Waste Packaging Regulation Updates

The new packaging waste law adopted by the European Union -- Regulation (EU) 2025/40 -- places recyclability, reusability, and chemical safety at the core of product design, initiating a transformative shift in global packaging practices. Phasing in from 2025 to 2030, the legislation establishes strict requirements for recyclability, mandates recycled content thresholds, and enforces bans on hazardous substances like PFAS and BPA.

All packaging must meet a minimum Grade C recyclability standard by 2030, rising to Grade B by 2038. Innovations include harmonized smart labelling, QR codes for digital tracking, and targeted rules for compostables. A minimization mandate prohibits unnecessary design features, while standardized reusable formats are required for sectors like food and e-commerce. These sweeping reforms aim to redesign packaging systems from production to disposal, aligning with the EU’s broader circular economy and chemicals strategies.

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