|
Brussels, |
|
Rising Packaging Waste: EU Tightens Rules
EU adopts a new Regulation to reinforce the Directive 94/62/EC, as over the past decade, packaging waste has risen by nearly 25%, with projections indicating a further 19% increase by 2030. Plastic packaging waste alone is expected to rise by 46% in the same timeframe.
The packaging industry plays a vital role in the European Union's economy, generating an annual turnover of €370 billion. However, despite increased recycling efforts, packaging waste continues to grow at an alarming rate. Over the past decade, packaging waste has risen by nearly 25%, with projections indicating a further 19% increase by 2030. Plastic packaging waste alone is expected to rise by 46% in the same timeframe.
The European Union is at a crossroads in its environmental policy, and packaging waste has become a crucial battleground. For too long, fragmented national regulations and inefficient recycling systems have hindered Europe’s efforts to create a truly circular economy.
Recognising these challenges, the EU has introduced a new Regulation (EU) 2025/40, which was adopted on 22 January 2025. This new Regulation introduces harmonised rules to ensure uniform compliance across all 27 Member States.
The adoption of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is not just another policy update—it is a firm political commitment to tackling the mounting crisis of packaging waste. It reflects the EU’s resolve to lead the global transition toward sustainability, setting ambitious standards that will shape the future of production, trade, and environmental responsibility.
This new regulation marks a paradigm shift, reinforcing the Directive 94/62/EC with legally binding and harmonised measures across all 27 Member States. It strengthens the internal market by eliminating regulatory disparities, providing businesses with clear and uniform rules, and ensuring that sustainability is no longer an option but an obligation. As Europe asserts itself as a global leader in environmental governance, industries must now rise to the challenge of adapting to these rigorous new standards. The transition to a circular economy is no longer an abstract goal—it is now a legal and economic imperative.
The existing Directive 94/62/EC, which governs packaging and packaging waste, has not fully achieved its environmental and internal market objectives. Disparate national regulatory frameworks and varied implementation across Member States have hindered progress toward a circular economy.
Recognising these challenges, the EU has introduced a new Regulation (EU) 2025/40, which was adopted on 22 January 2025. This new Regulation introduces harmonised rules to ensure uniform compliance across all 27 Member States.
The adoption of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is not just another policy update—it is a firm political commitment to tackling the mounting crisis of packaging waste. It reflects the EU’s resolve to lead the global transition toward sustainability, setting ambitious standards that will shape the future of production, trade, and environmental responsibility.
This new regulation marks a paradigm shift, reinforcing the Directive 94/62/EC with legally binding and harmonised measures across all 27 Member States. It strengthens the internal market by eliminating regulatory disparities, providing businesses with clear and uniform rules, and ensuring that sustainability is no longer an option but an obligation. As Europe asserts itself as a global leader in environmental governance, industries must now rise to the challenge of adapting to these rigorous new standards. The transition to a circular economy is no longer an abstract goal—it is now a legal and economic imperative.
The existing Directive 94/62/EC, which governs packaging and packaging waste, has not fully achieved its environmental and internal market objectives. Disparate national regulatory frameworks and varied implementation across Member States have hindered progress toward a circular economy.
|
|
|
Key Changes Introduced by Regulation (EU) 2025/40
- Uniform EU-Wide Application
- The shift from a directive to a regulation ensures consistent implementation across Member States, eliminating discrepancies in national laws.
- Enhanced Waste Reduction Targets
- Binding targets aim to reduce packaging waste per capita by:
- 5% by 2030
- 10% by 2035
- 15% by 2040
- Binding targets aim to reduce packaging waste per capita by:
- Stronger Recycling and Recycled Content Requirements
- All packaging must be designed for economic and effective recycling by 2030.
- Minimum recycled content for plastic packaging:
- 2030: Mandatory inclusion rates for recycled plastic.
- 2040: More ambitious targets to further reduce reliance on virgin plastics.
- Restrictions on Hazardous Substances
- Limits the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food contact materials, subject to future reviews.
- Harmonized Labelling Requirements
- Standardized labels for all packaging to improve waste sorting and recycling efficiency.
- Promotion of Reuse and Refill Systems
- Targets for reusable packaging:
- 30% by 2030
- 50% by 2040
- Take-away businesses must allow customers to use their own containers.
- Targets for reusable packaging:
- Tackling Over-Packaging
- Restrictions on excessive packaging, including a maximum 50% empty space ratio for grouped, e-commerce, and transport packaging.
- Mandatory Deposit Return Systems (DRS)
- EU-wide requirement to achieve a 90% collection rate for plastic bottles and metal beverage containers by 2029.
Comparison with U.S. State-Level Packaging EPR Laws
Aspect |
EU Regulation |
U.S. State-Level Laws |
Scope |
Covers all packaging materials EU-wide |
Varies by state, limited to specific materials |
Waste Reduction Targets |
Binding EU-wide reduction goals |
Some states have reduction incentives, but no binding targets |
Recyclability |
All packaging must be 100% recyclable by 2030 |
Focus on post-consumer recycled content rather than recyclability |
Reuse & Refill Targets |
Mandatory reuse targets for businesses |
Few U.S. states promote reuse incentives |
Deposit Return Systems (DRS) |
Mandatory 90% collection rate via DRS |
Varies by state, no uniform national law |
Packaging Bans |
Broad bans on certain single-use packaging |
Limited bans, such as polystyrene restrictions in some states |
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
Opportunities
- Complexity of modern packaging materials hinders recycling.
- Economic viability of new recycling technologies is uncertain.
- Consumer behavior changes are slow and require awareness campaigns.
- Global supply chain variations complicate sustainable packaging compliance.
- Legislative coordination among EU Member States remains a challenge.
Opportunities
- Innovation in sustainable packaging materials.
- Market demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is growing.
- Circular economy initiatives open new business models.
- Compliance with EU regulations enhances corporate sustainability reputation.
