PPWR will be implemented gradually up to 2040. Some requirements are already in force, while others will take effect progressively over the coming years. To support implementation, the European Commission will continuously develop guidance, standards, and secondary legislation in the form of delegated acts and implementing acts to clarify how the Regulation’s requirements should be applied in practice.

For the Swedish implementation, SFIF has proposed the following improvements to ensure a balanced and proportionate application:

• Harmonised implementation of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is essential.
• The definitions set out in Regulation (EU) 2025/40 should be applied consistently.
• The possibility of an approval process for the individual fulfilment of obligations under the EU Packaging Regulation should be retained.
• Packaging fees for wooden packaging should reflect the packaging’s service life and its market value in Sweden, whether as reusable or repairable packaging, or as waste.
• Sorting requirements must be adapted to the actual characteristics and conditions of different materials.
• Market-based systems for the collection of commercial waste should be safeguarded.
• The proposed 2 per cent requirement for related measures should be rejected.
• Adding national requirements beyond EU requirements that hampers innovation and the bioeconomy should be avoided.
• Anaerobic digestion of certain compostable and contaminated components should be permitted.