New EU packaging rules to apply from 12th August

New rules regarding packaging will start applying from tomorrow, 12th August, across the EU, the European Commission has said.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation had entered into force in February 2025 and its rules begin to apply on a phased basis from 12 August 2026.

The regulation aims to help tackle the environmental challenges caused by packaging and make Europe less dependent on imported fossil fuels, the European Commission said.

A key measure entering into application on Wednesday is a restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging, the Commission said.

This means that food-contact packaging containing PFAS above strict limits can no longer be placed on the EU market.  

“The measure is designed to reduce exposure to so-called ‘forever chemicals’ – a group of highly persistent substances that can accumulate in the environment and in the human body,” it said.

PFAS is commonly used in food packaging such as takeaway containers and microwave popcorn bags, to repel water or grease, the Commission explained. “By limiting the use of PFAS in food-contact packaging, the new rules will help protect human health while reducing the release of these harmful substances into the environment.”

In addition, it said, definitions for manufacturers and producers responsible for extended producer responsibility of packaging, will now be harmonised across the EU. Certain information will now also be required for packaging, it said.

Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, said that the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is an investment in Europe’s future. “It will help reduce waste, increase recycling, make food-contact packaging safer for the consumers by limiting harmful substances such as PFAS, and reduce our dependence on virgin raw materials. These are essential steps towards a truly circular economy.”

The Commission explained that additional rules under the PPWR will come into place gradually. From 2028, a harmonised labelling system will apply across the EU. Most of the obligations will start applying in 2030, including measures to reduce waste generation of packaging waste, and the mandatory use of recycled plastic waste in new plastic packaging.

“The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation responds to both environmental and economic challenges. Without action, packaging waste in the EU was projected to grow by 19% by 2030, while plastic packaging waste could rise by as much as 46%,” the Commission said.

There are some questions which have been highlighted about the regulation. Deloitte, for instance, writes that several aspects of the regulation remain uncertain, and that questions persist regarding who should be regarded as the actual manufacturer of packaging.