From product manufacturers to machinery and film suppliers, all stakeholders across the value chain must adapt to a more demanding legal framework focused on sustainability, circularity, and reducing environmental impact.

The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), promoted by the European Commission and in force since 11 February, is not just a regulatory evolution — it represents a structural transformation that will impact the entire packaging value chain.

How does this affect the food industry?

1. Redesign of formats and materials

The regulation will restrict or prohibit certain types of packaging widely used today:

• Non-recyclable multilayer films.
• “Over-packaging” formats in single-dose or secondary packs.
• Single-use plastic packaging for food and beverages in the HORECA channel to be consumed in the premises.

This compels food manufacturers to adapt the materials and structures used in their packaging.

2. Effective recyclability and mandatory recycled content

The regulation establishes that by 2030, all packaging must be designed for recycling  and by 2035 all packaging shall be recycled at scale . It also sets for 2030 mandatory minimum percentages of recycled plastic content for both food and non-food applications (for example, rPET in trays).

This requirement directly impacts packaging design and film selection, with both technical (transparency, sealability) and economic implications.

3. Reuse obligations in specific channels

The PPWR will introduce minimum reuse quotas in sectors such as foodservice, delivery, and beverages. It will also promote the use of refillable or returnable packaging in retail, especially for bulk or fresh products.

For many food brands, this might mean developing two parallel packaging systems: one for the traditional disposable/recyclable channel and another for a new reusable packaging model.

4. Uniform labelling and mandatory eco-design

All packaging will require harmonised labelling across the EU clearly indicating:

• How to recycle the packaging.
• What material it is made from.
• Whether it complies with eco-design or reuse criteria.

This will affect the relationship between brands and consumers and will require complete traceability of materials and formats.

Opportunities to stay ahead

While the PPWR presents clear challenges, it also opens major opportunities for companies that invest in innovation and proactively adapt to the new regulation:

Competitive advantage in retail and export: distributors and major international operators prioritise suppliers with sustainable, innovative, and certified packaging solutions.

Efficiency and weight reduction: by reducing packaging weight and adapting lines to recyclable materials, your company will be better prepared for future challenges in the sector.

Technological acceleration: the PPWR is driving investment in versatile, connected machinery designed to work with sustainable films, change formats easily, and capture key data for reporting and traceability.

ULMA solutions to lead the change

At ULMA Packaging, we have been developing technologies that already address PPWR requirements:

• Tray sealers for paper-based trays (LeafSkin™), plastic-reduced tray formats (R-Skin™), and recyclable or cardboard solutions.
• Thermoformers with technologies such as Eco Form™ and Better Form™ to reduce plastic consumption, and Better Seal™ to ensure sealing performance with mono-materials.
• Flow Pack lines with Better-Seal™ technology for mono-material packaging and trayless formats, reducing plastic use by up to 70%.
• Vertical packaging with Plus-Cut™ technology, which lowers film consumption and improves efficiency.

Conclusion

The European PPWR is transforming how the food industry conceives and uses packaging. Not adapting is no longer an option. Companies that lead this transition with efficient, sustainable, and technology-driven solutions will gain a competitive edge in the new regulatory and market landscape.

Are you ready for the change?

At ULMA Packaging, we help you face this new stage with the technology, expertise, and proximity it demands. Contact us.