Today, the European Commission published guidelines for the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation to facilitate the uniform application of the new packaging rules across the EU and to simplify compliance for economic operators and Member States. The full application of this Regulation will contribute to a more sustainable and competitive packaging industry across the EU, as well as to strengthening the internal market for packaging, thanks to common rules.
In 2023, Europeans produced an average of 178 kg of packaging waste per person. Without appropriate countermeasures, the total amount of packaging waste could increase by a further 19% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, while plastic waste could even increase by up to 46%. At the same time, the different national packaging rules in the Member States create a significant administrative burden for the packaging industry.
The guidance presented today by the Commission clarifies the rules of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation that need to be further interpreted and the areas where stakeholders have requested assistance. For example, it explains when a company is considered a producer or producer and what items are considered packaging under the Regulation.
The guidelines also set out in more detail the restrictions on single-use packaging, the enforcement of the restriction of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in packaging in contact with food and the application of reuse targets. They also provide guidance on the application of extended producer responsibility for packaging and the obligation to set up deposit and return systems.
The attached Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) address a wide range of practical issues raised by stakeholders since the adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation last year. The Commission will update the FAQ document as necessary. While the Guidelines and the FAQ document provide more clarity on the main provisions of the new packaging rules replacing, they do not complement or amend the provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Next steps
The Commission’s guidelines will be translated into all official EU languages before they are formally adopted.
The Commission will continue to monitor and promote the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of the new rules.
Several delegated and implementing acts are currently being developed, including on harmonised registration and reporting formats for extended producer responsibility, labelling for consumer waste sorting, recycled content in plastic packaging and recyclability criteria. It shall be developed in close cooperation with Member States, stakeholders and trading partners.
Background
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025. The aim is to address the pressing environmental challenges related to packaging waste, harmonise rules for companies operating in the internal market and create opportunities for companies active in the field of recycling and sustainable packaging solutions. The Regulation introduces measures such as mandatory recyclability by 2030, a minimum recycled content in plastic packaging and measures to reduce the excessive use of packaging. These measures will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and environmental costs in the packaging industry.
More information
- Guidelines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Packaging waste
- Ordinance on Packaging and Packaging Waste
- Implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
- Eurostat data on packaging waste from October 2025
- Fact page on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Citations
We provide more clarity and support to businesses, Member States and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to a more circular and competitive packaging value chain. I call on all stakeholders to follow these guidelines and work together to ensure that the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation can be implemented on schedule. This will enable us to achieve our ambitious goals and build resilience based on a competitive and sustainable footprint. – Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Resilient Water Supply and Competitive Circular Economy.
This page was translated using machine translation.
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Source
European Commission, Representation in Luxembourg, press release, 2026-03-30.
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