The first measures of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which came into force in February 2025, will begin to be applied progressively from tomorrow until 2040. The regulation will affect the design, manufacture, marketing, recyclability, reuse, and management of packaging used in various sectors.
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Among the first requirements is the limitation of the use of PFAS substances, known as “forever chemicals.” These compounds are mainly used as a barrier against grease and moisture in products such as wrappers, cups, and trays, but they persist for years both in the environment and in the body.
All packaging must be recyclable
At the same time, all packaging marketed must be recyclable, although specific targets and criteria will not begin to apply until 2030. The regulation establishes three categories of recyclability and sets new design criteria aimed at facilitating the recycling of packaging. These requirements will be applied progressively from 2030 and will become increasingly demanding, especially from 2038 onwards.
In 2027, hospitality and catering establishments offering food or drinks to go must allow consumers to use their own containers to refill them.
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In this same area, hospitality will also have to eliminate single-dose packaging from 2030, which will affect individual formats of sauces, sugar, salt, other condiments, or milk. In the case of olive oil, there are still doubts about the specific scope of this measure. Meanwhile, hotels will not be able to offer single-use courtesy items such as shampoo or gel or soap by default, unless the customer requests them.
One of the most visible changes for consumers will come in 2028 with the implementation of a harmonized labeling system throughout the European Union, which will allow identifying the composition of packaging and facilitate waste separation.
Very lightweight plastic bags will not be allowed to be sold
Subsequently, in 2029, member states must implement the Deposit, Return and Refund System (SDDR), like the one Spain planned to implement this November, for plastic bottles and metal cans with the aim of achieving a collection rate of at least 90%.
Another measure that may most affect consumers will come with the reduction of single-use packaging. From 2030, supermarkets will not be able to sell fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kilos packaged in plastic nor use plastic rings to group beer or soda cans. No establishment will be able to provide its customers with very lightweight plastic bags, less than 15 microns, unless they are certified compostable or necessary for food hygiene reasons.
The measures will also affect online shopping. From 2030, the empty space in package wrappers cannot exceed 50% of their capacity.
The new regulation will bring various changes for companies and consumers that will be applied gradually over the coming years. The goal is to reduce packaging waste generation, limit single-use packaging, and move towards a model of reusable and recyclable packaging.
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