EU Council signs off on new rules for less waste and more re-use

The European Council has formally adopted a new regulation on packaging and packaging waste, which aims to significantly reduce waste generation while promoting sustainable packaging solutions. The regulation sets binding targets for re-use, restricts certain types of single-use packaging, and requires businesses to minimise the amount of packaging used. It covers the full life cycle of packaging, ensuring that all stages, from production to disposal, align with sustainability goals.

Among the new rules is a requirement for packaging to include a minimum percentage of recycled content by 2030 and 2040, with single-use plastic bottles needing to include up to 65% recycled material by 2040. Businesses will also be expected to minimise the weight and volume of packaging and avoid unnecessary materials, further reducing waste. The regulation also addresses harmful substances, such as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), which will be restricted in food-contact packaging if they exceed certain thresholds.

The regulation also includes labelling and marking requirements, which are designed to help consumers make informed choices and sort packaging correctly. These measures will contribute to more efficient recycling and waste management across the European Union.

In addition to these broad measures, the regulation introduces restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging, including pre-packed fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, food and beverages consumed in hotels, bars, and restaurants, as well as individual portions of condiments and toiletries in the accommodation sector. It also imposes new re-use targets, including binding targets for transport and sales packaging, as well as grouped packaging. These goals will help the EU meet its sustainability targets and ensure a more circular economy for packaging.