Will new European packaging regulations drive small brands and shops out of business?

The new European packaging regulations (PPWR) are intended to reduce waste, but they present small online stores and brands with an unexpected problem: a patchwork of national registration requirements and (disproportionate) costs. Numerous startups and small business owners are already scaling back their international sales.

The opposite of single market

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been in effect throughout the European Union since August 12. The regulation aims to reduce packaging, encourage reuse, and make producers responsible for processing their packaging waste. Among other things, the European Commission wants all packaging to be economically viable for recycling by 2030.