NEW EUROPEAN PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE REGULATION (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR)

A New Regulatory Milestone for Sustainable Packaging

The European Union has enacted Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR), a transformative framework designed to standardize sustainability requirements across all Member States.

Effective from February 2025, and applicable as of August 2026, the PPWR redefines how packaging must be designed, used, and recovered, prioritizing durability, reuse, and recyclability as core compliance principles.

This regulation introduces measurable performance thresholds that progressively restrict low-grade packaging and accelerate the shift toward long-life materials. The goal: a fully circular packaging ecosystem that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.

Key Implications for the Packaging Industry

The PPWR sets out a unified vision that reshapes the value chain:

• Recyclability Performance Benchmarks: By 2030, every packaging format must meet specific recyclability grades, with stricter benchmarks phased in through 2038.
• Reuse and Refill Mandates: Certain categories—industrial, transport, and commercial packaging—must comply with reuse quotas, encouraging designs built for multiple life cycles.
• Substance Restrictions: Prohibitions on hazardous elements, including PFAS and heavy metals, will ensure safer materials for both consumers and industries.
• Standardized Labelling and Traceability: A harmonized approach to product identification and return systems will improve transparency and recycling efficiency.

THIELMANN: Compliance Built into Every Container

At THIELMANN, sustainability and compliance are not afterthoughts—they are engineered into every product. Our stainless steel containers already embody the PPWR’s intent, providing a proven, future-ready solution for industries where safety, longevity, and circularity are non-negotiable.

• Engineered for Reuse: Designed to withstand demanding operational cycles across food, beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical environments, among others.
• Fully Recyclable: Stainless steel maintains its properties indefinitely, enabling a closed-loop recovery model without material degradation.
• Safe by Design: Manufactured under strict compliance with EU material safety and food-contact regulations.
• Traceable and Auditable: THIELMANN provides complete documentation and identification systems to support transparent regulatory audits.

The PPWR strengthens what THIELMANN has advocated for decades: durable, reusable packaging as the foundation of a circular economy. As companies prepare to realign their portfolios under the new regulation, THIELMANN stands ready to support partners with robust, regulatory-ready stainless steel solutions that integrate seamlessly into modern logistics, reuse, and recycling infrastructures.

Future-Proof Your Packaging Strategy

Now is the moment to evaluate your packaging systems against the upcoming EU standards.
THIELMANN can help your organization achieve both compliance and sustainability leadership—with containers designed for performance, longevity, and environmental responsibility.

Contact our experts to explore how stainless steel packaging can secure your competitive advantage under Regulation (EU) 2025/40.

Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, THIELMANN recommends consulting with qualified legal or regulatory professionals for specific guidance regarding compliance with Regulation (EU) 2025/40.