PPWR and the Role of Advanced Recycling

PPWR and the Role of Advanced Recycling

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets requirements for how packaging is designed, used, and managed across Europe.

As these rules are implemented, companies must increase recycled content, improve recyclability, and reduce packaging waste. Some plastic waste streams cannot be addressed through mechanical recycling alone, which is why policymakers are enabling complementary solutions such as Advanced Recycling

How member states are responding

France is accelerating advanced recycling through targeted incentives. In 2024, the European Commission approved a €500 million state-aid scheme covering part of CAPEX for new facilities, alongside an operating incentive of up to €1,000 per tonne for hard-to-recycle plastic waste, supporting PPWR compliance.

Germany is also strengthening conditions for chemical recycling. Its National Circular Economy Strategy recognizes advanced recycling as a complementary option and plans to embed it in national regulatory frameworks, providing foundational support that helps reduce investment uncertainty.

The Netherlands offers targeted funding incentives through initiatives like Circular Plastics NL, which has awarded over €18 million to circular plastics projects, and a broader €35.5 million National Growth Fund programme supporting innovation and demonstration of advanced recycling technologies.

Key takeaway:

PPWR sets the regulatory requirements.
Advanced Recycling is being integrated into policy frameworks as a complementary pathway alongside mechanical recycling.