A Brief Look at Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation(PPWR) and Hospitality

With the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation(PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, core requirements beginning to apply from 12 August 2026, packaging sustainability is no longer something the hospitality industry can afford to overlook.

So, what is the PPWR?

It is the EU’s comprehensive framework governing packaging placed on the EU market. It replaces the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and aims to reduce packaging waste while making packaging safer, more recyclable, reusable and resource-efficient. It applies broadly to all types of packaging.

Its core requirements can be summarised as:

• Reduce packaging and excessive or empty packaging: packaging should use only the weight and volume necessary for its function.

• Make packaging recyclable: packaging placed on the EU market must meet applicable recyclability requirements, with more detailed design-for-recycling criteria phased in from 2030.

• Increase reuse and refill: promote reusable packaging and reuse systems.

• Restrict substances of concern: including specific restrictions on PFAS in food-contact packaging from 12 August 2026.

• Improve packaging labelling: enabling consumers to identify materials and understand disposal or reuse instructions.

• Reduce certain single-use packaging: with significant restrictions beginning in 2030.

• Strengthen producer responsibility and compliance: including reporting, conformity assessment and documentation requirements throughout the packaging supply chain.

What are the core requirements from 12 August 2026?

The most immediate issue for hotels and resorts is the restriction on PFAS in food-contact packaging. From 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging containing PFAS above the specified limits cannot be placed on the EU market. This is particularly relevant to takeaway boxes, food wrappers, grease-resistant paper, pizza boxes and similar F&B packaging.

However, PPWR applies to other packaging as well. This includes shampoo and cosmetic bottles, guest amenities, cleaning-product packaging, minibar and retail packaging, cartons and plastic containers. The requirements for these products are phased in over time, with many of the more significant recyclability, recycled-content, packaging-minimisation and reuse requirements taking effect from 2030.

What does this mean in hospitality industry?

For hotels and resorts, the immediate priority is essentially to "know and control the packaging you purchase and use". Procurement teams should obtain PPWR compliance information from suppliers, and begin identifying packaging that may become problematic under the requirements coming into force in 2030.

The primary compliance obligations generally sit with the manufacturers and importers placing packaging on the EU market. Depending on their role, they may need to undertake conformity assessments, prepare technical documentation and issue an EU Declaration of Conformity.

A final thought

PPWR represents a shift in how packaging is designed, supplied and used across the hospitality industry. Understanding these changes early will be key to navigating the regulatory transition and adapting operations before the more substantial requirements take effect in 2030.