The EU is about to introduce new regulations on packaging and packaging waste.

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Recently, the European Parliament and the European Council reached a provisional political agreement on a new regulation regarding packaging and packaging waste. This regulation will replace the current Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC, aiming to reduce packaging waste and introduce a range of sustainable measures, including requiring all packaging to be recyclable by 2030.

The regulation is part of the European Green Deal and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, seen as key drivers in transitioning the EU to a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy. The regulation includes gradual targets for reducing packaging waste, requiring member states to reduce waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040 compared to 2018 levels.

Business Implications and Next Steps

All packaging placed on the EU market will be subject to this regulation, with different obligations for packaging manufacturers, suppliers, importers, distributors, and service providers. The regulation will apply to any business selling packaged goods and sets out strict requirements.

The future EU packaging regime has been outlined to help guide sustainable business practices. The provisional agreement will still need to be formally approved by the European Parliament and the European Council and published in the Official Journal before it comes into effect. The regulation is expected to be implemented 18 months after its entry into force.