EU adopts Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) on packaging and packaging waste — packaging must be recyclable/reusable by 2030
2025.08.29 - 13:04
The EU adopts Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), mandating that packaging is recyclable and reusable by 2030, with clear requirements on recycled content, packaging minimisation, reuse systems, and bans on selected single-use plastics.
The Regulation enters into force on 11 February 2025 and will become applicable after an 18-month transition period (mid‑2026) USDA Apps All packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable (minimum grade C by 2030, grade B by 2038) Recycled content obligations: plastic packaging must contain at least 30% recycled content by 1 January 2030 (same for single-use plastic bottles), increasing to 65% by 2040 Packaging minimisation rules: e‑commerce, transport, and grouped packaging must have no more than 50% empty space by 2030 Reuse targets: by 2030, 100% of in‑house and domestic transport packaging must be reusable; other transport – 40% reusable; grouped boxes 10% reusable, aiming to reach 25% by 2040 Ropes & Gray Certain single-use plastic packaging formats (e.g., for fresh produce, condiments, sachets) will be banned starting 1 January 2030 esgtoday.com