Valpak by Reconomy, the UK’s largest compliance scheme, has introduced a specialized service to assist businesses in adapting to the European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Charlotte Wootton, International Compliance Manager at Valpak, emphasized: “With PPWR just around the corner, Valpak’s International Compliance team has seen enquiries rise by over 40 percent in just eight months. PPWR is bringing much more complex demands and diverse challenges for obligated businesses. Valpak’s bespoke service and specialist team aim to remove confusion, ensure full compliance, and help businesses get ahead in the drive to build a more sustainable packaging supply chain.”
PPWR replaces the EU’s earlier packaging waste regulations, coming into effective in February 2025, with most provisions becoming binding by August 2026. This legislation comprehensively addresses the entire packaging life cycle—from product design to waste management—setting ambitious goals to reduce packaging waste, promote reuse, and increase recycled content. Such steps are crucial for businesses focused on food and drink packaging sustainability.
Wootton stated: “While Valpak members automatically receive updates on PPWR, the complex nature of the legislation necessitates a tailored compliance strategy for each business. For instance, a bakery supplying Northern Ireland must ensure that plastic windows in the packaging adhere to recycled content requirements and that boxes achieve at least grade C for recyclability. Common practices, such as providing jam pots alongside scones, are now prohibited under the regulations concerning single-use packaging.”
“Conversely, a clothing retailer operating online must appoint an authorized representative for each EU member state they serve. Design modifications, such as eliminating double-walled boxes to comply with new packaging minimization standards, are also required.”
Valpak’s enhanced PPWR service encompasses every aspect of compliance, including real-time regulatory timelines that update with new information, labelling requirements, and individual impact assessments. Additionally, it connects with Valpak Consulting’s packaging analysis service, integrating expert insights with Valpak’s unmatched data resources, currently encompassing 60 million SKUs. This gives brands the tools necessary to implement significant changes, particularly in food and drink sustainable packaging.
Under the new legislation, companies operating within and exporting to the EU must perform rigorous assessments and make substantial adjustments to their products and systems, including:
- Meeting specific performance grades for recyclability (grades A-C).
- Restricting the use of certain single-use plastics.
- Minimizing the weight and volume of packaging while avoiding unnecessary materials.
- Incorporating a minimum percentage of recycled content.
- Applying harmonized labels.
- Reducing the use of substances of concern.
- Certain sectors must meet mandatory reuse targets and offer refill options.
Click here for further information about PPWR compliance.
