In recent months there have been several news stories across Europe regarding the upcoming restrictions on single-use plastic consumer-portion packaging for consumer portions under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

In some of these stories, the date of 12 August 2026 is wrongly cited as day from which single-use plastic consumer-portion packaging will be banned. This is incorrect.

While PPWR applies generally from 12 August 2026, the specific ban on single-use plastic consumer-portion packaging applies only from 1 January 2030.

The 2030 ban means that current sachets, single-portion trays and similar containers for sauces, condiments, preserves and other complementary foods will be restricted from that date. 

CPIC believes that a disproportionate approach to this ban risks penalising consumers and hampering industrial innovation, and is actively engaging with EU policymakers on the matter.

A comprehensive independent report commissioned by CPIC and produced by environmental analysts RDC Environment and public health experts NSF, examined the economic, social, environmental and health impacts of the ban. 

Its findings are striking: current single-use plastic packaging delivers the best overall outcome for society, with switching to reusable alternatives adding costs of €806mn per year and single-use alternatives €577mn – with no consistent evidence of environmental benefit. 

The report also found that current packaging is the best option for food safety and product quality, with alternatives carrying risks of open storage, microbiological contamination, and allergen exposure.