EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation Coming into Effect: New Rules Businesses Must Know

On November 22, 2023, the European Parliament passed the revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), marking a significant step forward in the EUs packaging regulatory framework. The adoption of this regulation not only signifies progress in addressing packaging waste issues and promoting reuse and recycling but also presents new challenges and requirements for businesses.

Reduction and Limitation of Packaging Use
The PPWR sets clear reduction targets: 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. Specifically for plastic packaging, the reduction targets are 10% by 2030, 15% by 2035, and 20% by 2040.

Requirements for Recycled Plastic Content
(1) By 2030, contact-sensitive packaging made from PET plastic should contain 30% recycled plastic (excluding single-use beverage bottles).
(2) Contact-sensitive packaging made from other plastics (including food-contact plastic packaging) should contain 7.5% recycled plastic.

Ban on Ultra-Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags
PPWR计划禁止销售低于15微米的非常轻的塑料购物袋，除非出于卫生原因或用作散装食品的初级包装。

Restrictions on Single-Use Packaging
Proposes restrictions on single-use packaging such as miniature hotel amenity packaging and shrink-wrapped airport carry-on luggage.

Prohibition of Certain Chemicals in Food Packaging
Bans the use of forever chemicals (PFAS) and bisphenol A in food-contact packaging to protect consumer health.

Encouraging Consumers to Reuse Packaging
The food service industry (e.g., hotels, restaurants, and cafes) is encouraged to allow consumers to use their own containers.

New Rules for Collection and Recycling of Packaging Waste
All packaging must meet recyclability requirements and be collected separately by material type (e.g., plastic, wood, metal, glass, paper, etc.), achieving a 90% material recycling rate by 2029.

Innovation in Packaging Design
Businesses need to innovate packaging design to reduce material usage while improving recyclability and reusability.

Investment in Eco-Friendly Materials
Active investment in and adoption of eco-friendly materials, particularly recycled plastics, is required to comply with regulatory standards.

Compliance Management and Monitoring
Enhance compliance management, closely track regulatory changes, and adjust production and supply chains to meet new requirements.

Strengthening Consumer Engagement
Collaborate with consumers to encourage their participation in packaging recycling and reuse, thereby raising overall environmental awareness.

Original announcement:EUR-Lex – 52022PC0677 – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu)