The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is the new legislative framework regulating all packaging and all packaging waste, whether such packaging is used in or originates from industry, other manufacturing, retail or distribution, offices, services or households.

Its new rules on packaging and waste are due to start on August 12^th of this year, it replaces fragmented national rules with enforceable, higher sustainability standards. The regulation aims to ensure packaging waste on the marketplace is reduced by 5% by 2030, while all packaging that is placed on the marketplace must be fully recyclable in an economically viable way.

They also require businesses to reduce excessive packaging and use 50% empty space ratios for transit by 2030. Major producers must also pay environmental compliance fees.

The PPWR sets a single framework for all packaging and packaging waste across industry, retail, services, and households. It entered into force on February 11^th 2025, with the first requirements applying from this August. The regulation applies to all packaging placed on the EU market, both B2B and B2C, regardless of the product it contains, covering the entire packaging life cycle from production and distribution to use and waste management.

Repak members account for 60% of the packaging waste in Ireland and the environmental not-for-profit organisation is working closely with them to ensure compliance.

Repak’s annual report shows that more than 1.2 million tonnes of packaging was recovered and recycled last year.

It found paper recycling continued its strong upward trajectory, increasing by a further 17,000 tonnes, while plastic recycling recorded its first year of growth since 2022, increasing by more than 5,000 tonnes.

This year’s publication of the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy outlined plans to accelerate Ireland’s transition from a linear ‘take-make-waste’ model to a circular, sustainable economy. The Strategy includes a commitment to implement the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, aiming for a 5% packaging waste reduction by 2030 and 90% plastic bottle collection by 2029.

The PPWR requirements will cover the entire packaging life cycle, from product design to waste handling. It is described as the biggest overhaul of EU packaging legislation in decades with the first key requirements applying from this August.

 

NB – This is a guide for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have an issue requiring legal advice, please contact any of the team at Nolan Farrell & Goff LLP, whose numbers can be found on our website www.nfg.ie, or email info@nfg.ie.