Recently, the European Parliament passed the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) with 476 votes in favor, 129 against, and 24 abstentions.

The European Council must also formally approve the agreement for it to take effect, which is expected after the summer.

The new initiative aims to make packaging used in the EU safer and more sustainable, requiring all packaging to be recyclable, minimizing harmful substances, reducing unnecessary packaging, increasing the use of recycled materials, and improving collection and recycling.

Reducing Packaging and Limiting Certain Packaging Forms

The agreement sets packaging reduction targets (5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040), with a specific focus on reducing plastic packaging waste.

From January 1, 2030, certain single-use plastic packaging forms will be banned, including:

• Packaging for unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables,
• Food and drink packaging consumed in cafes and restaurants,
• Single-serving condiments (e.g., sauces, creamers, sugar),
• Miniature packaging for cosmetics in accommodations,
• Shrink wrap for airport luggage.

European Parliament members also ensured a ban on very lightweight plastic shopping bags (less than 15 microns thick) unless needed for hygiene reasons or as primary packaging for bulk foods to help prevent food waste.

To reduce unnecessary packaging, a 50% vacancy rate cap is set for assembly, transport, and e-commerce packaging. Manufacturers and importers must also ensure that the weight and volume of packaging are minimized.

Ban on “Forever Chemicals”

To prevent adverse health effects, the Parliament ensured a ban on the use of so-called “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS) in food contact packaging.

Encouraging Reuse and Refilling by Consumers

Negotiators agreed on specific targets for reusable packaging for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding milk, wine, aromatized wines, and spirits) by 2030 (at least 10%). Member States may have a five-year grace period under certain conditions.

Final sellers of beverages and take-away food in the catering sector are obliged to offer consumers the option to use their own containers. They must also strive to provide 10% reusable packaging products by 2030.

Additionally, at the European Parliament’s request, Member States must encourage restaurants, canteens, bars, cafes, and catering services to offer tap water in reusable or refillable formats (if available) either for free or for a minimal service fee.

Recyclable Packaging and Improved Waste Collection and Recycling

Negotiators agreed that all packaging should be recyclable and meet strict standards set by secondary legislation. Lightweight wood, cork, textiles, rubber, ceramics, porcelain, or wax will receive certain exemptions.

Other agreed measures include:

• Minimum recycled content targets for any plastic component in packaging,
• Minimum recycling targets by weight of packaging waste generated, with enhanced recyclability requirements,
• By 2029, 90% of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers (up to 3 liters) will be collected separately (deposit return systems).

In 2018, the packaging industry generated €355 billion in revenue within the EU. Packaging is a growing source of waste, with total EU packaging waste increasing from 66 million tons in 2009 to 84 million tons in 2021. In 2021, each European generated 188.7 kg of packaging waste, a figure projected to rise to 209 kg by 2030 without additional measures.