The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, EU 2025/40) will become applicable on 12 August 2026, introducing significant changes to packaging material requirements, recyclability, and chemical safety. The aim of the regulation is to reduce packaging waste, promote material circularity, and restrict the use of harmful substances in packaging.

As the PPWR enters into application, key requirements will come into effect, including packaging minimization, Design for Recycling principles, chemical restrictions, and the preparation of packaging-specific Declarations of Conformity.

PREMerko has proactively prepared for the upcoming regulation and already meets the key PPWR requirements.

Prepared for PFAS Requirements and Material Safety

The PPWR restricts the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact packaging from 12 August 2026 onwards.

PREMerko has the necessary technical documentation and analysis-based certificates available to verify that raw materials comply with PFAS requirements.

We provide our customers with a transparent and verified way to demonstrate material compliance, including the technical documentation required under the PPWR.

The effects are designed to support high recyclability

Visual packaging enhancements such as foil stamping, UV coatings, and embossing have been designed to support high recyclability and the future PPWR recyclability performance grades (A–C), which will be further specified in phases leading up to 2030.

The share of these enhancements in the overall packaging structure is kept very low (typically below 5%), supporting the achievement of the highest recyclability levels.

Lamination Solutions for Different Recyclability Levels

Food-grade laminations and functional protective laminations have been designed to meet varying recyclability requirements.

The recyclability level of each solution depends on the combination of materials used, the packaging structure, and the properties of the board material.

PREMerko’s solutions enable highly recyclable packaging structures without compromising protective performance.

New Opportunities in Packaging Design

The PPWR also creates new opportunities for packaging innovation. PREMerko’s manufacturing methods make it possible to implement:

• Even thinner specialty film solutions
• Material-efficient fibre-based structures
• Solutions that support packaging minimization requirements

These opportunities have already generated market interest, particularly in the development of lighter and more recyclable packaging solutions.

ISO 22000 Strengthens the Overall Offering

As part of our continuous quality and safety development, the implementation of ISO 22000 certification at PREMerko’s Helsinki facility is in its final stages.

The certification further supports compliance and quality management, particularly for food packaging applications.

Support for Meeting PPWR Requirements

PREMerko supports its customers in meeting PPWR requirements, including:

• Technical documentation and material information
• PFAS analysis data and compliance certificates
• Solutions for improving recyclability and material efficiency

We are happy to provide additional information and deliver documentation for the raw materials used in your packaging solutions upon request.