The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, is bringing significant changes to the way packaging is designed, manufactured, supplied and managed throughout its life cycle.
For European brands, food companies, distributors and importers sourcing packaging from overseas suppliers, understanding PPWR requirements is becoming increasingly important when selecting packaging materials and suppliers.
At Weifang Art Packaging, we work with customers in Europe and other international markets to develop customized paper packaging solutions with material selection, packaging structure, recyclability and applicable regulatory requirements in mind.
Our goal is not simply to manufacture a high-quality box. We also aim to provide the technical information and compliance support our customers need to manage their packaging supply chains with greater confidence.
In this article, we explain some of the key PPWR requirements that European buyers should understand when sourcing paper packaging and food packaging from international suppliers.
What Is the EU PPWR?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), officially known as Regulation (EU) 2025/40, is the European Union’s new regulatory framework for packaging and packaging waste.
It applies to packaging placed on the EU market and covers packaging made from different materials, including:
- Paper and cardboard
- Plastic
- Glass
- Metal
- Wood
- Composite materials
The regulation aims to:
- Reduce packaging waste
- Reduce unnecessary and excessive packaging
- Improve packaging recyclability
- Promote the use of recycled materials where applicable
- Reduce substances of concern in packaging
- Encourage better packaging design
- Promote reuse and waste prevention
- Improve packaging information for consumers and supply-chain stakeholders
For this reason, PPWR is much broader than simply asking whether a packaging product is “recyclable.”
It affects packaging design, material selection, manufacturing, documentation and the responsibilities of different companies throughout the supply chain.
When Does PPWR Apply?
PPWR entered into force in 2025, with its general application date beginning on 12 August 2026.
However, not all PPWR requirements become applicable at the same time. Many obligations are introduced progressively according to different implementation timelines and supporting measures.
For packaging manufacturers, suppliers and European buyers, this means that PPWR compliance should be treated as an ongoing process rather than a one-time certification.
Companies developing packaging for the European market today should consider both the requirements that are currently applicable and future requirements that may affect the packaging during its product life cycle.
What Does PPWR Mean for Paper Packaging?
Paper and cardboard packaging have an important advantage because paper fibers can be recovered through established paper recycling systems.
However, being primarily made from paper does not automatically mean that every paper package is fully compliant with all applicable PPWR requirements.
The final packaging structure and material composition matter.
A customized paper box may contain:
- Paper or cardboard
- Printing inks
- Adhesives
- Water-based coatings
- Grease-resistant coatings
- PE coatings
- PLA films
- Plastic laminations
- Barrier coatings
- Other functional layers
Therefore, PPWR assessment should consider the complete final material composition and intended application of the packaging.
For example, a conventional paperboard box and a paperboard box containing an additional plastic barrier layer should not automatically be treated as identical packaging products.
At Weifang Art Packaging, we therefore evaluate packaging solutions according to their actual material structure and intended use rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
1. Packaging Material Safety
One of the important areas covered by PPWR is the control of substances in packaging.
Packaging placed on the EU market must comply with applicable restrictions concerning substances of concern.
For example, PPWR establishes restrictions relating to certain heavy metals. The combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium in packaging is subject to an applicable limit.
This is important for packaging suppliers because compliance does not depend only on the paper or cardboard itself.
A complete packaging product may contain multiple components, including:
- Paper and board
- Printing inks
- Adhesives
- Coatings
- Laminating materials
- Barrier materials
A responsible packaging supplier should therefore maintain appropriate material information, supplier declarations and, where necessary, relevant laboratory test reports to support the compliance assessment.
At Weifang Art Packaging, we work with our material supply chain to obtain relevant technical information for the materials used in customized packaging products.
2. PFAS and Food Packaging
PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” have become an important concern for food packaging applications.
This is particularly relevant to products such as:
- Burger boxes
- Fried chicken boxes
- Bakery boxes
- Takeaway food boxes
- Food trays
- Greaseproof paper
- Food-service packaging
For food-contact packaging, particular attention should be paid to the materials and functional coatings used to provide grease, moisture or water resistance.
When customers require PFAS-free or PFAS-compliant food packaging, appropriate supporting documentation should be obtained from relevant material suppliers and, where necessary, supported by laboratory testing.
At Weifang Art Packaging, we can work with customers to review the material structure and intended application of food packaging and provide relevant compliance information and supporting documentation where applicable.
This is especially important when developing customized packaging for food-service and takeaway applications.
3. Recyclability and Design for Recycling
Improving packaging recyclability is one of the key objectives of PPWR.
This means recyclability should be considered from the beginning of packaging development rather than only after production has been completed.
For paper packaging, relevant factors may include:
- Paper or board material selection
- Fiber composition
- Overall packaging structure
- Printing inks
- Coatings
- Laminations
- Adhesives
- Barrier layers
- The type and proportion of non-paper components
This is why we believe in Design for Recycling.
When developing customized packaging, the objective should be to find the right balance between product protection, packaging performance, appearance, cost and recyclability.
At Weifang Art Packaging, we can work with customers to evaluate different paper packaging structures and consider recyclability as part of the packaging development process.
4. Does PPWR Prohibit Plastic-Laminated Paper Packaging?
Not necessarily.
This is an important point that is sometimes misunderstood.
PPWR should not simply be interpreted as:
“Paper packaging must contain 100% paper.”
Some packaging applications require additional functional layers to achieve the necessary performance.
For example, food packaging may require resistance to:
- Grease
- Moisture
- Water
- Oil
- Oxygen
Depending on the intended application, packaging may therefore include coatings, laminations or barrier layers.
The appropriate approach is to evaluate the final packaging structure, material composition, intended application and applicable regulatory requirements.
At Weifang Art Packaging, products containing additional functional layers, including PE coatings, laminations and barrier coatings, are evaluated according to their final material composition and intended application.
This allows us to work with customers to identify a suitable packaging structure rather than simply rejecting a material because it contains an additional functional layer.
5. Packaging Minimization
PPWR also addresses unnecessary and excessive packaging.
Packaging should not be larger, heavier or more complex than necessary for its intended function.
When developing customized packaging, companies should consider:
- Product protection
- Packaging dimensions
- Material thickness
- Structural design
- Empty space
- Number of packaging layers
- Transportation requirements
- Material consumption
Good packaging design is therefore about much more than appearance.
It should balance:
Protection + Functionality + Cost + Logistics + Customer Experience + Environmental Performance
At Weifang Art Packaging, our packaging development process considers the customer’s product, packaging requirements and intended application when determining the appropriate structure and material specification.
6. Recycled Content Requirements
PPWR introduces recycled-content requirements for certain types of packaging, particularly plastic packaging.
However, PPWR requirements should not be applied in exactly the same way to every packaging material.
For predominantly paper-based packaging, buyers should pay particular attention to:
- Paper and board composition
- Fiber source
- Recyclability
- Coatings
- Laminations
- Adhesives
- Printing inks
- Food-contact requirements where applicable
FSC-certified paper can provide valuable information regarding responsible forest-based sourcing.
However, it is important to understand that:
FSC certification is not the same as PPWR compliance.
FSC and PPWR address different aspects of sustainability, material sourcing and regulatory compliance.
7. Packaging Labels and Consumer Information
PPWR also introduces requirements concerning packaging information and labeling.
The objective is to make it easier for consumers and other stakeholders to understand packaging materials and appropriate waste-management practices.
These requirements are being introduced progressively.
Therefore, companies should distinguish between:
- Requirements that are already applicable
- Requirements with future implementation dates
- Requirements that depend on additional EU implementing measures or harmonized standards
For companies supplying packaging to the European market over the long term, monitoring these developments is important.
At Weifang Art Packaging, we continue to monitor relevant packaging regulations and work with customers to understand how future requirements may affect their packaging projects.
What Documents Should a Packaging Supplier Provide?
For European customers sourcing packaging from outside the EU, PPWR compliance should be supported by appropriate technical documentation.
Depending on the packaging product and its intended application, relevant documentation may include:
1. EU Declaration of Conformity
A Declaration of Conformity can identify the applicable regulatory requirements and confirm the supplier’s conformity assessment for the relevant packaging product.
The declaration should accurately reflect the actual product and should avoid making unnecessarily broad claims covering every packaging product manufactured by a supplier.
At Weifang Art Packaging, we recommend assessing products according to their specific material composition and intended application before preparing product-related compliance documentation.
2. Material Composition Information
European customers may need information regarding:
- Paper and cardboard
- Coatings
- Laminations
- Adhesives
- Printing inks
- Barrier layers
- Other functional materials
Clear material information can help customers better understand the packaging structure and support their own compliance assessment.
3. Supplier Declarations
Declarations from upstream material suppliers can help establish supply-chain traceability and provide supporting evidence for packaging compliance assessments.
Depending on the product, relevant documents may include declarations relating to:
- Paper and board
- Printing inks
- Adhesives
- Coatings
- Films
- Other functional materials
4. Laboratory Test Reports
Depending on the product and risk assessment, laboratory testing may be appropriate for areas such as:
- Heavy metals
- PFAS
- Food-contact compliance
- Other restricted substances
- Specific material properties
Testing should be based on the actual packaging composition and intended application rather than treating “PPWR testing” as a single universal laboratory test.
5. Technical Documentation
A Technical Information File (TIF) or similar technical documentation can help demonstrate how a packaging product has been assessed.
Depending on the product, it may include:
- Product specifications
- Technical drawings
- Material composition
- Manufacturing information
- Test reports
- Supplier declarations
- Compliance assessments
- Recyclability-related information
The exact documentation required depends on the packaging product, applicable PPWR requirements and the responsibilities of the relevant economic operators in the supply chain.
What Is the Responsibility of a Packaging Supplier?
This is an important distinction for European buyers.
A Chinese packaging manufacturer or exporter generally acts as a supplier within the packaging supply chain.
The final legal obligations under EU legislation may depend on the role of the relevant economic operator, such as:
- Manufacturer
- Importer
- Distributor
- Brand owner
- Other party placing packaging on the EU market
Therefore, a packaging supplier should not automatically claim responsibility for every PPWR obligation applicable to the final EU market operator.
Instead, a professional packaging supplier should focus on:
- Manufacturing packaging according to agreed specifications.
- Controlling the materials used in the packaging.
- Maintaining appropriate technical documentation.
- Providing relevant compliance information to customers.
- Supporting customers with documentation required for their own compliance assessment.
- Evaluating packaging according to its final material composition and intended application.
- Monitoring changes to applicable EU packaging requirements.
This creates a clearer and more practical division of responsibilities throughout the supply chain.
PPWR Compliance Is More Than a Declaration
One common misunderstanding is that PPWR compliance can be solved simply by obtaining a certificate or signing a declaration.
In practice, effective packaging compliance is based on a combination of:
Material Control + Product Assessment + Supplier Documentation + Testing Where Appropriate + Technical Documentation + Ongoing Regulatory Monitoring
This is the approach we take at Weifang Art Packaging.
Rather than treating PPWR compliance as a single document, we look at the complete packaging structure, material composition and intended application.
We work with our customers to identify relevant compliance considerations and provide supporting technical information and documentation where applicable.
For us, compliance is not simply about making a statement.
It is about being able to explain what the packaging is made of, how it is designed, how it is used and what supporting information is available.
How Weifang Art Packaging Supports European Customers
At Weifang Art Packaging, we understand that European customers increasingly need more than competitive pricing and attractive packaging designs.
They also need:
Material transparency + Technical information + Reliable documentation + Supply-chain support
For customized paper packaging, we can support customers with information and documentation related to:
- Paper and cardboard materials
- Food packaging applications
- Printing inks
- Adhesives
- Coatings and laminations
- PFAS-related requirements
- Heavy-metal-related requirements
- Recyclability considerations
- Material composition
- Product specifications
- Compliance declarations
- Supporting technical documentation
For products containing special functional layers, such as PE coatings, PLA films or barrier coatings, the packaging structure can be evaluated according to its final material composition and intended application.
Our goal is not simply to tell customers:
“Our packaging is compliant.”
Instead, we aim to provide clear, traceable and technically meaningful information that helps our customers assess their packaging supply chains with greater confidence.
Why Choose Weifang Art Packaging for European Packaging Projects?
When selecting a packaging supplier for the European market, we believe buyers should look beyond price and printing quality.
A reliable packaging supplier should also be able to answer important technical questions:
- What materials are used in the packaging?
- Can the supplier provide material composition information?
- Can relevant supplier declarations be provided?
- Can appropriate test reports be provided where necessary?
- What coatings or laminations are used?
- Can PFAS-related information be provided for food packaging?
- How is recyclability considered during packaging development?
- Can customized packaging be evaluated according to its final material composition?
- Can the supplier provide supporting technical documentation?
- Can the supplier support future regulatory requirements?
At Weifang Art Packaging, we combine customized paper packaging manufacturing with technical communication and compliance support to help our customers develop packaging solutions suitable for their specific markets and applications.
Our experience in customized paper packaging allows us to work with customers from the initial packaging concept through material selection, structural development, production and documentation.
Final Thoughts
PPWR is changing the European packaging industry.
For European brands, food companies, distributors and packaging importers, compliance should not be treated as a last-minute documentation request.
It should begin at the packaging design and material selection stage.
For packaging suppliers, the ability to understand materials, control the supply chain, provide reliable technical information and communicate regulatory requirements clearly will become increasingly important.
At Weifang Art Packaging, we believe the future of packaging supply is not simply about producing a box.
It is about providing the right:
Material + Structure + Performance + Documentation + Compliance Support
for each specific application.
If you are looking for a packaging supplier that can support both customized paper packaging production and PPWR-related compliance requirements, our team would be happy to discuss your project.
Whether you need food boxes, burger boxes, fried chicken boxes, bakery packaging, paper labels or other customized paper-based packaging, we can work with you to evaluate the material structure, intended application and relevant compliance requirements.
Contact Weifang Art Packaging to discuss your European packaging project and PPWR-related requirements.
Because good packaging should not only protect the product — it should also support your business, your customers and the future of the European packaging market.
