Abstract: The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR (EU)2025/40) has entered into application with a phased implementation schedule. It introduces stricter full-lifecycle requirements covering packaging material safety, recyclability assessment, overpackaging restrictions, labelling rules and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). To mitigate risks such as customs detention, product delisting and order disruptions, our company has launched a full-range compliance upgrade, including packaging audits, structural optimisation, material transition, EPR registration and supply chain control, to maintain stable and compliant exports to Europe.
The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR (EU)2025/40) has entered into application, replacing the older packaging directive and setting new, stricter packaging access rules for the EU market. The regulation introduces full-lifecycle controls for packaging material safety, recyclability, lightweight design, labelling and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), imposing mandatory compliance requirements for all manufacturers and exporters selling goods into the EU.
To proactively adapt to the EU policy update and mitigate risks including customs detention, product delisting, order rejection and administrative penalties, our company has launched a special compliance rectification programme. We have completed regulation benchmarking, packaging upgrading and process optimisation to meet the latest EU packaging requirements.
The core requirements of PPWR are summarised as follows:
- Full-scope control over all types of packaging, including product packaging, transport packaging and cushioning materials.
- Strict restrictions on hazardous substances such as PFAS and heavy metals.
- Mandatory recyclability grading. Packaging made of multi-layer composites that cannot be easily separated will fail recyclability classification.
- Restrictions on overpackaging; packaging size, weight and layers must be kept to the minimum necessary.
- Harmonised compliant packaging labelling. Enterprises must complete EU packaging EPR registration and filing; products without valid EPR credentials cannot be placed on the EU market.
To tackle compliance challenges brought by the new regulation, our company has formulated and rolled out a full set of response measures:
- Conduct comprehensive compliance audits on packaging. Verify materials, accessories, labels and test reports for all products sold in the EU, and phase out non-compliant packaging materials.
- Accelerate packaging system upgrade. Switch to mono-material, recyclable and low-impact eco-friendly materials, remove redundant packaging structures and update packaging markings to meet EU requirements for waste reduction, environmental protection and recyclability.
- Secure official compliance credentials. Complete EU packaging EPR registration, filing and regular declaration to ensure valid documentation for customs clearance and market sales.
- Enforce supply chain compliance. Update supplier qualification criteria, verify environmental test certificates of upstream materials and implement regular sampling inspections to control packaging quality at source.
- Ensure smooth order transition. Use up compliant existing inventory in a controlled manner, apply new compliant packaging for all new orders, and inform overseas customers of packaging changes to guarantee smooth delivery.
The company states that green packaging compliance for EU exports has become a permanent requirement for cross-border trade. This systematic compliance upgrade is not only essential to meet overseas regulatory requirements, but also a key initiative for us to deepen our presence in the EU market, practise green manufacturing and strengthen global competitiveness. Moving forward, we will continuously monitor EU policy updates, establish a long-term compliance management system and optimize our green packaging portfolio. With standardised, compliant and eco-friendly packaging, we will sustain stable overseas delivery and support high-quality development of our global business.
