The European Union has introduced new measures to make packaging safer and more sustainable. Regulation PE-CONS 73/24 aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging by promoting recycling, reuse, and limiting the use of hazardous substances.
In December 2024, the EU Energy Council approved the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), completing the legislative process initiated by the European Parliament’s favorable vote in late November 2024. With this approval, the Regulation is officially adopted and will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, entering into force in January 2025. However, full implementation will occur after an 18-month transition period, unless specific provisions dictate alternative timelines.
The PPWR was created to harmonize packaging regulations across the EU, preventing trade barriers and aiming to reduce the use of virgin materials and packaging waste while promoting reuse and recycling.
Key Measures to Reduce Waste and Promote a Circular Economy:
- Mandatory recyclability for all packaging by 2030
- Reduction in packaging weight and volume to minimize waste
- Minimum recycled content quotas, especially for plastic packaging
- Limits on heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium) in packaging, with potential revisions based on scientific progress
Additionally, the regulation defines key terms such as primary (sales), secondary (grouped), and tertiary (transport)packaging. It applies to all packaging placed on the EU market and related waste.
Focus on Hazardous Substances: PFAS and BPA Under Control
The regulation aligns with the goals of the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) and the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, ensuring safe chemical management and promoting a transition to a toxic-free circular economy. It focuses on reducing the impact of packaging on human health, the environment, and sustainability throughout the product life cycle.
Packaging must be designed to:
- Limit the presence of heavy metals and other hazardous substances
- Gradually phase out harmful chemicals, especially in consumer products
- Ensure recycled materials do not negatively impact health or the environment
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely used in various sectors, including food packaging, are persistent in the environment and potentially harmful to human health (linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity). The EU has introduced restrictions to limit PFAS in food-contact packaging, a crucial step in protecting consumers from harmful exposure.
Bisphenol A (BPA), used in food containers and cans, is also under strict surveillance. EFSA studies have shown health risks even at low exposure levels. The EU plans to ban BPA in food packaging by the end of 2024, with an 18-month transition period.
Chemicals in packaging are regulated by REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 and CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, along with restrictions from Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants.
Existing limits on lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium VI in packaging remain in force. The Commission may further lower concentration limits or set specific conditions for recycled materials.
Additional Measures in Regulation PE-CONS 73/24:
- Mandatory reuse systems for sectors like catering and e-commerce
- Producers are required to cover waste management costs and promote sustainable design
- Harmonized labeling and the use of QR codes to provide information on reuse, recycling, and disposal
Why These Measures Matter
Plastic pollution and waste accumulation are global challenges. These new rules are crucial for:
- Protecting public health by limiting toxic substances
- Promoting the circular economy and reducing raw material consumption
- Making everyday products more sustainable
Our Support for Sustainable Packaging
We help businesses with integrated solutions to ensure compliance with regulations and enhance product sustainability. Through advanced chemical analysis of materials, we detect hazardous substances like PFAS. We also conduct performance tests to assess packaging durability following international standards such as ISTA and ASTM.
Our goal is to guide companies on a path of continuous innovation and improvement, keeping them updated on regulatory changes and market demands to drive a successful transition toward more sustainable and efficient packaging.
Want to learn how to adapt your packaging to the new EU regulations?
Contact us for personalized consultation!
