Navigating the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Part of the Unlock Europe Series delivered by the Business Academy

What you’ll learn

• Understand the scope, requirements and compliance timelines of PPWR.
• Learn practical, step‑by‑step actions their business must take to prepare for new packaging, labelling and material requirements.
• Gain clarity on how the PPWR reshapes EPR obligations, including expected impacts on costs, reporting and packaging‑related decision‑making.

Description

Replacing the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), the Regulation consolidates packaging rules at EU level and significantly expands the scope of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.

Aligned with the EU’s Fit for 55 climate objectives, the Regulation applies to all businesses, EU and non‑EU, placing packaging on the EU market. It covers the full packaging lifecycle, from design and material selection to collection, sorting, recycling and waste management.

The PPWR introduces new requirements relating to single‑use plastics, packaging weight and volume limits, minimum recycled‑content thresholds, and restrictions on substances of concern, including PFAS. These changes will impact packaging design, sourcing decisions, labelling obligations and compliance‑related fees.

Speakers

Andrea Collins

Managing Director, Global Trade Department

Andrea is an international trade specialist with 25+ years’ experience in the industry. Andrea specializes in importing, exporting, global sustainability, trade compliance, business resilience, and business growth. A passionate ambassador of UK micro businesses and SMEs, she launched Global Trade Department (previously known as The Export Department) to assist these companies expand their horizons internationally, raise the profile of UK goods and services abroad, and add vital resilience to supply chains through global sourcing.

As well as supporting private clients with their international trade endeavours, Andrea delivers 1:1 support and 1-many support for a number of Growth Hubs nationwide and is responsible for the design and delivery of a range of EU transition, international expansion, and business resilience support programmes across the country.