The European Union has officially adopted new regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainability across the continent. The new rules cover the full life cycle of packaging. They are designed to reduce waste generation. They also aim to boost recycling and increase the reuse of packaging materials, ultimately minimizing packaging waste.
KEY FEATURES OF THE NEW PACKAGING RULES
The newly approved regulation introduces several crucial changes in how packaging waste is managed and how packaging materials are used in the EU:
- 2030 and 2040 Recycling Targets: The regulation sets binding targets for recycled content in packaging. There is a 65% recycled content requirement for single-use plastic bottles by 2040.
- Minimizing Packaging: Operators need to minimize the weight and volume of packaging used, eliminating unnecessary packaging to reduce packaging waste.
- Reducing Harmful Substances: Packaging that contains harmful substances, like per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), will be restricted. This is particularly true for food contact materials.
- Improved Labelling: New labelling and marking requirements will help consumers make informed choices and properly sort packaging for recycling.
RESTRICTIONS ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PACKAGING
The new rules also introduce specific bans and restrictions on single-use plastic packaging, laying groundwork to significantly lessen packaging waste:
- Pre-packed Fruits and Vegetables: Single-use plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg will be banned.
- Packaging in Hospitality: Hotels, bars, and restaurants will face restrictions on offering single-use packaging. This includes packaging for food, beverages, condiments, sauces, and toiletries. Small bottles of shampoo or lotion are also included.
- Lightweight Plastic Bags: The use of very lightweight plastic bags, often used for bulk items at markets, will be restricted.
REUSE TARGETS AND REFILL OBLIGATIONS
A significant part of the new regulation is its emphasis on reuse. This is an important factor in controlling packaging waste.
- Binding Reuse Targets: The regulation sets binding reuse targets for packaging. These include 40% for transport and sales packaging. There is also a 10% target for grouped packaging. These goals are to be achieved by 2030.
- Take-away Business Requirements: Businesses that offer take-away food or beverages must allow customers to bring their own containers. Refills must be provided free of charge. This new obligation aims to reduce the use of single-use packaging in the foodservice industry and, by extension, tackle packaging waste.
TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION
The formal adoption of the regulation by the EU Council marks the final step in the legislative process. After its publication in the EU’s Official Journal, the regulation will enter into force. It will be applied 18 months after this date. This gives businesses and member states time to prepare for the changes ahead, ensuring smoother management of packaging waste.
WHY THE REGULATION WAS NECESSARY
While recycling rates in the EU have increased, packaging waste has continued to rise at a faster pace. In 2022, the EU generated nearly 186.5 kilograms of packaging waste per person, with plastic packaging accounting for 36 kilograms. Despite efforts to reduce waste, existing policies have not fully addressed the environmental impact of packaging and its contribution to increasing packaging waste.
The new regulation replaces the EU’s previous packaging directive, which was first adopted in 1994. It marks a shift towards a circular economy and aligns with the EU’s climate-neutrality goals for 2050, setting a framework to reduce packaging waste.
THE PATH TO AGREEMENT
The European Parliament and the Council reached provisional agreement on the new regulation after two rounds of informal negotiations. This occurred in March 2024. This marked the culmination of years of work to update and strengthen the EU’s packaging and waste management laws, ultimately aiming to tackle packaging waste at the source.