▪︎ PPWR
Switzerland Tightens Packaging Regulations—New Requirements for Manufacturers and Retailers
While the EU is setting the framework for future packaging policy with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Switzerland is now following suit. By revising its packaging and waste regulations, the Swiss government is establishing new requirements for manufacturers, importers, and retailers. The goal is to strengthen the circular economy, increase recycling rates, and promote the use of recycled materials.
Specific Recycling Targets for Packaging
On June 24, 2026, the Swiss Federal Council adopted amendments to the Packaging Ordinance (VerpV) and the Ordinance on Waste Prevention and Disposal (VVEA). These changes replace the Beverage Packaging Ordinance that had been in force since 2000. The amendments to the VVEA will enter into force on August 1, 2026, while the new provisions of the VerpV will take effect on January 1, 2027.
A key element of the new VerpV is the introduction of binding recycling targets. The objective is to design packaging in a way that maximizes its recyclability while increasing the use of recycled materials in its production. For plastic packaging, a minimum recycling rate of 55 % is being established for the first time. Beverage cartons will be required to achieve a recycling rate of at least 70 %.
Collection Obligations for Larger Market Operators
In addition to the recycling targets, Switzerland is expanding corporate responsibility for the collection of packaging waste.
Manufacturers and distributors of single-use plastic packaging and beverage cartons will be required to provide separate collection systems if, in two consecutive financial years, they generate cumulative revenues exceeding CHF 1 million and place more than 500 kilograms of such packaging on the Swiss market.
Changes to Fees and Deposit Systems
From January 1, 2028, the advance disposal fee will be extended to all glass packaging used for food and cosmetic products. The fee amount remains unchanged and will continue to range between CHF 1 and CHF 10 per package.
In addition, Switzerland is introducing changes to its deposit system. While glass beverage packaging will no longer be subject to mandatory deposits from the end of 2027, the deposit requirement for single-use PVC beverage packaging is also set to be abolished. According to the Federal Council, PVC is now rarely used in this packaging segment.
New Requirements for Packaging and Waste Management
The Packaging Ordinance (VerpV) also provides a clear outlook for the years ahead. By 2030, unnecessary packaging and the use of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) are to be avoided. The definition of these substances is based on the Swiss Chemicals Ordinance (ChemO).
The amendments to the Ordinance on the Avoidance and Disposal of Waste (VVEA) extend beyond packaging-related issues. In the future, waste should, as a general principle, be reused or recycled wherever possible before other disposal options are considered.
In addition, operators of municipal waste incineration plants will be required, from 2028 onwards, to recover recyclable metals, including zinc, from filter ash. According to the Swiss Federal Council, the amended ordinance establishes, for the first time, a clear legal framework for this process and removes previous regulatory barriers to zinc recycling.
Industry Criticism
The proposed amendments were already discussed during the consultation process in 2025. During this process, the Food Packaging Forum expressed criticism of the proposals. The organisation highlighted insufficient reuse targets, potential health risks, and the limited alignment with the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
With the reform of the VerpV and VVEA, Switzerland is significantly tightening its packaging requirements. Binding recycling targets, new collection obligations, expanded financial responsibility, and stricter requirements for packaging design and ingredients will increase compliance obligations for businesses.
For manufacturers and distributors operating in both Switzerland and the European Union, it will become increasingly important to monitor developments regarding the Swiss VerpV and the European PPWR. Ultimately, both regulations pursue the same objective: to make packaging more resource-efficient, circular, and sustainable.
We would be pleased to advise you on the stricter packaging regulations in Switzerland. In addition, we can support you with the requirements of the PPWR, for example through our free webinar or our training course
To register, please contact us at sales@kft.de or use our contact form.
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