The EU's New Packaging Regulation Is Coming — Here's How We're Preparing

A major shift in EU packaging law is on the horizon. Starting August 12, 2026, the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) becomes generally applicable, introducing a new framework for any company placing packaging on the EU market.

For manufacturers and suppliers in the hygiene, healthcare, childcare, and waste-management sectors, this isn't just background policy news — it's a set of concrete requirements around packaging minimization, material composition, recyclability, recycled content, and technical documentation.

At Janibell, we see the PPWR not as a compliance hurdle to clear at the last minute, but as an opportunity to take a hard look at how we design our products and packaging — and to keep strengthening that approach over time.

Here's where things stand today.

What the PPWR Actually Covers

The PPWR sets EU-wide requirements across several areas, including:

• Packaging minimization — reducing excess material and empty space
• Material composition — what packaging is made of, and how it's classified
• Recyclability — whether packaging can realistically be recycled at scale
• Recycled content — how much post-consumer recycled material is used
• Technical documentation — the evidence and paperwork that proves all of the above

Because requirements vary by packaging type, material, product category, and a company's role in the supply chain, there's no single checklist that applies to everyone. That's part of why we're treating this as an ongoing review process rather than a one-time project.

Where We Are Today

🔄 GRS-Certified Recycled Materials

Selected Korbell refill liners currently contain 70% GRS-certified recycled material, based on supplier certification documentation for the specific product lines that carry GRS certification.

We're also exploring how to expand recycled content into additional product lines, including export product bodies, with a long-term goal of increasing recycled content where feasible — subject to product specifications, testing, and certification requirements. This isn't a claim that every product already meets that target; it's a direction we're actively working toward.

📦 Packaging Optimization

We continue to review packaging dimensions, material usage, weight, and transportation efficiency across our product range. The goal is straightforward: reduce unnecessary packaging while still giving the product the protection it needs during shipping and handling.

🧪 Testing and Documentation

Selected materials and manufacturing processes are supported by third-party testing and supplier documentation, in cooperation with accredited testing bodies operating under relevant Korean quality and safety certification frameworks.

It's worth being clear about scope here: these frameworks are separate from, and do not substitute for, EU PPWR conformity assessment. Korean certification and EU regulatory approval are two different systems, and we don't want to blur that line.

An Important Clarification

These initiatives reflect real, ongoing work — but on their own, they do not constitute confirmation of full PPWR compliance. Requirements differ depending on packaging type, material, product category, supply-chain role, and the applicable implementation timeline for each obligation.

That's why we're continuing to review our products, packaging components, supplier declarations, technical documentation, and internal compliance processes in cooperation with our European partners — rather than treating any single initiative as a finish line.

Why This Matters for Your Business

If you supply hygiene, healthcare, childcare, or waste-management facilities in the EU, now is a good time to take stock of:

• Packaging materials and component weights
• Recycled-content evidence and how it's documented
• Supplier declarations and technical documentation
• Where regulatory responsibility sits in your specific supply chain

The earlier these questions get asked, the more room there is to address them properly before the applicability date.

Let's Learn From Each Other

The PPWR is still a developing regulatory framework, and practical experience from across the industry will matter as much as the text of the regulation itself. We're glad to compare notes with partners and peers navigating the same questions — feel free to reach out if you'd like to exchange perspectives.

This article reflects Janibell's current initiatives as of publication and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Companies should consult qualified compliance professionals to assess their specific PPWR obligations.

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