PPWR deadlines: the full timeline from 2026 to 2040

The PPWR applies across the EU from 12 August 2026. The heaviest deadlines hit in 2030: mandatory recyclability, first recycled-content targets and the 50% empty-space cap. Below, year by year, what kicks in and for whom.

What the regulation says

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies from 12 August 2026. From there a sequence of deadlines runs to 2040. (Reg. EU 2025/40 — EUR-Lex).

The year-by-year timeline

2026 — Application. From 12 August 2026 the PPWR applies generally. By the same date, in Italy, producer-register enrolment kicks in (Art. 44).

2028 — Labelling. From 12 August 2028 packaging must carry harmonised material labelling to ease end-of-life sorting (Art. 12).

2029 — Deposit return (DRS). 90%-by-weight collection target for single-use plastic bottles and metal beverage containers up to 3 L (Art. 50).

2030 — The threshold year. All packaging must be recyclable (Art. 6); first recycled-content targets in plastic apply (Art. 7); 5% per-capita packaging-waste reduction vs 2018 (Art. 43); first reuse and refill targets for HoReCa, e-commerce, wine/spirits (Art. 26-29); empty space in packaging cannot exceed 50% (Art. 24).

2035 — Mid term. 10% per-capita packaging-waste reduction vs 2018 (Art. 43).

2038 — Recyclability and recycled content. The minimum recyclability threshold rises to ≥ 80% (class C excluded, Art. 6); recycled-content targets increase (Art. 7).

2040 — Long term. 15% per-capita packaging-waste reduction vs 2018 (Art. 43).

What it means for your SKU

The date that matters for decisions isn't 2030: it's today. A packaging redesign cycle runs 18–36 months, so a pack you want compliant in 2030 must be decided in 2026–2027. The three 2030 deadlines — recyclability, recycled content, minimisation — must be tackled together, because they hit the same pack and the same fee band.

What to do now

1. Build an internal three-horizon roadmap: immediate (2026: register, declaration of conformity, mapping), mid (2028-2030: redesign), long (2035-2040).
2. Start from multi-risk SKUs (Art. 6 + 7 + 24): they have the longest lead-time.
3. Align regulatory deadlines to your real redesign calendar, not the legal one.

FAQ

When does the PPWR enter into force? It applies generally from 12 August 2026.

What kicks in in 2030? Mandatory recyclability (Art. 6), first recycled-content targets (Art. 7), -5% per-capita waste, first reuse/refill targets and the 50% empty-space cap (Art. 24).

Does the PPWR already apply today? General obligations run from 12 August 2026; the heavier product requirements from 2030.

When do labelling targets start? From 12 August 2028 (Art. 12).

Related: Article 6 — Recyclability · Article 7 — Recycled content · CONAI eco-modulation · PPWR Guide