Publication of the New Packaging Regulation (EU) 2025/40

On 22 January, Regulation (EU) 2025/40, which will officially enter into force on 11 February 2025, was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Its application, however, is scheduled for August 2026, after a transitional period of 18 months.

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 introduces multiple innovations that will impact the lives of citizens and the business activities of companies. Firstly, there will be a reduction in unnecessary packaging and restrictions on single-use packaging, in particular for certain products such as pre-packaged fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, and for single-serving packs. Another aspect concerns the promotion of recycling and refilling of packaging and containers, for products such as food or detergents. The aim is to prevent and reduce waste production, especially in households.

The regulation also imposes new requirements on the labelling of products to help and facilitate consumers' separate collection. Thus, clearer and more comprehensible indications on the correct disposal methods will be placed on the various product packages, which will also have a positive effect on the recycling rate of the materials used for packaging.

Finally, the use of harmful chemicals in packaging, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), is to be reduced. The aim is to preserve the health of consumers.Ambitious targets set for 2030 and 2040 include reducing the weight and volume and increasing the recycled content of packaging, for which specific percentages are specified according to the type of material used. For example, for plastic bottles, the target is a recycled content of up to 65% by 2030.These initiatives will not only help to decrease waste production, but will also improve the quality of life of citizens by encouraging more responsible and safer consumption practices. Companies, for their part, will be called upon to innovate, adopting more sustainable solutions that meet the new requirements.