The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) mandates that all packaging must be recyclable by 2030. There must be recycled content in plastics, strict minimum reuse targets, a 50% empty space limit for e-commerce and bans on forever chemicals in food contact materials. This is all going towards the Net Zero goal of 2030 with many countries looking to become completely sustainable.
This guide will explore the new changes that have been implemented by the EU in 2026, giving you insight into what the future of logistics looks like when it comes to green packaging. Continue reading to find out more.
Completely Recyclable Design by 2030
70% Threshold
Packages in the EU must achieve a Grade C in sustainability after 2030, which means that the packaging must be made up of at least 70% recyclable materials by weight. The regulation introduces performance grades (A, B, C, D) based on weight:
- Grade A: 95% recyclable.
- Grade B: 80% recyclable.
- Grade C: 70% recyclable.
Those that don’t meet this demand will not be eligible for sale. This means that many packaging businesses have four years to get their plans in order so that they can make all of their packages eco-friendly.
Market Prohibition
Any packaging falling below the 70% threshold (Grades D and E) will be prohibited from the market. This affects all packaging types, with stricter requirements for plastic, glass and metal packaging. Specific single-use packaging for fruits/vegetables, cafes and small condiments will also be prohibited from 2030.
Tighter Rules
The rules will tighten further from 2035, which will require packaging to be recycled at scale, meaning the infrastructure must exist to actually process these materials in the real world. It’s also planned in 2040 for 70% of transport packaging used for deliveries between companies to be reusable. This means that those receiving transport training need to be made aware of these rules beforehand, so they don’t accidentally deliver packaging that isn’t sustainable.
Mandatory Recycled Content for Plastics
There’s also going to be new rules in place in the EU that will force manufacturers to buy back recycled materials for their packaging. From 2030, plastic packaging needs to contain a minimum percentage of post-consumer recycled content. This includes:
- 30% for PET beverage bottles.
- 30% for contact-sensitive packaging (like food wrap) made from PET.
- 10% for other contact-sensitive plastics.
- 35% for all other plastic packaging.
Failing to comply with this won’t just result in you not being able to sell your products, but can also lead to fines and even the shutting down of your business.
Packaging Minimisation
Empty Space Limit
For e-commerce, transport and grouped packaging, the maximum empty space ratio is capped at 50%. This is thought to minimise packaging waste and reduce overpackaging, with filler materials like air cushions or bubble wrap considered empty space in a transport vehicle. Failure to comply may lead to fines and, in some cases, restrictions on selling products within the EU.
Functional Designs
Packaging features designed solely to increase the perceived volume of a product, such as false bottoms will be banned. Every gram of weight and millimeter of volume must be justified by safety or functionality of the packaging and product. Exceptions exist for packaging with designs or trademarks that were protected in the EU before the regulation enters into force, as well as specific geographical indications.
Unified Labeling System
Sorting Images
All packaging must carry standardised icons explaining exactly which bin it belongs in. These mandatory labels will apply across Europe and aim to simplify consumer recycling, with penalties for non-compliance in certain countries. Compostable plastic must also be marked with the EN 13432:2001 standard and clearly labeled with specific instructions that prevent people from littering it or throwing it into non-recycle bins.
Digital Product Passports
Many types of packaging will require a QR code or other digital carrier. This will provide data on the best ways to get rid of the material, helping to improve its reusability. It can help to create a digital twin of the package to help automated sorting centers identify it.
Forever Chemicals Ban
Safety is as important as sustainability, which is why as of August 2026, the EU is banning the use of PFAS in food-contact packaging above specific thresholds. Often called forever chemicals, these substances were traditionally used to make paper and cardboard grease-resistant but are now recognised as a major health and environmental risk for everyone involved in working with them.
The regulation mandates maximum limits of 25 ppb for individual PFAS, 250 ppb for the sum of targeted PFAS and 50 ppm for total organic fluorine. Manufacturers must comply by August 12, 2026, and will be required to issue a Declaration of Conformity and maintain technical documentation in order for them to stay within the boundaries.
Final Thoughts
With the first major milestones arriving as early as August 2026, the countdown to becoming greener in the European packaging industry has started. The days of oversized boxes and forever chemicals are going to be a thing of the past, as these are going to be replaced by a tech-driven approach to logistics that will make sure that all packaging used meets the minimum 70% requirements.
For manufacturers and retailers, sustainability is no longer an option, as it is a legal requirement for those within the industry to ensure that they achieve the Net Zero goals of their given country. Everyone in Europe will now need to consider using labeling systems and recycled content from today onwards to meet the demand by the time 2030 comes around. You can protect your business from future fines and position your brand at the forefront of the Net Zero revolution.