Manufacturers
Understand the obligations associated with your legal role and the packaging you supply.
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Your products may be ready for Europe.Is your packaging?
The EU has introduced new packaging rules that affect how businesses demonstrate conformity. For textile manufacturers and exporters, understanding the requirements is an important part of protecting access to European customers.
General application
12 August 2026
Regulation
EU 2025/40
Market
European Union
Different requirements have different application dates. Review the relevant legal provisions before acting.
Start with the essentials
What is PPWR, and why should manufacturers care?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation introduces EU-wide rules covering packaging sustainability and waste prevention. Its requirements extend beyond recycling to matters such as packaging design, materials, minimisation, labelling and conformity documentation.
Exporters and importers
Coordinate with EU customers and importers on the evidence and documentation they may need.
Packaging suppliers
Provide the information and supporting records needed for packaging conformity assessments.
The legal definition of a manufacturer, importer, supplier or distributor determines which duties apply. Being a textile exporter does not automatically make a business the PPWR manufacturer of every packaging item.
Why preparation matters
Non-compliant packaging can put EU market access at risk.
EU importers must not place packaging on the market when they have reason to believe it fails applicable requirements. Authorities can also require corrective measures, withdrawal or recall in relevant circumstances.
For exporters, this can mean delayed orders, additional verification, changes to packaging or lost business. These are potential commercial consequences, not an automatic ban from all global markets.
Read the official regulationWhat could happen?
1
Your EU customer requests supporting conformity information.
2
Missing evidence or an unmet requirement requires investigation or corrective action.
3
Packaging supply may be delayed or restricted until the relevant issue is resolved.
4
Organised records can make customer and authority requests easier to address.
Real manufacturing examples
PPWR is relevant to the packaging you use every day.
From an individual garment bag to an export carton, different packaging types and components may be subject to different requirements. Start by understanding what you use and what information supports its assessment.
Garment polybags
Individual protective bags used around shirts, knitwear and other garments.
Consider the applicable material, recyclability and substance requirements.
Shipping cartons
Corrugated packaging used to transport finished textile orders.
Understand packaging minimisation and other relevant requirements.
Labels and attached components
Stickers, labels and other components forming part of a packaging configuration.
Assess the relevant packaging configuration and supporting information.
Understand the documentation
Three essentials behind PPWR conformity.
Evidence supports the conformity assessment and technical documentation. Where the applicable requirements have been demonstrated, the responsible manufacturer draws up the EU Declaration of Conformity.
01 · Foundation
Supporting evidence
Relevant test reports, supplier declarations, certificates and records that support the assessment of applicable packaging requirements.
02 · Technical record
Technical Documentation
Annex VII describes the technical documentation needed to assess packaging conformity, including applicable requirements, assessments and supporting information.
03 · Formal declaration
EU Declaration of Conformity
The responsible manufacturer formally declares that the applicable requirements have been met, following the required conformity assessment.
Why does this matter?
Having certificates in folders is not the same as maintaining a traceable conformity record. Evidence needs to support the assessment, technical documentation must address the relevant requirements, and the declaration carries the manufacturer's legal responsibility. Producing documents alone does not establish compliance.
Legal references: Articles 15, 38 and 39; Annexes VII and VIII. Role-specific exceptions and transitional rules may apply.
Manufacturer preparation
What should your business do now?
Start with the information and responsibilities you already know. Use these steps to identify areas requiring further assessment, not as a substitute for legal advice.
Identify the packaging used for each product and shipment.
Determine which PPWR obligations and dates apply.
Gather relevant supplier evidence and test reports.
Link evidence to the correct packaging and version.
Prepare the applicable technical documentation.
Establish responsibility for conformity assessment and declarations.
Know the dates
Not every PPWR requirement starts on the same day.
The regulation generally applies from 12 August 2026, while various packaging requirements, implementing measures and transition periods follow different schedules. Use the tracker to inspect individual milestones and their official references.
Explore the timelineExplore the regulatory detail
Understand the law. Explore the requirements.
The interactive PPWR tracker below brings together published requirements, regulatory milestones, article references and official sources. Use it to investigate the rules relevant to your packaging.
EPR Engine Regulatory Intelligence
Understand the regulation.Track what changes.
Explore published PPWR requirements, upcoming regulatory milestones, official articles and supporting sources in our dedicated regulatory tracker.