The European Council announced today the adoption of groundbreaking regulations to significantly reduce packaging waste across the EU. Key measures include a requirement for all packaging placed on the market to be recyclable by 2030.
The decision marks the final legislative step following the European Parliament’s approval in April 2024. Initially proposed by the European Commission in 2022, the regulation updates prior rules that failed to curb packaging waste effectively. The EU currently generates 186 kg of packaging waste per person annually, with 36 kg being plastic. Packaging represents 40% of plastics and 50% of paper usage in the EU.
Key Provisions:
- Recycling Goals: All packaging must be recyclable by 2030 and capable of being collected and sorted for large-scale recycling by 2035.
- Reduction Targets: Packaging waste must be reduced by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040.
- Single-Use Ban: Prohibits certain single-use plastic packaging, such as those for fresh produce, hotel food and beverages, and small toiletries, by 2030.
- Reusable Packaging: Requires takeaway businesses to offer reusable options, with 10% of products in reusable formats by 2030.
- PFAS Restrictions: Bans “forever chemicals” in food packaging above specified thresholds.
What’s Next:
The regulation will be published in the EU’s Official Journal and will take effect 18 months after publication. These measures represent a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of packaging and promoting sustainability across the EU.
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