EUROPE – The European Union has published new regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste and curbing the use of hazardous substances in food packaging.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), formally known as Regulation (EU) 2025/40, introduces stringent measures on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), restricts single-use plastics, and sets targets for recyclability and recycled content in packaging materials.
The regulation will come into effect on February 11, 2025, with transition periods for specific requirements beginning as early as August 12, 2026.
The PPWR replaces Directive 94/62/EC and amends Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904.
Designed to align with the EU’s transition to a circular economy, the new framework sets rules covering the entire lifecycle of packaging, ensuring harmonized standards across member states.
The regulation aims to reduce excessive packaging, improve recyclability, increase the use of recycled materials, and eliminate the presence of hazardous chemicals in food contact materials.
Stricter limits on PFAS in food packaging
Under the new law, PFAS—often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment—will face strict limitations in food packaging.
By August 12, 2026, food contact packaging placed on the EU market must not contain PFAS in concentrations exceeding 25 parts per billion (ppb) for individual substances measured through targeted analysis, 250 ppb for the sum of targeted PFAS analysis (excluding polymeric PFAS), or 50 parts per million (ppm) for total PFAS, including polymeric forms.
These measures build on existing EU restrictions on other harmful substances, including bans on lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials.
Ban on single-use plastics for fruits and vegetables
The regulation also takes a decisive step in addressing plastic waste. From January 1, 2030, single-use plastic packaging will be banned for unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kilograms, with exceptions for cases where packaging is necessary to prevent water loss, microbiological contamination, physical damage, or oxidation.
Single-use packaging for certain foods and beverages in hotels, restaurants, and catering establishments will also be prohibited, with consumers required to have the option of purchasing food and drinks in reusable containers.
By February 2027, establishments will need to offer consumers the option to use their own takeout containers at no extra charge, and by February 2028, businesses must provide a reusable takeout container option free of charge.
Mandatory recyclability and recycled content in packaging
Further requirements focus on recyclability and the use of recycled content in plastic food packaging.
All packaging must be recyclable, except for certain products such as infant formula, medical foods, and processed cereal-based baby foods by January 1, 2028.
By 2030, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) food packaging must contain at least 30 percent recycled materials, while other plastic food packaging must include at least 10 percent.
These targets will increase to 50 percent by 2040 for both PET and non-PET plastic packaging.
Single-use beverage bottles will need to comprise 30 percent recycled materials by 2030 and 65 percent by 2040.
Compostable packaging and packaging containing less than five percent plastic will be exempt from these requirements.
The PPWR establishes comprehensive measures for waste reduction and extended producer responsibility.
The European Commission will monitor the presence of substances of concern in packaging and report findings by December 31, 2026, with the possibility of imposing further restrictions.
Additionally, new recyclability performance grades will be introduced by January 1, 2028, with only packaging achieving a minimum design-for-recycling grade of 70 percent considered recyclable.
By setting forth these regulations, the EU aims to curb packaging waste, promote circularity, and ensure that packaging materials used across the region are safe for human health and the environment.
With compliance deadlines approaching, businesses operating within the EU market will need to adapt to these new regulatory standards to meet the bloc’s evolving sustainability goals.
