PPWR Update Mandates Compostable Labels and 5 Percent Grade A Recycled Plastic Minimums

The European Commission has finalized the technical standards for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), specifically targeting supplement bottles and blister packs. These rules change how procurement managers must source primary packaging starting January 2027.

Mandatory Compostable Labels for Small Formats

Labels on bottles under 100ml must now be certified industrially compostable under EN 13432. This requirement aims to reduce microplastic contamination in recycling streams. Traditional PP or PE adhesive labels for trial-size pill bottles are officially on the way out.

• Transition costs for compostable labels expected to rise 15 percent by Q4.
• Adhesive compatibility must be tested for high-humidity storage of hygroscopic extracts.
• Non-compliant stock can only be sold through until June 2028.

Recycled Content and PET Pricing

While the 35 percent target for 2030 remains, a new interim reporting requirement for 2027 forces brands to prove at least 5 percent Grade A post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in all PET supplement jars. Grade A PCR PET is currently trading at 1.45 EUR per kg, a 20 percent premium over virgin resin.

If you are launching a new product line in Q4 2026, do not sign long term contracts for virgin PET. Secure your PCR allocation now before the major beverage players corner the certified supply. Brands using HDPE should expect similar mandates to follow by mid 2027.

Standardized Disposal Icons

The EU will enforce a single harmonized disposal icon system across all member states. This effectively ends the French Triman logo variations and the Italian labeling requirements. All artwork for 2027 production runs must be updated to the new digital-link compatible icons.