Does the recycled content requirement also apply to my HDPE cleaning product bottles?

Yes. Plastic packaging without direct food contact – including HDPE bottles for all-purpose cleaners or washing-up liquid – must contain a minimum recycled content of 30% from 2030. By 2040, this quota rises to up to 65% in certain categories. Ask your bottle manufacturer now about certified post-consumer recycled content (PCR) and request written confirmation. For a binding assessment of which quota applies to your specific packaging, contact your competent Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Do we need to make changes to our washing powder cartons with plastic liners?

Most likely yes. The PPWR stipulates that packaging made from multiple materials must either consist of at least 85% of one primary material or be separable without tools. A cardboard box with a glued-in plastic bag generally does not meet this requirement if the materials cannot be easily separated. Discuss with your packaging supplier whether a loosely inserted inner bag or an alternative single-material solution is technically feasible. Your Chamber of Commerce and Industry can assist with the assessment of specific packaging designs.

From when must we offer refill options?

The PPWR stipulates that certain product categories must provide reuse or refill options from 2030, provided they are listed in the relevant annexes to the regulation. This is likely to be the case for household cleaners. Specific quotas and transition periods will be further clarified by delegated acts of the EU Commission. It is already worthwhile evaluating concentrated refill pouches as a complement to the core range, as these already enjoy strong consumer acceptance today.

What applies to household vacuum bags made from multilayer film?

Household vacuum bags are sales packaging and fall fully under the PPWR. Multilayer films that are not recyclable must be progressively replaced by recyclable alternatives. From 2030, recyclability will be required as a minimum standard for all packaging. Commission your film supplier to carry out a material data analysis and assess whether certified mono-PE or mono-PP films are suitable for your application. For legal questions regarding transition periods and exemptions, your competent Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the first point of contact.

Branchenguide · PPWR

PPWR for Drugstore & Household Products: What Manufacturers Must Consider from 12.08.2026

From 12 August 2026, EU Packaging Regulation (EU) 2025/40 – known as PPWR – becomes binding for all companies placing packaging on the EU market. For manufacturers and retailers of cleaning products, laundry detergents, household vacuum bags and similar products, the regulation introduces concrete obligations regarding recycled content, labelling and reuse systems. Acting now avoids costly rework and keeps you competitive.

PPWR in Practice: What Drugstore and Household Goods Companies Need to Know Now

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 establishes, for the first time, uniform European minimum requirements for all types of packaging. For your industry, three areas are particularly relevant: recycled content, refill systems and the expanded labelling obligations.

Recycled Content Requirements for Plastic Packaging

Cleaning product bottles, fabric softener containers and detergent dosing cups are predominantly made of plastic. The PPWR prescribes graduated minimum recycled content levels: from 2030, contact packaging for non-sensitive applications – such as cleaning product bottles – must contain a minimum recycled content of 30%. For non-food-contact packaging, such as household cleaner spray bottles or detergent cartridges, these quotas rise to up to 65% by 2040. Now examine, together with your packaging suppliers, which plastic types (HDPE, PET, PP) in your range already contain certified recycled content, and request the relevant documentation.

Washing Powder Boxes and Cardboard Packaging

Cardboard boxes for washing powder or dishwasher tablets are classified as fibre-based packaging. Here too, the PPWR requires that packaging consists of at least 85% of a single material, or that the separation of different materials must be possible without tools. Composite packaging with a plastic inner bag inside a cardboard box must be designed so that consumers can easily separate both components and dispose of them correctly. Mark separation instructions clearly and visibly on the packaging.

Refill Systems as a Strategic Opportunity

The PPWR gives reuse and refill systems clear regulatory support. From 2030, certain categories of cleaning products must be offered in reusable containers or with a refill option, provided the product category is listed in the annexes to the regulation. Make active use of this trend: concentrated refill pouches made from thin film use up to 75% less plastic than single-use bottles and simultaneously address your customers' growing sustainability awareness. Check whether your retail range already includes refill products, and communicate this transparently on the packaging.

Household Vacuum Bags: Frequently Overlooked

Vacuum bags for clothing or bedding also fall under the PPWR, as they are classified as sales packaging. The multilayer films used must be assessed for recyclability from 2030 and – where technically feasible – replaced by recyclable mono-material films. Have your suppliers' current film specifications checked for PPWR compliance.

Labelling Obligations from 12.08.2026

From the cut-off date, all new packaging must bear the harmonised QR code label referring to recycling information. Existing stock may continue to be sold until exhausted, provided the packaging was produced before the cut-off date. Plan your labelling processes and print data with sufficient lead time.

Recommendations for Action

By the end of 2025 at the latest, carry out a complete inventory of all your packaging by material type, weight and function. Use this list as a basis for discussions with suppliers and for evaluating recycled content quotas. For a legally sound assessment of your specific obligations, consulting your relevant Chamber of Commerce and Industry or a lawyer specialising in packaging law is recommended.

Häufige Fragen

Does the recycled content requirement also apply to my HDPE cleaning product bottles?: Yes. Plastic packaging without direct food contact – including HDPE bottles for all-purpose cleaners or washing-up liquid – must contain a minimum recycled content of 30% from 2030. By 2040, this quota rises to up to 65% in certain categories. Ask your bottle manufacturer now about certified post-consumer recycled content (PCR) and request written confirmation. For a binding assessment of which quota applies to your specific packaging, contact your competent Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Do we need to make changes to our washing powder cartons with plastic liners?: Most likely yes. The PPWR stipulates that packaging made from multiple materials must either consist of at least 85% of one primary material or be separable without tools. A cardboard box with a glued-in plastic bag generally does not meet this requirement if the materials cannot be easily separated. Discuss with your packaging supplier whether a loosely inserted inner bag or an alternative single-material solution is technically feasible. Your Chamber of Commerce and Industry can assist with the assessment of specific packaging designs.
From when must we offer refill options?: The PPWR stipulates that certain product categories must provide reuse or refill options from 2030, provided they are listed in the relevant annexes to the regulation. This is likely to be the case for household cleaners. Specific quotas and transition periods will be further clarified by delegated acts of the EU Commission. It is already worthwhile evaluating concentrated refill pouches as a complement to the core range, as these already enjoy strong consumer acceptance today.
What applies to household vacuum bags made from multilayer film?: Household vacuum bags are sales packaging and fall fully under the PPWR. Multilayer films that are not recyclable must be progressively replaced by recyclable alternatives. From 2030, recyclability will be required as a minimum standard for all packaging. Commission your film supplier to carry out a material data analysis and assess whether certified mono-PE or mono-PP films are suitable for your application. For legal questions regarding transition periods and exemptions, your competent Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the first point of contact.

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