Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: the pasta sector prepares for a regulatory revolution

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40, commonly referred to as the PPWR, has now entered into force. As of 12 August 2026, the first obligations became applicable, while businesses have a longer timeframe to comply with the remaining provisions.

Following a lengthy legislative process prior to its adoption, the Regulation aims primarily to reduce packaging and packaging waste as much as possible without compromising human health or environmental protection, thereby supporting Europe’s transition towards a more efficient, circular and competitive economy.

From now and over the coming years, the PPWR is expected to bring far-reaching changes to the packaging landscape, affecting numerous stakeholders throughout the supply chain. It provides the European Union with a harmonised regulatory framework while simultaneously presenting significant challenges for businesses. The main innovations include design-for-recycling requirements, reductions in packaging weight and volume, the introduction of specific limits on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals”) in food contact materials, progressive targets for recycled plastic content, reuse and refill obligations, new environmental labelling requirements, and traceability obligations for economic operators throughout the supply chain.

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