EU's new packaging rules spark praise and criticism from industry leaders
The European Commission's new guidance on packaging regulations has drawn widespread reaction from industry leaders and environmental groups. While many welcome the long-awaited clarity, concerns remain over gaps in testing methods and compliance procedures. The Rethink Plastic Alliance praised the document as a major step toward consistent enforcement across EU member states. They particularly supported the requirement to exhaust existing PFAS stocks and the clear testing methodology for PFAS content. However, the Alliance warned against limiting national authorities from setting stricter waste reduction targets than the EU minimum.
UPM Specialty Materials called the guidance a 'long-awaited milestone' for the packaging sector. Metsä Board echoed this, describing it as essential clarity for the market, especially the 5% exemption for fibre-based packaging. The World Packaging Organization labelled the document 'valuable material' and urged professionals to study it closely.
Yet not all feedback was positive. Martin Foe, product compliance manager at Brunswick Marine, pointed out missing details, such as a standardised way to detect PFAS in food-contact packaging. He also raised concerns about unclear conformity assessment rules. Neirin Jones, a shareholder at GreenForest Solutions, saw the guidance as a fundamental shift in how products will be sold in Europe.
The Alliance also criticised the interpretation that paper-based packaging with under 5% plastic could bypass the ban on single-use items for indoor dining. While they backed the 2029 deadline for deposit return schemes, they noted that no binding national deadlines have yet been set for implementation. The guidance provides much-needed direction but leaves some questions unanswered. Industry players must now adapt to the new rules, while regulators face pressure to address the remaining gaps. The coming years will determine how effectively the measures reduce waste and improve compliance across Europe.
