EU's new packaging waste rules are now in force
EU's new packaging waste rules are now in force
The European Union's (EU) Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation officially came into effect on February 11, introducing new measures to address the environmental challenges caused by excessive packaging. Packaging waste in the EU has increased significantly, from 66 million tons in 2009 to 84 million tons in 2021, with each EU citizen generating an average of 188.7 kg of packaging waste annually. This figure is projected to rise to 209 kg per person by 2030 without additional intervention.
.jpg)
The new regulation aims to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and lower environmental costs in the packaging industry, while also promoting recycling and sustainability. The overarching goal is to create a more circular, sustainable, and competitive economy for the EU, with solutions that encourage packaging reuse or refill systems, rather than single-use packaging.
The regulation sets minimum recycling targets for packaging, with goals for 2030 and 2040, including a target of at least 65% recycled content in single-use plastic bottles by 2040. It also introduces restrictions on certain types of single-use plastic packaging, including pre-packed fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg, individual portions of condiments, sauces, and sugar in hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as small single-use cosmetic and toiletry products used in the hospitality sector (e.g., shampoo bottles, body lotions). Additionally, plastic bags used at markets or for bulk groceries are also restricted.
.jpg)
The regulation further requires takeaway businesses to offer customers the option to bring their own containers for cold or hot drinks and ready-to-eat food without additional charges. Binding reuse targets will apply to transport, retail, and grouped packaging. The regulation also imposes limits on hazardous substances such as PFAS in food contact packaging.
The regulation will take effect 18 months after its adoption and will require EU member states and businesses to comply with additional guidelines from the European Commission. This marks a significant step forward in reducing packaging waste, promoting the circular economy, and protecting the environment within the EU.
The new regulation aims to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and lower environmental costs in the packaging industry, while also promoting recycling and sustainability. The overarching goal is to create a more circular, sustainable, and competitive economy for the EU, with solutions that encourage packaging reuse or refill systems, rather than single-use packaging.
The regulation sets minimum recycling targets for packaging, with goals for 2030 and 2040, including a target of at least 65% recycled content in single-use plastic bottles by 2040. It also introduces restrictions on certain types of single-use plastic packaging, including pre-packed fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg, individual portions of condiments, sauces, and sugar in hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as small single-use cosmetic and toiletry products used in the hospitality sector (e.g., shampoo bottles, body lotions). Additionally, plastic bags used at markets or for bulk groceries are also restricted.
The regulation further requires takeaway businesses to offer customers the option to bring their own containers for cold or hot drinks and ready-to-eat food without additional charges. Binding reuse targets will apply to transport, retail, and grouped packaging. The regulation also imposes limits on hazardous substances such as PFAS in food contact packaging.
The regulation will take effect 18 months after its adoption and will require EU member states and businesses to comply with additional guidelines from the European Commission. This marks a significant step forward in reducing packaging waste, promoting the circular economy, and protecting the environment within the EU.