The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation reshapes how packaging — including the printed items around a garment — should be designed. This is awareness information to help you ask suppliers the right questions, not legal advice.
- PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) entered into force in 2025; general application from around August 2026.
- Pushes packaging toward recyclability, reduced waste and minimised material.
- Affects hang tag, paper packaging and label specification; mono-material and paper-based solutions are preferred.
- Paper-based printing (offset/flexo), especially on FSC stock, fits a recyclability-first approach. (Awareness info.)
What PPWR is
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40, entered into force in 2025 with general application from around August 2026. It pushes packaging toward recyclability, reduced waste and minimised material across the EU.
What it means for labels & packaging
The direction is clear: design for recyclability, avoid unnecessary material, and prefer mono-material and paper-based solutions where possible. For brands, that affects hang tags, paper packaging and the way labels are specified.
Paper-based and FSC options
Paper-based printed items (offset and flexo) fit a recyclability-first approach well, especially on FSC certified stock. The earlier you factor this into label and tag design, the smoother future compliance becomes.
What to ask your supplier
Ask whether material choices support recyclability, whether FSC stock is available, and how to reduce unnecessary packaging without losing brand impact. We are happy to discuss paper-based, FSC options for your items.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does PPWR start to apply?
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force in 2025, with general application from around August 2026.
How does it affect my labels and hang tags?
It steers you toward design for recyclability, avoiding unnecessary material, and mono-material or paper-based solutions where possible.
What should I do now?
Ask your supplier whether material choices support recyclability and whether FSC stock is available, and factor this into design early.