The European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): Key Requirements Requiring Adaptation by Thai Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste, or the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), is a directly applicable legal instrument that regulates packaging throughout its entire life cycle, from design, production, and placing on the market to reuse, recycling, and post-consumption management. It establishes key requirements concerning the control of hazardous substances in packaging, design for recycling, minimum recycled content, the reduction of packaging weight and volume, and restrictions on certain types of packaging. It also clearly defines the obligations of economic operators according to their roles in the packaging supply chain. Accordingly, the requirements under the PPWR will inevitably affect Thai operators exporting goods and packaging to the European Union market, particularly product manufacturers, packaging manufacturers, packaging material suppliers, and businesses selling products through online channels. Failure to comply with the PPWR may expose them to risks such as product rejection, import suspension, product recall, or loss of competitiveness in the EU market. Therefore, Thai operators need to accelerate their adaptation by designing packaging in accordance with circular economy principles, preparing technical documentation, verifying supply chain data, and developing legal compliance systems to meet increasingly stringent packaging standards.