New EU Packaging And Waste Regulation Come Into Force To Promote Sustainability

On January 22, 2025, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste was released in an effort to harmonise the legislative environment and promote the circular economy. Adopted on December 19, 2024, it repeals Directive 94/62/EC and modifies Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904.

The goal of the rule is to avoid superfluous packaging, boost reuse and recycling rates, and decrease packaging waste. The EU market will only accept packaging that satisfies sustainability, labelling, and lifecycle compliance standards. It covers all garbage and packaging materials.

To prevent waste, the regulation mandates reducing unnecessary packaging, promoting reuse and refill options, and improving waste collection. It aligns with the EU’s climate neutrality goals for 2050.

Each Member State must establish a national registry to monitor compliance, and economic operators must register in each country where they introduce packaging or packaged products.

The regulation took effect in February 2025 and will apply from 12 August 2026.