EU signs off packaging rules with new reuse and recycling targets

New EU packaging rules were signed off this week, which will involve changes to labelling, the introduction of new single-use reduction targets and binding reuse targets.

At the energy council meeting 25 countries voted in favour of the packaging and packaging waste regulations (PPWR). 

Under the new rules, takeaway businesses will have to allow customers to bring their own containers to be filled with cold or hot beverages or ready-prepared food, at no additional charge. 

However, plans to ban single-use packaging for dining in have been scrapped. This followed intense lobbying by paper packaging producers and users alike.

There will be a ban on specific single-use plastic packaging formats such as those used for condiments by the dine-in hospitality sector, miniature cosmetic bottles used in hotels and around fresh vegetables and fruit. 

It was also agreed that specific reuse targets would be set for packaging around beverages – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – of at least 10% by 2030, with the same applying to takeaway food in the foodservice sector. 

Recyclability and recycled content targets were also signed off. For instance, all packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable by 2030. Recycled content targets range from 10% to 65% depending on the packaging, and there will be new labelling requirements relating to the level of recycled content.

PPWR is set to be published in the EU Official Journal in the first quarter of 2025; 20 days after that the regulations will finally enter into force with PPWR applying 18 months later.

Louisa Goodfellow, policy manager at compliance scheme Ecosurety, said the UK is unlikely to follow PPWR but businesses trading in the EU will have to ensure compliance and navigate the new rules carefully. “Ahead of implementation in 2026, secondary legislation will be drafted and published. This will provide more detail on the new rules, and a framework for affected businesses to comply in various member states,” she explained.

The UK Government recently announced that it is working on a new circular economy strategy. In the coming year or two food businesses are facing a number of new packaging rules, including extended producer responsibility, harmonised recycling collections and deposit return schemes. However, the proposed mandatory takeback scheme for fibre-based cups has been abandoned.