New rules for packaging: What’s changing now

Why is there a new packaging regulation?

According to the most recently available figures, almost 80 million tons of packaging waste was generated in the 27 EU member states in 2023. That’s 173 kilograms per capita. The “Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation” (PPWR) aims to reduce packaging waste and ensure that packaging can be recycled. Packaging waste is expected to decrease by five percent by 2030. By 2040 it should be 15 percent. All packaging from sales to transport packaging is affected, regardless of the material. The aim is to eliminate distortions of competition with uniform rules across the EU.

What will change immediately as a result of the regulation?

Consumers will not immediately notice much of the new regulation. As of today, August 12th, the only rule is that packaging that comes into contact with food must not exceed a limit for so-called forever chemicals or PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances). If this is still the case, they may no longer be placed on the market in the EU. This also affects pizza boxes, which can only contain very small amounts of the harmful chemicals. Producers and, under certain circumstances, traders must ensure that the limit values ​​are adhered to with declarations of conformity and documentation. The alarm bells are already ringing among local retailers.

What will change in the next few years?

The major changes brought about by the EU regulation will follow gradually until 2030 and beyond.

• Reusable packaging From February 2027, catering establishments will generally have to fill take-away containers provided that this can be brought into line with hygiene and safety rules. One year later, from mid-February 2028, providers of food and drinks will also have to offer a reusable option when taking away. There will also be binding reusable quotas later.
• Uniform labeling From August 12, 2028, i.e. in two years, uniform pictograms across the EU will make waste separation easier. The symbols on packages indicate which bin each package belongs in. The same symbols are also placed on collection containers.
• No more fruit in plastic From January 1, 2030, unprocessed fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kilograms may no longer be sold in single-use plastic packaging. There should no longer be tomatoes wrapped in plastic, cucumbers or peppers, raspberries or strawberries in plastic bowls or lemons and onions in small nets. Exceptions are only made for particularly sensitive goods.
• No more portion packaging Also from January 1, 2030, portion packaging, for example for jam, sugar or butter, may no longer be offered. At the breakfast buffet in the hotel, guests will then have to help themselves from dispensers or glasses.
• White space limitation From January 1, 2030, packaging in online retail may have a maximum of 50 percent empty space. Fillers are included in the calculation.
• Requirements for recycling From 2030, packaging will generally have to be more recyclable and also contain recycled materials.

How will packaging change?

The new packaging recycling requirements are likely to mean the end of some familiar packaging because material combinations are difficult to separate during recycling. Some examples have already caused a stir. For example, Knabernossi sausage sticks, which are individually wrapped in foil made of plastic and aluminum, or Manner slices, which are also wrapped in a combination of paper and aluminum that is difficult to separate. They will have to present themselves anew from 2030. Butter wrapped in wax paper will probably also be a thing of the past.

Can the rules still change?

Many details about the regulation are still open. This poses challenges for manufacturers and waste disposal companies because the changeover is complex and takes time. Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA) recently complained about the lack of specifications for the recyclable design of packaging. A design guideline is not expected to be published for another two years. Calculation methods for recyclability are also missing. In total, around 30 delegated acts are still missing that are intended to stipulate details of the regulation.