PPWR recycled-content rules for plastic packaging

What the rule does

The PPWR requires that the plastic part of packaging contains a minimum share of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. The targets phase in — the first milestone is aligned to 2030, with higher targets set for 2040 — and the percentage depends on the packaging type. Contact-sensitive packaging (for example, some food-contact formats) is treated differently from other plastic packaging, and certain categories may be exempt.

Why "post-consumer" matters

Only recyclate recovered from packaging that has already served its purpose with a consumer typically counts toward these targets — off-cuts and factory scrap (pre-consumer) usually do not. That distinction is what your supplier's declaration and evidence must prove, because it is the figure you report and the one an auditor will test.

What importers should do now

• Ask suppliers to declare the PCR share per component, not per product, since a single item can mix virgin and recycled plastics.
• Collect evidence — certificates of recycled content and, where available, third-party chain-of-custody documentation.
• Design for it early — switching a resin after tooling is finished is expensive; specifying PCR before the first order is not.

Exact percentages, categories and dates change during implementation — always confirm the figure for your specific packaging type against the official consolidated text before you commit a specification.