The European Council has adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This document was discussed for almost the entire 2024. Many large companies spoke both for and against its adoption. Many provisions were considered very controversial. Nevertheless, the Council approved the text previously adopted by the European Parliament. It will enter into force in January or February 2025, and will be mandatory 18 months after that. What changes does this Regulation bring?

First of all, this Regulation covers the entire life cycle of packaging. It sets a minimum percentage of recycled content in packaging. It declares the minimization of the weight and volume of packaging and the rejection of excessive and unnecessary packaging.

Thresholds for PFAS content have been established. And the requirements for labeling and information that consumers receive through packaging have been tightened. Now such information should make it easier for the buyer to choose and sort further.

Significant restrictions have been introduced on the use of single-use plastic packaging. They will affect packaging of fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, as well as food and drinks served and consumed in hotels, bars and restaurants. The restrictions even apply to portioned packages of spices, sauces, cream and sugar. They also apply to single-use cosmetics used in the accommodation sector.

The icing on the cake is the ban on thin plastic bags used in food markets.

In addition, the Regulation sets new mandatory reuse targets for 2030.

We all still have time to implement changes. But we need to start now.

Materials used from packaginginsights.com.