The goals of the EU’s new packaging rules
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which entered into force on 11 February 2025, sets new goals and a new framework to reduce packaging waste in Europe.
CPIC and its members support the overall objectives of the Regulation. Many members worked with policymakers to ensure that it achieves its goals of cutting waste while not placing excessive burdens on food manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and restaurants.
Although the Regulation has gone into effect, a range of detailed, technical and practical issues remain.
The 2030 ban
CPIC is particularly concerned by Article 25 and Annex V row 4 of the Regulation, which foresees a ban from 2030 on dine-in supplies of current consumer-portion single-use plastic packaging formats.
This means that existing sachets, dip-cups and similar containers would be banned from 2030 onwards. We believe that an unbalanced and unnuanced approach to the ban would ultimately penalise consumers and put a brake on industry innovation.
What are the issues facing CPIC members?
The clock is ticking to a 2030 Regulation deadline. But by taking a pragmatic approach that incentivises innovation, we can find a better solution for consumers, the industry, and the environment.
Uncertainty
We don’t yet know the scope of the ban in practice, including the foodstuffs and packaging formats that would be impacted. A ban could affect producers and users of condiments, preserves, sauces, coffee creamer, sugar, and seasoning, as well as potentially items such as honey, milk, and chocolate spreads in sachets, dip cups and other consumer-portion containers. The impact could be wide-ranging for packaging manufacturers/suppliers, food producers /suppliers, and food retail outlets.
Consumer impact
Today’s consumers have evolving palates and want a wide range of sauces, condiments, and other complementary foodstuffs available that are fresh, tasty and high-quality, plus clean to handle. They also expect strong food safety standards, including allergen protection. Consumer-portion packaging delivers a practical solution to this challenge, available to food outlets from the smallest cafés to large quick-service restaurant chains.
Innovation impact
A blanket ban risks cutting off innovation. Packaging suppliers are carrying out exciting work on innovative packaging solutions, but many are unlikely to be commercially available by 2030. Without a solution, there’s little incentive for these companies to invest in innovation.
Environmental impact
The potential 2030 ban also could have negative environmental consequences. With more time, we as an industry can develop a solution that removes many current consumer-portion formats from dine-in (and which also may be suitable for takeaway). By investing time in developing a better solution, there could be a more significant environmental benefit.