FAQ

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a EU regulation designed to reduce packaging waste and increase circularity across all industries. Unlike the previous EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), the new PPWR will apply directly across all EU member states without needing national implementation. PPWR is expected to roll out gradually during the coming years. For skincare, beauty, and personal care brands, the regulation introduces new requirements for recyclability, recycled content, waste reduction, and packaging design. Once finalized, the regulation will apply directly across the European Union, meaning cosmetic brands must ensure compliance before placing packaging on the EU market. Key Goals • Reduce packaging waste in the EU • Increase recycling rates • Require recyclable packaging designs • Increase use of recycled materials • Encourage reusable packaging systems For cosmetic brands selling in the EU, this means packaging design will become a compliance issue, not just a marketing choice.

Yes. Cosmetic packaging made from plastic, glass, aluminum, and composite materials will all be affected by recyclability and sustainability requirements. Airless pumps and containers must also meet recyclability and material requirements. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is expected to roll out gradually during the coming years. Once finalized, the regulation will apply directly across the European Union, meaning cosmetic brands must ensure compliance before placing packaging on the EU market. Because packaging development cycles often take 12–24 months, brands should begin preparation early.

For skincare, beauty, and personal care brands, the regulation introduces new requirements for recyclability, recycled content, waste reduction, and packaging design. Once finalized, the regulation will apply directly across the European Union, meaning cosmetic brands must ensure compliance before placing packaging on the EU market. The key requirements are: 1. Recyclable Packaging by Design Under PPWR, packaging sold in the EU must be designed for recycling. This means: • Avoid unnecessary multi-material components • Design packaging compatible with EU recycling systems • Improve disassembly of pumps and closures 2. Minimum Recycled Content in Plastic Packaging PPWR proposes minimum levels of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in packaging. For cosmetic brands, this means many plastic packaging components may require PCR materials to meet compliance targets. Typical packaging components affected include: • Bottles • Caps • Pump housings • Jars 3. Reduction of Unnecessary Packaging The regulation will push brands to minimize packaging weight and empty space. For cosmetics, this may affect: • Secondary packaging (boxes) • Decorative packaging layers • Overly thick plastic components 4. Improved Packaging Labelling PPWR will introduce clearer labeling requirements to help consumers understand how to recycle packaging correctly. This will likely include: • Material identification • Recycling instructions • Harmonized EU labeling standards