2 min read
As the European Union tightens its environmental regulations to align with its ambitious sustainability goals, the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) — Regulation (EU) 2025/40 — is set to usher in sweeping changes across industries. These changes are particularly significant for the food and food supplement sector, given the industry’s heavy reliance on diverse packaging materials for safety, labeling, and marketing.
PPWR, which replaces the existing Packaging and EU Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), aims to address the escalating environmental impact of packaging waste. With binding targets, stricter design requirements, and robust compliance mandates, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 will significantly influence how food and supplement manufacturers package their products, manage labeling, and plan distribution across EU markets.
What Is the PPWR?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is part of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, which aims to make all packaging in the EU market recyclable or reusable by 2030. Key objectives include:
- Reducing overall packaging waste
- Promoting reuse and refill systems
- Enhancing recyclability and compostability
- Preventing greenwashing through clear labeling rules
- Harmonizing EU packaging regulations across EU Member States
Key Regulatory Changes Under Regulation (EU) 2025/40
For food and food supplement manufacturers, the PPWR introduces several critical mandates:
1. Recyclability Requirements
By 2030, all packaging must be designed for recyclability. This means multilayer, non-recyclable plastics will need to be phased out or redesigned, significantly affecting packaging strategies.
2. Mandatory Reuse Targets
PPWR encourages reusable packaging for takeaway food, beverages, and e-commerce shipments. Businesses may need to implement infrastructure for collection, sanitization, and redistribution.
3. Excess Packaging Restrictions
Companies must demonstrate that their packaging size and materials are optimized. Oversized packages or unnecessary plastic inserts may be considered non-compliant.
4. Labeling Obligations
New labeling norms require clear instructions for disposal and identification of packaging material types. Mislabeling or vague claims will face enforcement.
5. Digital Product Passports
Manufacturers may be required to provide digital access to information on packaging sustainability, material composition, and recyclability.
Impact on the Food & Food Supplement Packaging Regulations Industry
The industry faces a unique set of challenges under Regulation (EU) 2025/40:
- Reformulation of Packaging: Materials like multilayer films may not meet recyclability criteria.
- Higher Compliance Costs: Sustainable food packaging, label updates, reuse systems, and compliance testing involve significant investment.
- Market Access Risks: Non-compliant products may be denied entry into EU markets.
- Inventory and Supply Chain Adjustments: Region-specific packaging may be required, disrupting global supply chains.
- Labeling & Claims Monitoring: "Eco-friendly" or "biodegradable" claims must be substantiated or risk enforcement.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Regulation (EU) 2025/40 can result in:
- Fines and Legal Penalties from EU Member States
- Product recalls due to non-compliant packaging
- Loss of Consumer Trust due to misleading claims
- Restricted Market Access for non-conforming products
How Freyr Can Help
With its deep Regulatory expertise, Freyr is uniquely positioned to support food and food supplement manufacturers through the transition to PPWR compliance.
- Packaging Compliance Audits: Evaluate your current packaging against Regulation (EU) 2025/40 requirements
- Label and Green Claims Review: Ensure accurate, substantiated claims in line with EU rules
- Recyclability & Environmental Labeling Guidance: Compliant design, labeling, and disposal information
- Packaging Redesign Support: Develop packaging strategies that meet recyclability and reuse standards
- Regulatory Intelligence and Ongoing Updates: Stay informed about national-level implementations across Member States
- Cross-functional Regulatory Support: Integrated services for packaging, product compliance, and marketing
The Time to Act Is Now
While the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) or Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is entering implementation, early preparation ensures smoother transitions and long-term success. Start evaluating your packaging strategies today to prevent last-minute compliance risks.
Contact Freyr today to initiate your PPWR readiness assessment and secure sustainable success in the EU market.
