New packaging rules in the EU
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, establishes harmonised rules for packaging and packaging waste across the European Union. It entered into force in February 2025 and has applied since 12 August 2026.
The new rules address these issues by setting requirements for the manufacturing and composition of all packaging placed on the EU market. They also require packaging to be reusable or recoverable, meaning it can be used again or turned into something else after use. From 2030, certain single-use packaging will be banned where more sustainable alternatives are available, such as small ketchup packets or mini shampoo bottles in hotels.
The new measures will make packaging:
Less wasteful: plastic packaging must be made in part from recycled content, with increasing targets for 2030 and 2040.
Fully recyclable: all packaging must be recyclable by 2030, so its components can be used for something else afterwards.
Clearly labelled: clear labels and colours make it easier to sort trash for recycling – showing what it is made of, where to bin it, and how to return it for reuse.
Smarter: unnecessary packaging and empty space in deliveries will be reduced.
Easier to re-use, refill and collect: deposit and return systems will be boosted. Companies must make reuse or refill options available whenever possible, with no extra charge.
Fairer and safer: brands using non-recyclable or environmentally harmful materials will have to pay to clean them up. Harmful and cancer-causing ‘forever’ chemicals (PFAS) will be restricted in food packaging
Note from Nuria Alonso, TOS Commissioning Editor:
One of the consequences of the new rules is that from January 1st, 2030 the phasing out of single-use plastic packaging for fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg.
Too long a time to wait, but at least, at some point we will stop seeing organic cucumbers or broccoli wrapped in plastic individually, a practice very common in many supermarkets, where organic fruit and vegetables are much more packaged and plasticised than conventional ones.
For more information
Packaging waste regulation – factsheet