The new EU regulation that tightens the noose on plastics begins to be applied: these are the key points
The regulation will oblige restaurants to accept the use of reusable containers at no additional cost and will eliminate the single-dose format
BarcelonaA new era is beginning regarding packaging and its waste. As of this Wednesday, European Union member states must apply the new packaging and packaging waste regulation, in effect since last year. The text regulates the sustainability and labeling of packaging throughout its life cycle and introduces restrictions on the production, use, and waste management with a view to 2050. However, some of the measures will not be enforceable until 2028, 2030, or even later.
One of the main novelties of this text, which repeals or amends up to three previous directives, it will lead to the elimination of single-dose plastics in a few years; that is, small containers for individual portions of sauces, sugars, jams, or butters. The marketing of these containers will be limited from January 1, 2030, and reusable systems and more sustainable alternatives such as glass jars, bulk dispensers, or paper sachets will have to be opted for.
The most immediate change to the regulations is the toughening of the fight against harmful substances. Packaging intended to come into contact with food will not be able to be marketed if it contains PFAS –the so-called substanceseternal– above maximum limits. The EU considers that there is no safe exposure threshold for these compounds and that they represent an unacceptable risk to health.
Another important change is the recycled plastic. From 2030 onwards, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging in contact with food must contain at least 30% recycled material (10% if not PET), and single-use beverage bottles, also 30%. The percentages will rise to 50-65% in 2040, with exceptions for health and safety reasons.
Restaurants will have to allow takeout containers
Bars and restaurants will also notice the change in the new regulation: from 2027 they will not be able to charge any cents to customers who want to bring their own container to take away unfinished food, and from 2028 it will be mandatory for all establishments to have reusable containers for those who wish to order food to go.
Furthermore, from February 2029, these reusable containers will have to carry a specific label, with additional information accessible by QR code about the available reuse system. Containers that directly contain harmful substances, in addition to complying with percentage limitations, will have to be marked with a QR code or some digital technology of that kind that explains the concentration of each component.
Containers that use more plastic material than necessary will also be limited. For example, transport and e-commerce packaging will not be allowed to have more than 50% empty space. In parallel, reuse targets are set: by 2030, 40% of transport packaging and 10% of collective packaging must be reusable.
Regarding labeling, from August 12, 2028, packaging will have to carry a harmonized label, with easy-to-understand pictograms, indicating the composition of the materials to facilitate recycling for the consumer. In the case of compostable packaging, the label will have to specify if it is suitable for domestic composting.
Finally, Member States will have to reduce the total amount of packaging waste by implementing deposit and return systems for beverage packaging, both plastic and metal. This will be from 2029 and will not affect those countries that already have high separate collection rates.
- Freed from "forever chemicals"It takes immediate effect. All packaging intended to come into contact with food will not be able to be marketed if it contains PFAS above certain maximum limits. These are chemicals that repel grease and water in pizza boxes, fast food wrappers, popcorn bags, or baking paper, among others.
- New European labelingFrom 2028 onwards, all packaging circulating in the EU will be subject to a common labeling system to facilitate recycling. From 2029, reusable packaging will have a specific label explaining this. If they contain harmful substances, the concentration of each component must be specified.
- Restrictions on packaging and transportFrom 2030, transport and e-commerce packaging will not be able to have more than 50% empty space. At that time, 40% of the plastics used in freight transport and 10% of the wrappers that group different products, such as milk packs, will also have to be reusable.
- Bars and restaurants will have to allow takeaway containersFrom 2027, they will not be able to charge customers who want to bring their own container to take away unfinished food. From 2028, all establishments will have to be able to offer reusable packaging.
- Goodbye to hotel courtesy itemsFrom January 1, 2030, hotels will be prohibited from offering single-use courtesy items, such as shampoo or conditioner.
- No ketchup sachetsFrom January 1, 2030, single-dose plastics will be eliminated; that is, small containers for individual portions of sauces, sugars, jams, or butters.