The new European rules on packaging and packaging waste, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), have been in force since 12 August 2026. The regulation is intended to ensure greater harmonisation within the EU, whilst at the same time reducing the amount of packaging waste and encouraging reuse and recycling.

To help businesses with the practical implementation, the European Commission published an updated FAQ at the beginning of August. This second edition contains several new and clarified answers that are relevant to businesses.

For example, the Commission provides greater clarity on who is considered a manufacturer or producer, including in the case of transport packaging, packaging bearing different company names or brands, and packaging used for the transport of components.

In addition, the FAQ clarifies the rules regarding substances of concern and heavy metals, the recycled content of packaging, and the obligations of manufacturers, importers, distributors and suppliers.

The FAQ also provides important clarifications for companies that still have packaging in stock which was manufactured before 12 August 2026 but has not yet been placed on the market. The same applies to the rules on conformity assessment.

The new FAQ is therefore a useful resource for companies that need to adapt their packaging and internal processes to the new PPWR rules. The European Commission emphasises that further details on certain aspects will follow in the coming years.

EPRIBEL, the interregional committee for the UPV, has also produced a brochure containing FAQs organised by various keywords.

IBE-BVI members can access the full European Commission FAQs, version 08/2026, as well as the EPRIBEL brochure, here: click here

Would you like to find out more about the PPWR and how your business can prepare? Take a look at our training course ‘De PPWR doorgelicht’ : Register HERE