The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – is being implemented in the European Union. It entered into force on 11 February 2025, and the general application of the regulation begins on 12 August 2026.
The new regulation covers all packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of its material or origin, and progressively sets new requirements for packaging composition, recyclability, labelling, waste reduction, and other areas.
Why is PPWR relevant to printing houses?
PPWR is not an ink regulation, and printing inks themselves are not considered packaging. However, when inks, varnishes, adhesives, and other materials are used for packaging production and printing, their properties and composition can be important in evaluating the final packaging.
Therefore, PPWR is relevant not only to packaging manufacturers. The entire supply chain – printing houses, raw material suppliers, and other companies involved in the packaging production process – may also feel the changes.
One of the objectives of PPWR is to reduce the presence and concentration of substances of concern in packaging materials and their components. Increasing attention is also being paid to ensuring that the materials used do not hinder packaging recycling and the circular economy.
Greater focus on material composition and documentation
The new regulatory environment means that it is becoming increasingly important for packaging manufacturers to know not only the properties of the primary packaging material but also those of the entire system used.
For printing houses, this may mean a greater customer demand for information about the used:
- printing inks;
- varnishes and coatings;
- additives;
- cleaning and technological chemicals, when relevant to the final product;
- other products used in the packaging production process.
In its PPWR overview, DHL also recommends that companies collect information from suppliers regarding material composition, recyclability, restricted substances, and other compliance documentation.
Therefore, when choosing inks for packaging printing, not only their shade, adhesion, resistance, or printing properties become important, but also the technical and compliance documentation of a reliable manufacturer.
Special attention – food packaging
When printing food packaging, not only PPWR requirements are important. Such products are already subject to other EU requirements related to materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
For example, when printing the non-food contact side of packaging, inks must be selected and used in such a way that their constituent materials do not migrate into food through the packaging material or due to set-off from the printed surface in a reel or stack, exceeding the applicable requirements.
Therefore, in food packaging printing, the proper selection of the ink system, technological process, and manufacturer's documentation remain particularly important.
Do all PPWR requirements come into force in August 2026?
No. August 12, 2026, is not the date from which all new PPWR requirements enter into force simultaneously.
The regulation is implemented in stages. Some requirements for labelling, recyclability, packaging minimisation, use of recycled materials, and others will be applied in later years.
Therefore, in each specific case, it is important to evaluate the type of packaging, its purpose, the materials used, and the application date of the specific PPWR requirement.
What do we recommend for packaging printing houses?
First, it is worth reviewing which final products use your printing inks and other materials.
It is especially important to distinguish food, pharmaceutical, and other sensitive area packaging from general-purpose packaging and to assess what technical and compliance information may be needed from material manufacturers.
We also recommend not waiting until the final client requests documentation. Collecting information about the compliance of used inks and other materials should become a routine part of the packaging printing process.
Lipnus – professional solutions for packaging printing
Lipnus supplies professional printing inks, chemicals, additives, and related solutions for the printing industry.
As packaging requirements change, our goal is to help clients not only choose a technologically suitable product but also, in cooperation with manufacturers, obtain relevant technical information about the materials used.
When choosing inks for packaging printing, it is important to evaluate the entire application: what material will be printed on, what the final packaging will be used for, what resistance requirements are set, and what compliance information is needed for the final product.
Do you have questions about the selection of inks or other materials for packaging printing? Contact the Lipnus team – we will help you choose the most suitable solution for your application.
The information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The application of specific PPWR and other legal requirements depends on the product, packaging, its purpose, and the company's role in the supply chain.