New rules of the European Union bring significant changes in packaging, from plastic bottles to transport materials, with the aim of reducing waste and boosting recycling
New rules European Union bring significant changes in packages, from plastic bottles up to transport materials, with the aim of waste reduction and strengthening recycling.
The new European legislation has been implemented on 12 August 2026, extending the restrictions that had already begun to become felt in the everyday life of consumers, with a more typical example of the change implemented since July 2024 when caps in plastic bottles water and soft drinks began to remain permanently connected to the bottle.
The aim was to limit the possibility of end the caps in nature and facilitate their collection and recycling along with the rest of the bottle. Now, the EU is moving forward one step further, imposing new obligations on manufacturers and distributors.
More recycled material in packages
The new rules provide for minimum percentages of recycled material which should contain different types of plastic packaging from 2030, while at the same time, until 1 January 2030, all packaging placed on the market should be recyclable or at least partially recyclable.
Changes in the packaging used for the transport of products are also important, as since 2030, at least 40% These should be reused, while the rate will gradually increase and reach 70% in 2040.
The logic behind the measure is to limit dependency on disposable products and to strengthen distribution systems based on reusable boxes, containers and other materials.
End of packaging «Growing» products
From 2030, certain packages designed to make a product of animal origin will also be prohibited. looks bigger from its actual quantity.
The aim is, among other things, to target the double wall packaging, the fake bottoms and other structures that add excess volume without substantial benefit for the product. Exceptions will exist when the specific design legal protection through industrial property rights or registered trademarks.
Because it can change the color of bottles
One of the changes that consumers may notice concerns appearance of plastic bottles, as increased use of recycled plastic can affect the color and transparency of packaging. Unlike virgin plastic, recycled material does not always allow production absolutely transparent bottles.
So gradually they can make their appearance bottles with greyizip, yellowish or white It is not the same as that which consumers have used to this day.
Changes are part of its wider effort European Union limit packaging waste, increase the reuse and strengthen the circular economy over the next few years.
