New EU packaging rules come into force, with restrictions on single-use plastics from 2030
The European Union is preparing to say goodbye to single-use packaging for good, but not straight away.
From 12 August 2026, the Regulation on packaging and packaging waste (Ppwr), which came into force in February 2025 following a long and troubled legislative process.
The tightening will, however, take place in several stages.
From 12 August 2026, only an initial set of limited obligations will come into force, including harmonised limits for PFAS in packaging that comes into contact with food, harmonised definitions across the EU – such as those for manufacturers and producers – and common labelling requirements to simplify the traceability of producers.
Further, more stringent requirements will come into force from 2030:
- starting with the targets for reducing packaging waste (5 per cent by 2030, 10 per cent by 2035 and 15 per cent by 2040, compared with 2018);
- the general requirement for packaging to be recyclable;
- the recyclability performance classes used to define it as such;
- the restrictions on single-use packaging will also come into force on 1 January 2030, when operators will be prohibited from placing certain types of single-use packaging on the EU market, from ketchup and mayonnaise sachets to coffee creamer and sugar commonly found in cafés and restaurants;
- the ban will also apply to small bottles of shampoo or hand and body creams used in hotels;
- as well as plastic bags for pre-packaged fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg;
- food and drink containers filled and consumed in bars and restaurants.
