From sugar packets to hotel shampoo: New rules change packaging

New regulations governing packaging and packaging waste have come into effect across the European Union, marking a major shift in how consumer goods are packaged and managed. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which has been implemented uniformly throughout the EU, introduces stricter rules aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. These changes include restrictions on certain harmful substances used in food-contact materials, limits on empty space within packaging, and requirements for increased reuse and recycling rates. The regulation specifically targets perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," which are non-degradable and linked to serious health risks such as kidney, testicular, liver, and gastrointestinal cancers, hormonal disruptions, and liver damage. These substances will be banned in specific concentrations in packaging that comes into contact with food, including burger boxes, fried potato bags, kebab wrappers, and bakery products. Additionally, bisphenol A (BPA) will be removed from materials that come into contact with food, with a temporary exception allowed for protective layers in canned fruits, vegetables, and fish until July 2028. Stricter limits are also being placed on heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and hexavalent chromium, with their total concentration not exceeding 100 milligrams per kilogram in packaging materials. Alongside these chemical restrictions, new minimum requirements for recycled content in plastic packaging are being introduced, alongside measures to reduce unnecessary packaging volume. For instance, the internal void space in packaging must not exceed 50 percent of the total volume, curbing the practice of packing small items in unnecessarily large containers. In e-commerce, this limit is set at 40 percent. Gordana Pehnec from the Industry Sector of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce explained that compliance with the new rules would require an "declaration of conformity" along with accompanying technical documentation to prove that prohibited substances are no longer present in packaging. Most of the other changes depend on delegated and implementing acts that the European Commission must finalize by 2029, with full implementation expected by 2030. Public information circulated claims that restaurants would no longer be able to serve single-use plastic packets for condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, oil, vinegar, and soy sauce starting August 12. Items such as micro-packaged sugar, salt, pepper, and creamer for coffee were reportedly on a blacklist, while hotels would phase out plastic bottles containing shampoo, shower gel, body lotions, and soap. However, these concerns were addressed by the Croatian Hospitality Association (HOK). Its leader, Dalibor Kratohvil, stated that single-use plastic packaging would still be tolerated until 2030. Most obligations for the hospitality sector will be implemented gradually over the coming years. From February 12, 2027, restaurants offering food and drinks for takeaway should allow customers to use their own containers. By February 12, 2028, they are expected to provide reusable packaging for food and beverages for takeaway. The ease of adaptation, however, will largely depend on producers and suppliers of packaging, who need to timely offer sufficient quantities of high-quality, functional, and cost-effective reusable or recycled packaging suitable for different types of catering establishments. Significant changes, including reuse goals and specific restrictions on certain types of packaging, such as individual sugar packets and other single-use small packages containing more than five percent plastic, lightweight shopping bags unless necessary for hygiene reasons or loose food items, nets, bags, and plastic containers for fresh fruit and vegetables, are scheduled to take effect from early 2030. The ban will also cover plastic film used to connect cans and bottles. Packaging accounts for 40 percent of total plastics and more than 60 percent of used paper in the EU. Each citizen produces an average of 190 kilograms of packaging waste annually. By 2030, the goal is to ensure that all packaging placed on the EU market can be recycled. This regulatory framework aims to significantly reduce the amount of packaging waste generated and promote a circular economy through increased reuse and recycling efforts.