PPWR Series

On 12 August 2026, an important new phase begins for packaging in Europe.

The EU PPWR enters into its general application, marking the transition from a regulation being developed and debated to a framework that companies must increasingly implement.

But this is only the beginning.

PPWR is abroad and complex regulation covering recyclability, recycled content, packaging waste prevention, reuse, labelling and more. Many of its most consequential requirements will be phased in over the coming years, while important technical details continue to be developed through delegated and implementing acts.

Townsend will publish a series of articles on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) over the next few weeks, explaining the aspects of regulations that are often overlooked yet are crucial when it comes to the future of plastic in packaging.

This series takes a closer look at the individual building blocks of PPWR, what the latest EU rules actually say, what has changed, and which details could have the greatest implications for the PP and PE value chains.

In part1, we start with one of the regulation’s most significant areas: recyclability.‍

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