What UK Businesses Exporting to the EU Need to Understand About the PPWR

Introduction: EU Rules Still Matter for UK Exporters

Although the UK is no longer part of the European Union, exporting goods into EU markets still requires compliance with EU law, and that includes packaging regulations. The EU’s proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) represents a significant shift in how packaging must be designed, labelled, and managed.

For UK businesses that export to the EU, the implications of PPWR are substantial. Understanding and preparing for these changes now is critical to maintaining market access and future competitiveness.

What is the PPWR?

The PPWR is a proposed regulation from the European Commission designed to harmonise packaging laws across all EU Member States. Unlike a directive, which is transposed into national law, a regulation applies directly and uniformly.

Its goals are ambitious and include:

• Ensuring all packaging is recyclable by 2030

• Reducing packaging waste volume by 15% by 2040 (relative to 2018 levels)

• Phasing out unnecessary single-use packaging

• Introducing mandatory recycled content requirements

• Standardising recycling labelling across the EU

• Implementing reuse targets for transport, food, e-commerce, and beverage packaging

Why UK Exporters Must Take Action

UK-based manufacturers and suppliers who export to the EU will be expected to meet these requirements, regardless of domestic UK law. The regulation will impact packaging across the full supply chain and product lifecycle.

Key Considerations for UK Exporters:

1. Non-compliant packaging may lead to border issues
   EU distributors and customs authorities may reject shipments that fail to meet PPWR standards. This includes non-recyclable packaging, lacks appropriate labelling, or contains banned materials.
2. Supply chain alignment is essential
   Whether you supply directly to retailers or to EU-based logistics partners, your packaging will need to meet EU requirements to avoid disruptions.
3. Recyclability will be under scrutiny
   Packaging must be designed for mechanical recycling, ideally using mono-materials. Mixed materials that are difficult to separate will be phased out.
4. Minimum recycled content is mandatory
   Plastic packaging must include specific thresholds of post-consumer recycled material. These thresholds will increase over time.
5. Harmonised labelling will be enforced
   The EU aims to simplify consumer understanding by requiring consistent recycling instructions across all Member States. UK exporters must begin adopting this format.
6. All packaging levels are affected
   Product packaging, group packaging (e.g. shrink wrap, multipacks), and transport packaging (e.g. pallets, corrugated boxes) will all be regulated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-packaging: Excess packaging without clear functional value will be penalised.

• Composite materials: Laminated packaging that cannot be easily separated or recycled may be banned.

• Incorrect or unclear labelling: Labels that do not meet EU-wide standards will not be accepted.

• Non-recycled plastics: Plastic components lacking the required recycled content thresholds could make packaging non-compliant.

Steps UK Exporters Should Take Now

The best approach is to begin preparing early. Businesses that act now will avoid costly disruptions and redesigns later.

1. Conduct a packaging review
   Review all products, transport, and group packaging for compliance with recyclability, material content, and labelling expectations.
2. Transition to mono-materials
   Use paper, board, or recyclable plastics where possible. Simplify packaging to aid disassembly and recycling.
3. Adopt standardised labelling
   Begin integrating EU-approved recycling symbols and disposal guidance onto all packaging formats.
4. Implement recycled content
   Work with material suppliers to ensure recycled content in plastics is verifiable and meets the mandated levels.
5. Explore reusable packaging solutions
   For transport or B2B delivery, durable corrugated packaging can support reuse targets. This may include return-ready formats, integrated tracking features, and robust material choices.
6. Engage with knowledgeable suppliers
   Choose partners who understand the regulatory landscape and can support your transition to compliant packaging.

How Greyhound Box Supports Exporters

At Greyhound Box, we specialise in helping UK manufacturers and exporters adapt their packaging to meet emerging regulations, including the PPWR.

Our services include:

• Packaging reviews – We can review your current packaging, and advise how it can be adapted to be both compliant and as efficient, and cost-effective as possible. 
• Design for recyclability – We develop mono-material packaging optimised for EU recycling systems.

• Sustainable sourcing – All boards are FSC®-certified and suitable for circular supply chains.

• Minimised production waste – We use energy-efficient systems and low-waste design principles.

• Reusable packaging innovation – We offer durable packaging for B2B use, including options with return mechanisms.

We work closely with clients to develop customised solutions that support both compliance and operational performance.

Conclusion: Early Preparation Is a Strategic Advantage

For UK exporters, the PPWR is not simply a regulatory hurdle, it is a prompt to modernise packaging systems and gain a competitive edge. Businesses that take a proactive approach will be better equipped to:

• Maintain seamless access to the EU market

• Meet growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging

• Reduce environmental impact across the supply chain

• Stay ahead of evolving global regulations

Greyhound Box is here to help your business navigate this transition confidently and effectively.

Ready to prepare your packaging for the future of EU trade? Reach out to us!