New PPWR Guidance Document Published by the Federal Ministry

With the publication of a new guidance document, Austria’s Ministry for Climate Protection has provided detailed information for the first time regarding the transitional provisions of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). 

The regulation aims to reduce packaging waste in Europe, improve packaging recyclability, and strengthen the circular economy. 

Although the PPWR has been in force since February 2025, its first provisions will only become directly applicable from 12 August 2026. 

The Ministry clarifies that many existing Austrian regulations—particularly those contained in the Waste Management Act (AWG 2002) and the Packaging Ordinance 2014—will continue to apply for the time being, provided they are compatible with the PPWR. 

At the same time, the guidance document notes that many detailed requirements at the European level are still pending and will only be specified through future implementing and delegated acts. 

Among the most important new requirements from August 2026 are mandatory PFAS limits for food packaging and new packaging conformity assessment obligations. 

Manufacturers will be required to demonstrate that their packaging complies with applicable sustainability requirements and provide an EU Declaration of Conformity together with technical documentation. 

Importers and distributors will also be subject to additional monitoring and due diligence obligations. 

The guidance document further clarifies the definition of a producer, extended producer responsibility obligations, and continued participation in Austria’s collection and recycling systems. 

Voluntary pre-licensing for foreign B2B distributors and contract fillers will also remain available. 

In addition, new requirements for reuse and refill systems are being introduced, with harmonized minimum standards applying across Europe from 2026. 

From February 2027, restaurants and take-away businesses must also allow customers to use their own containers for food and beverages. 

The guidance document therefore provides an initial official orientation for businesses in Austria and highlights which preparatory measures should already be considered. 

Given the large number of EU implementing acts still pending, further clarification can be expected in the coming months. 

The full BMLUK guidance document is available in German: Merkblatt PPWR in Österreich Juni26.pdf 

If you have further questions regarding PPWR, feel free to book a consultation with us. We would be happy to support you: 

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