PPWR in the EU – What New Packaging Rules Will Apply in Switzerland?
From 12 August 2026, new requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will apply across the European Union.
On 24 June 2026, the Swiss Federal Council also adopted amendments to several ordinances aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging.
The existing Ordinance on Beverage Packaging will be replaced by a new Packaging Ordinance. The ordinance will enter into force on 1 January 2027, although certain provisions will only apply at later dates.
What changes does the ordinance introduce?
The preliminary version of the ordinance includes specific rules for beverage packaging, beverage cartons, single-use plastic packaging and glass packaging.
Depending on the type of packaging, the ordinance introduces different requirements, including labelling, take-back, collection, recovery and notification obligations, as well as rules on financing disposal.
General requirements for all types of packaging will apply only from 1 January 2030.
From that date, distributors and producers will be required under Article 3 of the ordinance to ensure that packaging is, where technically feasible and economically viable, limited to the minimum necessary volume and weight, designed for recycling, contains the highest possible proportion of recycled content, and does not contain substances of very high concern.
The new Packaging Ordinance therefore introduces general requirements for all types of packaging in Switzerland for the first time.
We recommend that companies monitor not only developments relating to the PPWR, but also the ongoing development of Swiss packaging legislation. Bitkom Compliance Solutions will be pleased to support you in this regard.
