Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: New Rules for Sustainability in Europe

Lorena Terente — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 07:07:06 +0000

On 22 January 2025, the highly anticipated Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation was officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union. While it will enter into force on 11 February 2025, its provisions will only become applicable from 12 August 2026, except for Article 67, paragraph 5, which will be applicable from 12 February 2029.

This new regulation represents a significant shift in packaging management across the EU, establishing a transition period of 18 months for Member States and businesses to adapt their standards and processes to the new requirements.

Key measures introduced by the Packaging Regulation:

Reduction of packaging: Preventing unnecessary packaging and reducing consumption.
Promotion of reuse: Mandatory offering of refillable and reusable packaging options.
Ban on single-use packaging: Certain types of disposable plastic packaging will be phased out.
Minimum recycled content targets: Encouraging the use of recycled materials in packaging.
Elimination of persistent chemicals: Banning PFAS and bisphenol A in food packaging.

Reduction of packaging and resource optimisation

The Regulation sets clear targets to reduce packaging use across the European Union:

5% by 2030
10% by 2035
15% by 2040, compared to 2018 levels.

From 2030 onwards, the ratio of empty space in collective packaging (e.g. used for e-commerce or transport) must not exceed 40%, promoting more efficient designs. Manufacturers and importers are encouraged to optimise the weight and volume of packaging to minimise waste.

Ban on disposable packaging

From 1 January 2030, the following types of disposable packaging will be banned:

Packaging designed to group products, such as bottles, cans, and jars.
Packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables in quantities less than 1.5 kg, except for hygiene or food waste prevention reasons.
Packaging used for food and beverages served in hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Small cosmetic packaging, such as disposable shampoo bottles used in accommodations.
Lightweight plastic bags thinner than 15 microns, except for hygiene purposes or packaging of moist bulk items (e.g., raw meat or fish).

Promotion of reuse and refill systems

The regulation promotes a more sustainable packaging model by:

Requiring food and beverage distributors to ensure at least 10% of packaging is reusable.
Allowing consumers to use their own packaging for transport or refilling.
Establishing strict criteria for reusable packaging, including a minimum number of reuse cycles.

Recycled content targets and sustainability

To encourage the use of recycled materials, the regulation sets progressive targets for minimum recycled content in plastic packaging:

30% by 2030
65% by 2040

Packaging separation and composition

By 2029, Member States must ensure that at least 90% of disposable plastic and metal packaging is collected separately, using systems such as deposit and return schemes (SDDR). In addition, certain materials, including lightweight wood, cork, ceramics, porcelain, textiles, and wax, are exempt from recyclability requirements.

Elimination of persistent chemicals

The regulation also prohibits the use of harmful chemicals, such as PFAS and bisphenol A, in food packaging exceeding specified limits. This measure aims to protect public health and safeguard the environment.

This regulation reflects the European Union’s commitment to a circular economy and its ambition to create a more sustainable future. With clear targets and stricter measures, it sets the foundation for reducing environmental impact and improving the management of packaging waste across the EU.

If your company operates in a sector affected by the implementation of this new regulation, EcoGestor Legislation can make adapting to these changes much easier. Request a FREE DEMO, and our team of EcoGestor experts will guide you through all the features of our software.

You can consult the full text of the regulation at the following link: Regulation (EU) 2025/0040 in the Official Journal.

La entrada Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: New Rules for Sustainability in Europe se publicó primero en Eurofins Environment Testing Spain.