PPWR Explained
Miron’s approach to the new European packaging rules (PPWR)
The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces uniform, binding packaging rules across all EU Member States. If your business places packaged products on the EU market, these rules may apply to you.
At Miron, protecting what matters has always been central to how we approach packaging. As European packaging requirements evolve, our focus remains on durable, high-performing glass and packaging solutions designed with long-term value in mind.
Preparing for Europe’s new packaging rules
Our approach on PPWR
“In line with our mission to reconnect people, products, and nature, Miron supports the goals of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to reduce the environmental impact of packaging.
We are actively preparing for the requirements that will come into effect in the years ahead and helping our brand partners navigate this transition. As European packaging requirements evolve, high-quality, recyclable glass provides a strong foundation for more circular packaging solutions.
At the same time, our R&D efforts continue to focus on areas such as lightweighting and next-generation recyclable closures. By combining proven materials with ongoing innovation, we aim to help our partners prepare for PPWR requirements while making thoughtful packaging choices for the future.”
Eelco Scholtens, CEO of Miron Violetglass B.V.
)
The new packaging rules at a glance
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to support a more circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of packaging. It focuses on five key areas: improving recyclability and recycling, reducing packaging waste, increasing reuse, increasing the use of recycled materials, and harmonizing sorting labels across the EU.
The PPWR generally applies from August 12, 2026. Many specific requirements will be introduced gradually in the years that follow, with key measures taking effect between 2028 and 2035 as further technical rules and guidance are developed. This phased implementation gives businesses and the wider packaging value chain time to prepare and adapt.
PPWR the coming years
Key milestones to watch
)
August 12, 2026
EU-wide application begins
)
2026 to 2028
More technical guidelines
The European Commission gradually publishes the detailed technical guidelines and standards needed to prepare ahead of compliance deadlines.
)
12 August 2028
Sorting labeled
All packaging must bear the harmonized sorting label.
)
1 January 2030
More requirements
All packaging must be recyclable and minimized according to the technical requirements previously adopted. All plastic packaging must also include a minimum share of recycled content.
)
1 January 2035
Recycling at scale becomes mandatory.
A natural fit for the future of packaging
The PPWR does not change our direction.
It validates it.
Premium design and environmental responsibility belong together.
At a glance
How Miron aligns with the PPWR’s key requirements
At Miron, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) does not change our direction. It reinforces our focus on durable, high-quality packaging and our commitment to reconnecting people, products, and nature.
As European packaging requirements evolve, high-quality, recyclable glass provides a strong foundation for more circular packaging solutions. Miron glass combines premium design with the qualities of glass as a durable and recyclable packaging material.
The PPWR reinforces a principle we have long believed in: premium design and environmental responsibility belong together. By combining proven materials with ongoing innovation, we aim to help our partners make thoughtful packaging choices for the future.
We are committed to supporting and guiding our customers as they prepare for the new requirements.
All packaging must be recyclable and recycled at scale
1. Recyclability
Starting on January 1, 2030, all packaging must be designed for recycling and achieve at least a Grade C (>70%) recyclability rating.
The PPWR introduces a grading system with three levels: A, B, and C. These grades are based on how effectively a package can be collected, sorted, and recycled. The grading system will be based on design-for-recycling criteria for each packaging type.
)
The recyclability grading system is currently being designed by the European Commission and must be published by January 1, 2028.
From January 1, 2035, it will no longer be enough for packaging to be recyclable in theory. It must also be collected, sorted, and recycled at scale in industrial systems.
The methodology for the recycled-at-scale assessment for each packaging category will be published by January 1, 2030. This marks a key shift from meeting design-for-recycling criteria to demonstrating proven recycling performance.
The glass container
Glass is infinitely recyclable, widely collected, and benefits from established European recycling infrastructure.
For Miron glass, the focus is therefore not on reinventing recyclability, but on maintaining compatibility with sorting and recycling systems. Because Miron’s unique violet glass filters light to protect formulations, we are actively conducting optical sorting tests across European recycling facilities.
This ensures automated sorting machines can easily recognize and process our glass ahead of the 2035 “recycled at scale” requirement. Labels, coatings, and component choices will also need to be compatible and may need to be adjusted.
Closures and accessories
Caps, pumps, pipettes, sprays, and lids are often more complex than a glass bottle or jar. They tend to combine multiple materials, contain more virgin plastic, and are harder to sort and recycle. This makes them a key focus as we work toward PPWR compliance.
While the technical rules have not yet been released, the direction of travel is already clear: simpler, more mono-material designs, better separability, and greater compatibility with collection and sorting systems.
Miron is already moving in this direction by optimizing its portfolio, working with leading European partners, and expanding more future-proof options such as wood, aluminum, tin, mono-material designs, PP, and non-glued liners.
All packaging must be designed to reduce waste
2. Waste prevention
Starting in 2030, the size and weight of packaging should be minimized to the minimum necessary to ensure its functionality, for example, to keep products safe and clean.
Features that add extra material but no clear benefit, such as thick bottoms or unnecessary empty space, will be restricted. Reducing empty space will also be required for all transport and e-commerce packaging.
Harmonized standards setting out the methodology for calculating and measuring compliance with these requirements will be developed before then.
)
Material efficiency
Miron glass design already avoids unnecessary mass and should therefore meet the upcoming requirements.
We will continue to research and work toward lightweighting our glass without compromising its premium feel or protective properties.
Reducing space in transport packaging
The PPWR also targets empty space in transport and e-commerce packaging. Miron uses a custom AI shipping calculator to optimize pack-out efficiency and minimize unnecessary empty space in secondary shipping cartons.
All packaging must bear a harmonized label to facilitate sorting
3. Labeling
The European Commission is developing a harmonized sorting label, including material composition, that will need to feature on all packaging.
It should be applied from August 12, 2028, or 24 months from the date of entry into force of the technical rules, whichever is later.
)
How Miron is preparing
We are monitoring the release of the new EU sorting label and will inform our customers so they can apply it to their packaging on time.
Where applicable, we will ensure it is applied by us when engraving or printing.
We do not expect any difficulty, and any remaining stocks of products already packaged before the deadline will be allowed to be sold for three years after the deadline.
Reusable packaging is encouraged and must be reused in practice
4. Reuse and refill
he PPWR pushes the market beyond single-use packaging toward refill and structured reuse systems.
The law introduces new obligations for operators that offer refill to consumers, particularly around information and hygiene.
Information for consumers will have to include the types of containers that can be used to purchase products offered through refill, the hygiene standards for refill, and the consumer’s responsibility for health and safety.
)
Refill stations will also need to follow a number of obligations.
For packaging to be legally recognized as reusable, it must meet a number of requirements. For example, it must be designed to accomplish several rotations and be capable of being emptied and unloaded without being damaged. It must also form part of an organized system for collection, cleaning, and customer returns.
By 12 February 2027, the Commission shall adopt rules establishing a minimum number of rotations for reusable packaging.
A number of packaging formats, such as transport packaging and packaging for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, will need to meet mandatory reuse targets by 2030 and 2040.
System readiness
Miron glass is naturally durable, stable, and easy to clean, making it an ideal candidate for both reuse and refill models.
However, it will only be considered reusable when it forms part of a documented system that collects, returns, and reuses the packaging.
Focusing on closure durability
In refill models, pump mechanisms and pipettes are often the weak link because they are not built for repeated long-term use.
Miron is studying how to ensure closure mechanisms could better withstand multiple usage cycles.
All plastic packaging, including components, must include a minimum amount of recycled plastic
5. Recycled content
To reduce the use of virgin material, the PPWR requires plastic packaging, including components such as pumps or closures, to include a minimum level of recycled plastic.
These requirements will become stricter from 2040 onward.
They apply only to plastic packaging. All other materials, including glass, are exempt. However, the European Commission may review this in the future.
)
Starting in 2030, plastic packaging must contain a minimum amount of recycled material. The main targets are:
30% recycled content for food-contact PET packaging and single-use plastic bottles
10% for food-contact plastic packaging other than PET
35% for other plastic packaging
Recycled content in closures
Only our plastic closures will be concerned by this measure.
Sourcing qualitative recycled content, particularly for food-contact material, remains challenging. However, our suppliers are already working actively to find solutions and secure qualitative supply in time for the 2030 deadline.
Ready for the next step?
)
Supplier Compliance Statement
Find the technical information Miron provides to support your PPWR documentation requirements.
)
PPWR FAQ
Find clear answers to common questions about the PPWR and what it means for Miron packaging.
Practical PPWR guide
Follow the key steps to understand what to review, what to prepare, and when to take action.
)
Contact
Have a specific question? We are here to help.
Our experts will review your needs and guide you to the right solution
