EPPR 2025: What Packaging Converters Must Know Before the July Deadline

What Is EPPR?

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EPPR) applies directly across all 27 member states without national transposition — unlike its predecessor Directive 94/62/EC.

Key Provisions Affecting Converters

1. Mandatory recyclability tiers. All packaging must fall into one of four recyclability categories by January 2030, with an audit trail required from July 2026.

2. Banned formats. Single-use plastic formats including certain laminated pouches, multi-layer sachets, and composite packaging with >10% non-recyclable content face volume caps or outright prohibition from 2028.

3. Recycled content mandates. Rigid plastic packaging must contain ≥25% PCR content by 2025 and ≥50% by 2040.

4. EPR reporting. Producers placing >1 tonne/year of packaging on the market must register with their national PRO and submit quarterly tonnage data from Q3 2026.

What to Do Now

1. Inventory all packaging structures sold or produced for EU markets.
2. If you carry laminated BOPP/aluminium or PET/aluminium structures, begin reformulation scoping immediately.
3. Engage your PRO before Q1 2026 closes.
4. Model the EPR fee delta on current volumes.