Summary of the timeline and key objectives of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
| Deadline | Key Objectives |
|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | Limit of 40 lightweight plastic bags per person per year. Recycling targets: 65% packaging (50% plastic, 25% wood, 70% ferrous metals, 50% aluminum, 70% glass, 75% paper/cardboard). |
| August 12, 2026 | Ban on packaging containing PFAS above a certain threshold. Publication of guidelines on labeling. |
| February 12, 2027 | HORECA sector: Allowing consumers to bring their own containers for takeaway meals and drinks. |
| January 1, 2028 | Labels to separate components of plastic packaging on waste bins. Annual report by Member States on plastic bag consumption and packaging collection. |
| February 12, 2028 | HORECA sector: Option for reusable packaging for takeaway meals and drinks. |
| August 12, 2028 | Harmonized labels on packaging composition (excluding transport packaging and deposit systems). |
| January 1, 2029 | Implementation of deposit return systems for plastic bottles and metal containers up to 3L. |
| January 1, 2030 | Design of all packaging for recycling. Minimum recycled content targets (30% PET, 10% other plastics, 30% for single-use plastic bottles). |
| December 31, 2030 | Recycling target of 70% for packaging waste (55% plastic, 30% wood, 80% ferrous metals, 60% aluminum, 75% glass, 85% paper/cardboard). |
| January 1, 2035 | All packaging must be recyclable at a large scale (75% of the population covered). Reduction of packaging waste per capita by 10% compared to 2018. |
| January 1, 2040 | Minimum recycled content targets: 50% for non-bottle sensitive contact packaging, 65% for plastic bottles. Beverage packaging: 40% reusable. Transport: 70% reusable. Reduction of packaging waste per capita by 15% compared to 2018. |
Ambitious deadlines for the packaging industry
The European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation implements a series of ambitious measures to address environmental challenges related to packaging management. This regulatory text sets waste reduction, recycling, and reuse targets for packaging, which will be gradually applied starting from 2025 and extending until 2040.
We provide an overview of the key deadlines, along with the associated objectives, to help businesses understand the requirements and prepare accordingly.
1. Limit of lightweight plastic bags - By December 31, 2025
One of the first measures concerns reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic bags. Starting in 2025, Member States will be required to limit consumption to 40 bags per person per year. This measure aims to reduce single-use plastic consumption. Very lightweight plastic bags used for hygiene purposes or to avoid food waste will be excluded from this limit.
In parallel, a minimum recycling target of 65% for packaging waste must be achieved. This includes specific targets for different materials:
- 50% for plastic
- 25% for wood
- 70% for ferrous metals
- 50% for aluminum
- 70% for glass
- 75% for paper and cardboard
2. Ban on packaging containing PFAS - By August 12, 2026
Packaging containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above a specified threshold will be banned in the European market starting in 2026. This measure aims to ban persistent and harmful chemicals in packaging.
3. HORECA sector and encouragement of reusable packaging - By February 12, 2027
The HORECA sector (hotels, restaurants, cafés) will be required to allow consumers to bring their own containers for takeaway meals and drinks, whether hot or cold. This initiative aims to promote reusable packaging and reduce waste associated with hospitality and catering.
4. Reforms on plastic packaging and Member State reports - By January 1, 2028
Starting in 2028, all waste collection containers for plastic packaging must feature visible, readable, and indelible labels to encourage sorting of packaging components. Member States will also need to report to the European Commission on the progress made in packaging reuse and deposit return systems, including annual reports on consumption and packaging collection statistics.
5. Reusable packaging for the HORECA sector - By February 12, 2028
By February 2028, HORECA establishments will need to offer consumers the option of purchasing takeaway meals and drinks in reusable packaging. This development is part of efforts to reduce single-use packaging.
6. Implementation of deposit return systems - By January 1, 2029
Member States will need to establish deposit return systems for single-use plastic bottles and metal containers for beverages up to 3 liters. This measure is part of the broader goal of promoting reuse and reducing plastic waste production.
7. Design of packaging for recycling - By January 1, 2030
All packaging placed on the European market must be designed for recycling by 2030. Non-recyclable packaging, considered insufficiently effective, will be gradually phased out. Additionally, minimum recycled content targets will be imposed:
- 30% for contact-sensitive PET packaging
- 10% for other contact-sensitive plastics
- 30% for single-use plastic bottles
- 35% for all other types of packaging
8. Strengthened recycling targets - By December 31, 2030
An ambitious recycling target of 70% by weight for packaging waste must be achieved, with specific targets per material:
- 55% for plastic
- 30% for wood
- 80% for ferrous metals
- 60% for aluminum
- 75% for glass
- 85% for paper and cardboard
9. Towards large-scale recycling - By January 1, 2035
All packaging must be recyclable on a large scale by 2035. This means that at least 75% of the European population must have access to modern collection and recycling infrastructure. Member States will also need to reduce packaging waste per capita by 10% compared to 2018.
10. Increased recycling and reuse targets - By January 1, 2040
By 2040, even stricter recycling and reuse targets will be set:
- 50% for non-bottle contact-sensitive packaging
- 65% for plastic bottles
- 70% for transport packaging
- Reduction of packaging waste per capita by 15% compared to 2018
In summary
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation imposes a series of progressive measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging. For businesses in the sector, these changes represent both a challenge and an opportunity to engage in a more sustainable approach. It is essential to prepare for these deadlines by adapting design, production, and waste management practices.