About FPS 
Recycling Hub
What is PPWR?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is an EU regulation designed to reduce packaging waste and improve sustainability across the packaging value chain. It sets requirements for packaging to be recyclable, reusable, and made with increasing amounts of recycled content. The PPWR also aims to minimize unnecessary packaging, harmonize rules across EU member states, and support the transition to a circular economy.
The PPWR is valid for all packaging entering the EU, empty or with filling product, making this regulation applicable to all companies with exports to the EU market. Its first regulation regarding hazardous materials will be in effect on August 12th, 2026.
Not meeting the defined obligations will result in market access denial, with monetary penalties from EUR 10,000 up to EUR 200,000 depending on the governmental body imposing the fine. The PPWR is based on the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility, encouraging exporters to the EU market to collaborate with their customers in achieving shared sustainability goals.
Ultimately, the PPWR has 5 key objectives within the European packaging market:
1. Reduce virgin material use
2. Prevent and Reduce packaging waste
3. Make all non-exempt packaging recyclable by 2030
4. Safely increase the use of recycled plastics in packaging
At FPS Flexible Packaging Solutions, we actively ensure compliance to the PPWR through a variety of sustainability initiatives and scalable green solutions for our customers.
Five core requirements of PPWR for FIBCs
How is FPS compliant?
For suppliers outside the EU, all packaging related to FIBCs must comply to strict criteria under 5 core requirements, and failure to comply would risk losing access to the market of the European Union.
FPS is compliant in all 5 core requirements of the PPWR.
1. Hazardous Substances
1. =< 100mg/kg sum of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium
2. Restricts the use of PFAS in food contact packaging materials from August 12, 2026
PFAS
PFAS FPS compliant by 2026
Action plan to determine PFAS Presence:
– Supplier Declaration Review
– Risk Mapping
– Analytical Testing
– Documentation
2. Design for Recycling Criteria
3. Minimum Recycled Content
By 2030, mandatory recycled content levels for plastic packaging are:
– 10% for food contact FIBCs
– 35% for all other non-exempt FIBCs
And by 2040, these thresholds increase to:
– 25% for food contact FIBCs
– 65% for all other non-exempt FIBCs
– ISO 15343
– ISO 9001
– ISO 14001
– ISO 45001
4. Labelling of Packaging
1. Material Identification: Harmonized pictogram-based labels
2. Recycled content (not mandatory)
3. Prohibition of misleading labels
4. Reusable FIBCs (From 12 Feb., 2029)
By the end of 2026, the EU will have completed:
– Guidelines for harmonized label designs, containing information on material composition
– A methodology for identifying the material composition of packaging
5. FIBC Reconditioning through REBU
By 2030, all FIBCs delivered B2B in EU Member states must be 100% re-usable, with minor exceptions for UN-designated dangerous goods, as well food and feed ingredients.
With REBU, FPS’s FIBC reconditioning operation, we provide customers with a complete circular solution. We manage used FIBC collection, refurbishment, repacking, and re-delivery, offering a seamless, convenient, and sustainable service from start to finish.
The entire process can be completed within 4 weeks, and is compliant to:
– ISO 9001
– ISO 14001
– ISO 45001