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PPWR in Europe: How It Will Affect Fruit and Vegetable Packaging and What Solutions Are Available

The new European PPWR legislation (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), officially Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, will bring significant change to the packaging industry.

For companies involved in packing, exporting and marketing fruit and vegetables, this regulation represents much more than a regulatory update. It requires packaging design to evolve, with a stronger focus on waste reduction, the circular economy, recyclability and reducing the use of single-use plastics.

The question is no longer whether companies will need to adapt, but how they can do so early enough to remain competitive.

What You Will Learn in This Article

The implementation of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) will bring major changes to fruit and vegetable packaging across the European Union. This article explains what the PPWR is, how it will affect the fresh produce sector, what it means for single-use plastic packaging and which alternatives, such as cellulose netting, may help companies adapt to new market and regulatory requirements.

What Is the PPWR?

The PPWR is the new European regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It replaces the previous regulatory framework and introduces stricter requirements to reduce the environmental impact of packaging throughout the European Union.

According to the European Commission, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will generally apply from 12 August 2026.

Its main objectives include:

  • Reducing packaging waste.
  • Improving packaging recyclability and circularity.
  • Restricting certain packaging formats considered unnecessary or problematic.
  • Harmonising rules across all Member States.
  • Promoting the use of more sustainable materials and designs.

These measures directly affect the fresh produce sector, where packaging performs essential functions such as product protection, ventilation, grouping, logistics, preservation and point-of-sale presentation.

How Will the PPWR Affect the Fresh Produce Sector?

For packers, cooperatives, exporters and distributors, the new regulation introduces several important changes.

1. Greater Pressure on Single-Use Plastics

The PPWR introduces restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging formats. For unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, restrictions are expected to apply from 2030 to formats such as nets, bags, trays and containers, subject to the exemptions established in the regulation.

This does not mean that all such packaging will disappear, but companies will need to justify their choice of materials, formats and technical requirements more rigorously.

2. Greater Importance of Sustainable Design

Packaging will need to be designed with its entire life cycle in mind. Factors such as recyclability, compostability where applicable and waste reduction will become part of technical, regulatory and commercial decision-making.

3. New Requirements from European Retailers

Many supermarkets and distributors are already adapting their purchasing policies ahead of the regulation becoming applicable. They increasingly value solutions that reduce plastic use, improve the environmental perception of packaging and support clear communication with consumers.

4. Competitiveness in Export Markets

European markets are paying increasing attention to the environmental impact of packaging. For exporters, preparing for these changes early can become a competitive advantage over companies that continue to use conventional solutions.

The Challenge of Plastic Packaging Nets

Traditional plastic nets have been widely used for many years because of their cost, availability and compatibility with packing lines.

However, they present several challenges in the current context:

  • Limited recyclability in certain waste-management systems.
  • Dependence on fossil-based raw materials.
  • A less favourable environmental perception among consumers.
  • Greater exposure to future regulatory restrictions.
  • Lower alignment with circular-economy strategies.

As a result, a growing number of companies are assessing alternatives for products such as citrus fruit, potatoes, onions, garlic, avocados and other fresh produce.

An Alternative: Cellulose Netting

Cellulose netting provides an alternative aligned with the transition towards more sustainable packaging solutions.

Bicopack manufactures biodegradable and compostable tubular cellulose netting for food and sustainable packaging applications. These solutions are designed to offer an alternative to conventional plastic in applications where ventilation, product presentation and packaging functionality remain essential.

Naturally Derived Material

The netting is manufactured using yarn made from natural cellulose fibres, a plant-based and renewable material that can help reduce dependence on conventional plastics.

Biodegradable and Compostable

According to the company’s corporate information, Bicopack cellulose netting holds OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL certifications.

Important: the specific applicability of each certification must always be verified according to the product, intended use, batch and corresponding technical documentation.

Suitable for Food Applications

In the fresh produce sector, packaging must be sustainable, but it must also be safe and functional.

Bicopack operates in accordance with quality standards such as BRCGS Packaging Materials, strengthening its position among packers, distributors and quality managers.

Product Presentation

Cellulose netting maintains product ventilation and visibility while providing a more natural appearance at the point of sale, an attribute that is particularly valued for fresh food.

Benefits for Packers and Exporters

Introducing more sustainable packaging solutions can deliver benefits that extend beyond regulatory compliance.

Access to More Demanding Markets

Importers, distributors and retail chains are examining packaging requirements in increasing detail. Having alternatives to plastic can make it easier to meet these demands.

Stronger Brand Image

The use of compostable cellulose packaging can help communicate an image associated with sustainability, natural materials and product quality.

Preparing for Regulatory Change

Assessing new solutions before regulatory requirements become mandatory provides more time to validate machinery, formats, strength, storage and handling processes.

Supporting the Circular Economy

The adoption of more sustainable materials is aligned with European objectives for reducing waste and improving packaging design.

Applications in the Fresh Produce Sector

Bicopack tubular cellulose netting can be used for applications such as:

  • Citrus fruit, including oranges, mandarins and lemons.
  • Potatoes.
  • Onions.
  • Garlic.
  • Avocados.
  • Nuts.
  • Food bundles.
  • Promotional packs.
  • Other fresh products that require ventilation and attractive presentation.

The netting is also compatible with automatic, semi-automatic and manual clipping machines, depending on each customer’s requirements.

How to Prepare for the PPWR

Before changing a packaging format, it may be helpful to follow a structured plan:

  1. Review current plastic packaging formats.
  2. Identify products weighing less than 1.5 kg that are most exposed to the regulation.
  3. Assess preservation, ventilation and strength requirements.
  4. Verify compatibility with existing machinery.
  5. Request the relevant technical documentation and certifications.
  6. Carry out trials under real packing conditions.
  7. Prepare clear, accurate and verifiable environmental communications.

Conclusion

The PPWR establishes a new regulatory framework for packaging in the European Union and will have a significant impact on the packaging industry over the coming years.

Preparing in advance will allow companies to reduce risks, adapt to new market requirements and meet the expectations of customers and distributors who are increasingly focused on sustainable solutions.

Bicopack cellulose netting provides an alternative for companies seeking to reduce their dependence on conventional plastic and move towards biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions.

Would You Like to Adapt Your Packaging to the New Regulation?

If you are considering alternatives to comply with the new European packaging regulation, contact our team. We will help you identify the solution best suited to your product, machinery and packing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does PPWR Mean?

PPWR stands for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the European regulation on packaging and packaging waste.

When Will the PPWR Apply?

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will generally apply from 12 August 2026.

Does the PPWR Affect Fruit and Vegetable Packaging?

Yes. From 2030, the regulation provides for restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging formats used for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, subject to the exemptions set out in the regulation.

Can Cellulose Netting Replace Plastic Netting?

It may provide an alternative for certain applications requiring ventilation, product grouping and presentation, provided that compatibility with the machinery and the technical requirements of each application is validated.

Does Bicopack Manufacture Conventional Plastic Netting?

No. Bicopack specialises in manufacturing biodegradable and compostable tubular cellulose netting.

Official PPWR Resources

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