EU Packaging Regulation: What Will Change for Food Packaging Starting in 2026

The European Union’s so-called “PPWR” (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) replaces the previous EU Packaging Directive from 1994. Many of the regulation’s requirements will take effect only after transition periods and will become effective by 2040 at the latest. National supplementary laws govern enforcement, responsibilities, and fines in EU countries. In Germany, this is ensured by the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG), which entered into force on August 12, 2026. “Consumers will gradually notice the changes in their everyday lives—particularly in the areas of packaging materials, waste separation, and when shopping at the supermarket,” says Dr. Andreas Daxenberger, a food expert at TÜV SÜD, assessing the impact on consumers.

Packaging Materials: Stricter Limits for “Forever Chemicals”

The new limits for so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS) are particularly relevant to food safety. If packaging comes into contact with food, it may now contain these persistent industrial chemicals only in very strictly limited quantities. Stricter restrictions also apply to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. The new regulations are intended to help ensure that as few undesirable substances as possible migrate from the packaging into the environment or into food. As a result, for example, hamburger boxes, snack packaging, frozen food trays, and bakery cartons may no longer be treated with the grease- and water-repellent coatings that were previously common. “In the interest of food safety, consumers benefit from the stricter limits on substances of concern,” said Dr. Daxenberger.

Greater Consumer Protection: No More Unnecessary Empty Space

Starting in February 2028, retail packaging must limit its empty space to the bare minimum. This means that, in the future, packaging designed solely to make a product appear larger will be prohibited. However, since not all empty space in packaging constitutes deception, a certain amount of empty space remains permitted to protect the product or to maintain protective gases that preserve freshness; double bottoms, unnecessary layers, or double walls, however, will be prohibited starting in January 2030.

Accelerated Resource Conservation: Better Conditions for the Circular Economy

A key objective of the regulation is to reduce the overall volume of packaging and keep recyclable materials in the cycle for as long as possible. To this end, specific quotas have been set for each EU country. At the same time, regulations regarding minimum percentages of recyclable materials apply to packaging. Starting in August 2028, consumers will be able to better understand the material composition of packaging: Packaging must then bear clearly legible information on material composition, in some cases supplemented by digital information via a QR code.

“Recently, coffee capsules, coffee pods, and tea bags have also been classified as packaging. This means that manufacturers must comply with all sustainability requirements and obligations just as they do for other packaging formats,” says Dr. Daxenberger, describing further changes. However, since they are considered compostable, they must also comply with composting standards starting next February. This also includes stickers on fruits and vegetables. For coffee capsules, there are special rules that prioritize recyclability. In addition, certain single-use plastic packaging will be banned, such as for fresh fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kilograms, as well as for food and beverages consumed on-site in the hospitality industry.

Simpler Waste Separation

Proper waste separation increases the recycling rate and keeps recyclable materials in the value chain longer. To ensure that waste separation is successful throughout the EU in the future, there will be standardized symbols on waste bins—whether in Germany, Italy, or Spain. “This puts an end to the guesswork on vacation about what goes in which bin—at least within the EU,” says Dr. Daxenberger.

At the supermarket: Bulk buy stations and deposit-return systems

There will also be significant changes across the EU regarding beverage packaging. Starting in 2029, member states must offer deposit and return systems for single-use plastic beverage bottles as well as for metal beverage cans and containers with a capacity of up to three liters.

There will also be noticeable changes in German supermarkets: Starting in 2030, retail outlets larger than 400 square meters must dedicate at least 10 percent of their floor space to refill stations—for food, liquids, or non-food products—where customers can refill their own containers to prevent unnecessary waste. “The concept of zero-waste stores has so far been a niche topic in the German retail sector. This requirement will force large retailers to rethink their approach to some extent,” Daxenberger notes.

A Challenge for Manufacturers and Retailers

The requirements of the PPWR and the Packaging Law Implementation Act present major challenges for the packaging industry and retailers regarding documentation obligations and legally compliant implementation. In addition, the packaging industry is called upon to develop innovative products with the necessary properties while complying with the PPWR. “In common food standards such as BRCGS, IFS, or FSSC 22000, auditors will, in accordance with the new legal requirements, pay particular attention to the company’s fundamental awareness of the new requirements and, specifically, to the conformity of packaging with regard to food safety. In particular, contaminant limits and the implementation plan will play a key role effective immediately,” says Dr. Daxenberger, offering insights into audit practice.

For companies, TÜV SÜD offers not only food certifications but also specialized services related to PPWR compliance—ranging from readiness assessments and packaging inspections to compliance planning.