What recycled content does the PPWR require?

From 1 January 2030, minimum shares of post-consumer recyclate apply to plastic packaging: 30% for contact-sensitive packaging with PET as the main component, 10% for contact-sensitive packaging made of other plastics, 30% for single-use plastic beverage bottles and 35% for all other plastic packaging. From 2040 the figures rise to 50%, 25%, 65% and 65%. The calculation is an average per manufacturing plant and year.

Exemptions include plastic components accounting for less than 5% of the total weight of the packaging unit, compostable plastic packaging and certain packaging for medicinal products, medical devices and dangerous goods. The Commission reviews the list of exemptions by 1 January 2028.