The numbers on the impact of plastic packaging in the European Union are alarming and reflect one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Around 40% of all plastic consumed in the EU is used for disposable packaging production, mainly due to its widespread use in sectors such as food, retail, and logistics.
Additionally, packaging waste accounts for approximately 50% of marine litter in the EU, polluting oceans, rivers, and coastal ecosystems. This issue is linked to poor waste management, improper disposal, and a lack of efficient recycling infrastructure. Single-use plastics, such as bottles, bags, and food packaging, are frequently found on beaches and waterways, threatening marine life and contributing to environmental degradation.
The high dependence on single-use plastic and its persistence in the environment make it essential to implement strategies for reduction, reuse, and recycling to mitigate this impact. Therefore, as of February 12, 2025, the European Union (EU) has enforced a new regulation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging and plastic waste.
Practical measures adopted
The new regulation establishes several measures to address these challenges:
- Ban on plastic packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg
This means that products such as celery, cherry tomatoes, or carrots, which were traditionally sold in small plastic packages in supermarkets, must now be available in bulk or in packaging made from more sustainable materials. - Ban on single-serving condiment portions in restaurants
Items such as individual sachets of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sugar, and other sauces will no longer be allowed in cafés, restaurants, and hotels. The idea is to replace them with more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable dispensers or biodegradable packaging. - Reduction of unnecessary packaging
Many packages contain excessive material or unnecessary empty space. The new rule encourages companies to design more compact packaging that fits the actual size of products, avoiding waste. The use of excessive layers of plastic, paper, or other materials will also be restricted, and e-commerce businesses will have to optimize how they package and ship products, reducing bulky boxes and unnecessary fillers. - Recycled content targets
By 2025, all PET plastic bottles must contain at least 25% recycled plastic, increasing to 30% by 2030. - Promotion of reusable containers
Takeaway establishments must allow customers to use their own containers at no extra cost, encouraging reuse and reducing disposable packaging.
Short, medium, and long-term goals
The regulation sets the following targets:
- Short-term (by 2030): Reduce packaging waste by 5% compared to 2018 levels and ensure that all packaging on the EU market is recyclable in an economically viable way.
- Medium-term (by 2035): Achieve a 10% reduction in packaging waste and significantly increase the use of recycled materials in new packaging production.
- Long-term (by 2040): Attain a 15% reduction in packaging waste and ensure the sector contributes to climate neutrality by 2050.
The European Commission highlighted the importance of this initiative: “This is an important step towards a more circular, sustainable, and competitive economy for the EU.”
José María Ferrer, head of regulatory affairs at AINIA, a non-profit technology center composed of companies from the food industry and related sectors, commented on the changes: “The European green agenda imposes changes, and these are always aimed at helping consumers by providing clearer information and promoting the use of more sustainable packaging.”
The implementation of these new EU rules represents a significant effort to combat plastic pollution and promote more sustainable packaging management practices. These measures are expected not only to reduce negative environmental impacts but also to encourage innovation and competitiveness in the sector, aligning with the EU’s long-term sustainability goals.
