What is the PPWR?
The PPWR ( Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the new European regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces the previous directive and is directly applicable in all member states, without the need for national transposition. Its goal is to reduce packaging waste, promote widespread recyclability, and impose stricter regulations on the placing of packaging on the market in Europe.
What’s Changing for Bioplastics
The PPWR does not treat bioplastics differently: like all other materials, they must meet the performance, recyclability, and recovery requirements set forth in the regulation.
However, several provisions directly concern certain types of bioplastics.
Recognition of Certain Compostable Packaging
The regulation stipulates that certain applications must be compostable under harmonized industrial conditions at the European level. This applies in particular to:
- Tea bags;
- Coffee capsules compatible with the organic waste collection program;
- Adhesive labels affixed to fruits and vegetables.
This measure could promote the development of compostable solutions when they facilitate the management of food waste and improve the quality of collection streams.
Toward Recognition of the Biobased Content
The PPWR also paves the way for better utilization of biobased materials. A revision of the text is scheduled by February 2027, with the possibility of incorporating minimum biobased content targets for materials. Some biobased materials may already meet the requirements set by the PPWR ( for example, biobased PE can be recycled just like regular PE).
Two interesting avenues are thus emerging for bioplastics:
- Biodegradable/compostable solutions for specific applications such as those mentioned above;
- Biobased materials, with minimum content targets expected to be specified in early 2027.
Identical eco-design requirements
Biobased packaging must meet the same requirements as conventional packaging in terms of design, reduction at the source, and end-of-life management.
Therefore, the fact that the material comes from renewable sources will not be sufficient to ensure that packaging complies with regulations.
New Opportunities for Innovation
In a context where manufacturers are seeking solutions to reduce their dependence on fossil resources while meeting new regulatory requirements, biobased materials may be a viable option for certain applications.
The challenge will be to develop solutions that can meet several criteria: technical performance, resource availability, regulatory compliance, end-of-life management, and economic competitiveness.
More than ever, the future of packaging will depend on a case-by-case approach, in which the choice of material must be tailored to the intended use, the product’s constraints, and the available recycling options.