The European Parliament recently passed the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The statute passed with 476 votes, 129 against, and 24 abstentions.
The European Council also needs to formally ratify the agreement before it comes into force, as expected after the summer.

The new initiative aims to make the packaging used in the EU safer and more sustainable, requiring that all packaging be recyclable, minimizing the presence of harmful substances, reducing unnecessary packaging, improving the utilization of recycled materials and improving collection and recycling.

Reduce packaging and limit certain forms of packaging

The agreement sets a target for packaging reduction (5% in 2030,10% in 2035 and 15% in 2040), and requires EU countries to specifically reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste.
According to the agreement, from January 1,2030, part of the disposable plastic packaging form will be banned, such as: used for raw fresh fruits and vegetables packaging, filling and consumption in cafes and restaurants of food and beverage packaging, independent packaging seasoning (such as condiments, sauce, milk, sugar), cosmetics accommodation miniature packaging and airport luggage shrink plastic film.

MEPs also ensured that the use of very light plastic shopping bags (less than 15 microns thick) were banned, unless needed for hygiene reasons or as the main packaging of bulk food to help prevent food waste.

To reduce unnecessary packaging, the vacancy rate of assembly, shipping, and e-commerce packaging is capped at 50%; manufacturers and importers must also ensure that the weight and volume of the packaging are minimized.

The use of "permanent chemicals" is prohibited

To prevent adverse health effects, Parliament ensures that the use of so-called "permanent chemicals" (perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances, namely PFAS) in food contact packages is prohibited

Encourage consumers to reuse and recharge

The parties involved in the negotiations agreed to set a specific target (at least 10%) for the reusable packaging of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except milk, wine, aromatic wine, spirits, etc.) by 2030. Under certain conditions, Member States may grant these requirements a impairment period of five years.
The ultimate sellers of beverages and takeaway food in the restaurant industry are obligated to provide consumers with the choice of their own containers. They must also strive to deliver 10% reusable packaged products by 2030.

Moreover, at the request of the European Parliament, the Member States must encourage restaurants, canteens, bars, cafes and catering services to provide tap water in the form of reusable or refilling forms (if available, for free or for low service charges).
Recycling packaging, better waste collection and recycling

The negotiators agreed that all packaging should be recyclable and meet the stringent standards set out by the secondary legislation. Light wood, cork, textiles, rubber, ceramics, porcelain or wax will receive certain exemptions.

Other agreed measures include:

• Minimum recovery target for any plastic part of the package;
• Minimum recovery target by weight of packaging waste and improved recyclability requirements;
• By 2029,90 percent of disposable plastic and metal beverage containers (no more than 3 liters) will be collected separately (deposit refund system