As the leaves change color and the days grow shorter, fall offers a natural opportunity to reflect on where your business has been and where it could go next. If expanding into international markets has ever crossed your mind, now may be the perfect time to explore the possibilities. Below is some helpful information from Sam Dragan at the U.S. Commercial Service in Denver.
As of August 2026, the European Union has begun implementing its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) — a major new law that affects any company placing packaging on the EU market. This includes everything from product packaging to protective shipping materials, and it applies across materials like plastic, paper, glass, and aluminum.
Why this matters for U.S. businesses
Businesses selling consumer goods, food and beverage items, cosmetics, electronics, medical devices, and e‑commerce products will all face new compliance expectations. It applies to all packaging placed on the EU market, whether empty or filled, regardless of the material used, and whether produced within the European Union or imported from third countries.
What the regulation does
- Requires companies to meet new design, recyclability, and documentation standards for packaging.Plastic packaging will need to be made of partially recyclable material with increasing standards in 2030 and 2040Requirements are not only applied to manufacturers, but importers and distributors as wellIntroduces more rigorous certification requirements and, in many cases, country‑specific rules layered on top of EU‑wide regulations, increasing complexity for exporters.Packaging must be uniquely traceable to ensure compliance with new requirementsMoves the EU toward a more circular economy by reducing waste and increasing reuse and recycling.
How to Learn More
The U.S. Commercial Service is hosting a free webinar on October 28th from 12:00pm-1:00pm ET where you can learn about the new regulation and how to meet compliance obligations. You can learn more and register for free here.
The Wyoming SBDC is proud to support Wyoming businesses as they explore new opportunities for growth, including international trade. If you’d like to learn more about our services or how we can assist with exporting, contact us today.
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The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Full funding disclosures available at wyomingsbdc.org/about
All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
