Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD)

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) 94/62/EC is a directive of the European Union (EU) that aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and packaging waste. The directive was adopted in 1994 and has since been amended several times. EU rules on packaging cover all types of packaging and packaging waste placed on the European market. This means all materials, and packaging including industrial, commercial, household and other sectors. 

All packaging placed on the EU market has to comply with essential requirements related to its manufacturing, composition, and reusable or recoverable nature. The PPWD sets out specific measures for reducing the environmental impact of packaging, including:

• Prevention: Packaging manufacturers are encouraged to design and produce packaging that generates as little waste as possible and can be reused or recycled.
• Reuse: Packaging should be designed and produced with a view to reusing it several times.
• Recycling: Member states are required to ensure that a minimum of 60% (by weight) of packaging waste is recovered and recycled.
• Disposal: Member states are required to reduce the amount of packaging waste sent to landfill and incineration.

The directive also includes provisions for the establishment of recycling targets for specific materials, such as paper and plastic, and for the labelling of packaging to indicate its recyclability.

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