20. 10. 2026
Article
The European Commission has published a brief guide to the PPWR for small businesses
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been applicable throughout the European Union since 12 August 2026. To ensure the transition to the new rules is as smooth as possible for smaller organisations, the European Commission has produced a practical four-page guide that clearly explains the key obligations and exemptions for small businesses.
What should small businesses know right now?
- Phased implementation: The PPWR rules do not come into force all at once. Transition periods allow time for adaptation, with many of the main provisions not taking effect until 2030 or later.
- Current requirements: For entities acting as manufacturers or importers, the key priority in the first phase is to ensure compliance with limits for hazardous substances (e.g. heavy metals or PFAS in packaging intended to come into contact with food) and to draw up a declaration of conformity.
- Labelling and traceability: Ensuring the manufacturer is identified on the packaging is one of the obligations under the PPWR; however, it is not necessary to dispose of existing stocks of packaging without new labelling – to put it simply, it is sufficient to provide the necessary information in the accompanying documentation or digitally.
- Reliefs and exemptions for micro-enterprises: For the smallest enterprises (up to 10 employees and with a turnover of up to €2 million), the Regulation provides targeted exemptions, for example regarding targets for the reuse of packaging or obligations in the takeaway sector. For smaller businesses that place less than 1,000 kg of packaging on the market per year, the PPWR imposes more proportionate reporting requirements under extended producer responsibility.
The green transition and more sustainable packaging design present a challenge, but at the same time open the door to new, innovative models in the circular economy.