PPWR: In force since August 2026 – what is coming in Q4?

What does this mean for companies now?

In Q4 2026, companies should in particular review which packaging is already affected by the new requirements. These include, among others:

• the packaging materials used and their composition,
• the recyclability of packaging,
• the use of recycled materials,
• packaging formats and unnecessary packaging volumes,
• labelling requirements, and
• the quality and completeness of the packaging data required for EPR reporting.

Coffee and tea portions are one concrete example: Since 12 August 2026, certain capsules, pods and tea bags are explicitly classified as packaging. The corresponding quantities must be taken into account in packaging reporting in Austria from 1 October 2026. Companies should therefore check whether they are placing such products on the Austrian market for the first time, who is responsible for licensing and which packaging weight needs to be reported.

An important point to note is that not all PPWR requirements apply immediately. Many provisions will be further specified step by step through additional implementing and delegated acts.

What comes next?

For companies, the further steps taken by the European Commission in the second half of 2026 will therefore be particularly relevant. Among other things, the PPWR provides for harmonised labelling requirements so that consumers will be able to identify more easily how packaging should be correctly disposed of across the EU.

Q4 2026 should therefore not be viewed merely as a transition phase. Companies should use this time to review their packaging data, packaging specifications and internal processes.

We are also happy to discuss and develop individual solutions and practical concepts tailored to your specific requirements together with you.

Good to know: In the Click & Comply Shop, you can use our SimpliDoC software tool to create and store declarations of conformity easily and digitally. Further information about SimpliDoC can be found here.