Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is a new EU law replacing the previously Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). It entered into force on 11 February 2025. Initial requirements will apply from 12 August 2026, with further requirements coming into application through a phased approach until 2040.

PPWR aims to ensure:

• packaging must be recyclable, minimally wasteful, and clearly labelled
• recycled content targets for plastic packaging by 2030 and 2040
• reuse or refill options must be offered for certain products
• avoidance of unnecessary packaging and harmful substances

PPWR Brings New Challenges for Packaging Material Management

The implementation of PPWR reflects the EU’s long-term strategy to reduce packaging waste and promote a circular economy. Manufacturers will need to pay closer attention to packaging design, raw material selection, production processes, and end-of-life recycling requirements.

For packaging suppliers and brands, key considerations include:

• Whether packaging materials meet EU environmental requirements;
• Whether raw materials, coatings, inks, and adhesives comply with chemical safety regulations;
• Whether packaging maintains stable performance during transportation, storage, and actual usage conditions;
• Whether complete test reports and compliance documentation can support customer and market requirements.

These requirements are creating new pressure for manufacturers to improve supplier control and strengthen laboratory verification capabilities before products enter international markets.

Material Safety Testing Becomes an Important Part of Export Compliance

As global regulations become stricter, companies are paying more attention to the safety assessment of packaging materials.

Similar to the increasing focus on restricted substances in industries such as electronics, packaging manufacturers must evaluate potential risks related to material composition and chemical content.

Common evaluation areas include:

• Heavy metal content, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI);
• Restricted substances in packaging materials, coatings, printing inks, and adhesives;
• Chemical safety requirements for food-contact packaging applications;
• Material stability under different environmental conditions.

Testing Solutions Help Manufacturers Improve Packaging Reliability

For modern packaging manufacturers, laboratory testing is not only a compliance requirement but also an important tool for product improvement.

Environmental and material testing solutions can help companies evaluate:

• Material durability and aging performance;
• Temperature and humidity resistance;
• Mechanical strength and structural reliability;
• Packaging performance during transportation and storage;
• Stability under different environmental conditions.

HAIDA Supports Global Manufacturers with Reliable Testing Solutions

As a professional environmental testing equipment manufacturer, HAIDA provides laboratory testing solutions for packaging, materials, new energy, electronics, automotive, and other industries.