EU Packaging Directive: Stricter rules for packaging

The European Union is significantly tightening the rules for packaging. A new regulation, the final version of which is expected this year, will create a comprehensive legal framework for more resource-efficient and recycling-friendly packaging.

Manufacturers, retailers and the logistics industry will face numerous new requirements. However, the detailed implementation of these is still partly open. The Ecovis experts provide an overview of the new regulations.

Targets for reducing packaging

The EU wants to reduce packaging. The volumes must be reduced across the EU

• by 5 percent by 2030
• by 10 percent by 2035
• by 15 percent by 2040

compared to 2024. Member States must also ensure that plastic packaging in particular is reduced in absolute terms.

For certain product groups such as fruit, vegetables and catering products, there will be a ban on single-use plastic packaging from 2030.

Sustainability and design requirements for packaging

In the future, packaging must be designed to be significantly more resource-efficient, recyclable and less pollutant-intensive. In addition, minimum recycled content for plastic packaging and weight and volume limits are planned. In online retail, packaging should be lighter and smaller.

Companies should now quickly start preparing for the future EU Packaging Directive.

Labelling and information requirements

Packaging must contain detailed information on material composition and separation. Reusable systems must provide information on return and tracking. A harmonised EU logo for deposit and return systems is also planned. The use of questionable substances such as lead, cadmium or PFAS will be restricted or prohibited.

Obligations for producers, suppliers and fulfilment service providers

Packaging producers must meet extensive product requirements and submit declarations of conformity. Their suppliers are obliged to provide detailed material records.

Reuse and deposit obligations

In various segments such as beverages, transport and sales packaging, gradually increasing minimum quotas for reusable systems will become mandatory from 2030. Member States can allow pooling systems to achieve these quotas.

In addition, an EU-wide mandatory deposit system for single-use beverage packaging made of plastic, metal and aluminium up to 3 litres will be introduced. Member States can extend the scope to glass and introduce deposit and return systems for reusable packaging.

Extended manufacturer responsibility and registration

The Packaging Directive provides for extended manufacturer responsibility including registration obligations. This also applies to online platforms.

Regulations on environmental claims (greenwashing)

Product descriptions that refer to the environmental friendliness of the product are only permitted if the promised properties significantly exceed the legal minimum requirements.