Cutting down packaging waste means cleaner streets and nature, less plastic in our seas, and fewer overflowing bins in our neighborhoods.
It can save our precious resources, reduce the cost of managing waste, and reduce greenhouse gasses.
Using less packaging is good for the planet, but also for our economies and wallets.
What are the new rules about?The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, or “PPWR”, is about greening our packaging in Europe. That means cutting down on waste, making packaging more eco-friendly, and giving you sustainable choices.
It introduces requirements to:
make all packaging recyclable by 2030
increase packaging made from recycled materials
limit unnecessary packaging and introduce more reusable options
promote innovation in new circular business models
Will this make my shopping more expensive?Less packaging, and harmonised EU rules that create a single market, can lower costs for businesses. For example, businesses can use the same packaging in all Member States, and lighter and smaller packaging can mean lower transport costs. These savings should trickle down to consumers.
Does sustainable packaging use more resources?Sustainable packaging is all about using fewer resources, not more.
The initial switch to greener packaging may involve bringing in new designs and materials. But the PPWR promotes packaging that uses less resources overall and includes recycled plastic.
The goal is to shrink our environmental footprint over time, by using resources more smartly and reusing more.
Why is the EU setting strict recycled content and reuse targets?Each European generates around 35 KG of plastic packaging waste per year. This plastic packaging is made almost entirely from imported fossil fuels.
The new targets are essential for reducing packaging waste and making Europe less dependent on imported fossil fuels.
These targets also spark innovation in packaging and drive the demand for recycled plastic.
Using more recycled content and reusable packaging helps Europe meet its long-term environmental goals.
Will this change how online deliveries are packaged?Online shops will have to reduce the empty space in delivery boxes.
This means smaller boxes, less waste, and less half-empty boxes being shipped around.
Your products will still be well-protected. But your shopping will be more eco-efficient, helping e-commerce become less wasteful.
Will I have to sort waste into even more bins at home?Waste sorting at home will in fact get easier. The PPWR will lead to new packaging labels with clear information on how to sort your waste correctly, ensuring it can be used again to make new products.
You will not need more bins, and your waste collection system will not change.
The new labels will help citizens and tourists in the EU sort packaging waste correctly.
Will some packaging be banned from supermarkets and takeaways?In 2030, single-use packaging will be banned where:
it is considered unnecessary, or
more sustainable alternatives are available
Think small ketchup packets in restaurants or mini shampoo bottles in hotels.
The goal is not to ban single-use packaging outright, but to make sure consumers are offered greener alternatives, and to prevent waste. Millions of tonnes of plastic are dumped in rivers, soil and the sea, despite successful efforts to reduce plastic sea litter in Europe.
Single-use packaging that is necessary for food safety, public health, or medical purposes can still be used.
For takeaway and delivery services, consumers will be able to choose between either single use or reusable containers for the same price or less.
Will this reduce harmful chemicals and microplastics in packaging?Companies will have to limit substances of concern in packaging, including considering environmental impacts like the release of microplastics.
The rules also set limits on PFAS (or “forever chemicals”) in food-contact packaging.
Other chemical safety rules, including detailed restrictions on microplastics and other hazardous substances, are still handled under REACH and other legislation.
Is reusable packaging safe and hygienic?Reusable packaging must be able to be used multiple times and meet applicable health, safety, and hygiene requirements.
It must be suitable for emptying, cleaning, and refilling, and uphold food safety rules.
The PPWR sets design and performance criteria to help ensure reusable packaging can function over and over again.
Will deposit and return systems need to change?The PPWR supports deposit and return systems, notably for single-use packaging, because they help increase collection rates, promote high-quality recycling, and reduce litter.
EU Member States must collect at least 90% of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers separately by 2029. If they cannot achieve this by other means, Member States must set up deposit and return systems.
All systems must meet certain requirements such as clear labelling and a sufficient deposit value, but the Regulation allows enough time for existing systems to be adapted smoothly.