On 11 February 2025, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into force, introducing new packaging rules across all EU countries in stages. This legislation represents a key part of the European Green Deal and aims to significantly reduce the amount of packaging and packaging waste generated within the EU. The PPWR sets specific reduction targets compared to 2018 levels: a 5% decrease by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040.
Updated legislation was released on October 8 2025, and will be outlined below.
The new regulation focuses on minimizing packaging use, increasing reuse, and ensuring high-quality recycling. It introduces stricter requirements for the design and composition of packaging, mandates the use of recyclable and reusable materials, and sets minimum levels of recycled content for plastic packaging. New labelling rules will also support better waste separation and reuse. Under the PPWR, producers and importers who place packaging on the European market will carry primary responsibility for compliance, administration, and the proper implementation of the legislation.
For the floriculture sector, the impact of the PPWR will be substantial. Anyone using packaging materials such as buckets, trays, covers, or films will be affected. While the main objectives of the regulation are clear, many of the detailed rules are still being finalized. These details will be introduced gradually over the next few years and will determine how companies must comply in practice.
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Phased implementation will begin on 12 August 2026, with the first administrative obligations starting in 2027. The company that first offers or unpacks packaging within a Member State will be required to issue a declaration of conformity, confirming that the packaging meets PPWR requirements. All subsequent users in the supply chain — from growers to retailers — will need to ensure that the packaging they use is accompanied by this declaration. The exact format of the declaration will be clarified by early 2026.
From 1 January 2030, only packaging that meets the environmental standards set out in Articles 5 to 12 of the PPWR may be placed on the European market. Although this date may seem distant, businesses in the floriculture sector are advised to begin preparing now by engaging with packaging suppliers and customers to ensure that future packaging choices meet the new legal requirements.
Royal FloraHolland is closely monitoring these developments and working with sector partners to assess the impact, share knowledge, and prepare an action plan to help the floriculture industry comply with the PPWR. Efforts include impact assessments, consultations with trade organisations such as HSPI, VGB, Union Fleurs, Copa Cogeca, and Verpact, and the creation of a central packaging register to support digital data exchange and simplify administration.
"The overarching goal is to safeguard the interests of the floriculture sector while ensuring that all packaging and business processes fully comply with the upcoming EU legislation."
