New packaging rules. Photo: Shutterstock A major new set of European Union packaging rules is now beginning to apply across the bloc, bringing new requirements for businesses and tighter restrictions on potentially harmful substances in food packaging.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) began its application on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, creating a harmonized framework covering packaging and packaging waste across the EU Single Market.
One of the first major measures taking effect is a restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging.
Under the new rules, food packaging containing PFAS above specified limits can no longer be placed on the EU market.
PFAS are a group of highly persistent chemicals that have been used in various products because they can repel water and grease.
They have been used in food packaging including takeaway containers, fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, bakery paper and pizza boxes .
The EU says restricting PFAS in food-contact packaging will reduce consumer exposure to the substances while also limiting their release into the environment.
EU Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall described the regulation as an investment in Europe's future, saying it would help reduce waste, improve recycling and make food-contact packaging safer.
The PPWR goes beyond PFAS restrictions and will introduce additional changes over the coming years.
From 2028, a harmonized packaging labeling system will be introduced across the EU. The system is designed to make it easier for consumers to identify how different types of packaging should be sorted for recycling or composting.
More significant waste reduction measures will follow in 2030.
These include restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging, limits on unnecessary empty space in packaging and targets designed to increase the reuse of packaging.
The regulation will also require packaging to be recyclable and introduce requirements for the use of recycled plastic waste in new plastic packaging.
The regulation is intended to replace differing national packaging requirements with a single set of EU-wide rules.
The European Commission says this should provide greater legal certainty for companies operating across borders while reducing compliance costs and encouraging investment in recyclable and reusable packaging.
Businesses will nevertheless need to adapt their packaging and supply chains as the different PPWR requirements are introduced over time.
The regulation entered into force in February 2025, but its provisions are being introduced progressively from August 2026.
The European Commission has also published guidance to help businesses, national authorities and other stakeholders understand the new requirements, including the PFAS restrictions.
The wider objective is to reduce packaging waste, improve recycling and move the EU towards a more circular economy while reducing dependence on virgin raw materials.