Written answer
EU Regulations
The PPWR applies directly in Ireland from 12 August 2026, with measures phased through 2030 and beyond to reduce waste and improve packaging recyclability.
151. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); and a timeline for its implementation here. [66328/26]
Comment on this
In response to concerns across Europe around the growing environmental impact of packaging waste, a new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was introduced in early 2025. The PPWR aims to:
• Prevent and reduce packaging waste, including through more reuse and refill systems;
• Make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
• Safely increase the use of recycled plastics in packaging.
• Decrease the use of virgin materials in packaging and put the sector on track to climate neutrality by 2050.
As an EU Regulation, the PPWR has direct effect in Ireland. It applies generally from 12th August this year, but the introduction of provisions is staggered over a number of years to 2030 and beyond. Much of the detail of implementation remains to be elaborated in EU secondary legislation, and participation in discussions on these instruments is a key focus for the Department.
More detailed information on the regulation is provided by Repak, Ireland's Producer Responsibility Organisation on the following webpage: https://repak.ie/ppwr/.