The European Union has adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, introducing harmonised rules across Member States to reduce environmental impact, strengthen the circular economy, and improve the functioning of the Single Market.
The new regulation replaces the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and establishes requirements covering the entire lifecycle of packaging, from design and production to reuse, recycling, and waste management. Its objective is to reduce packaging waste, harmonise national rules, and ensure greater sustainability across European value chains.
Harmonised rules to improve sustainability and market integration
The regulation introduces EU-wide requirements to ensure packaging is more recyclable, contains fewer harmful substances, and contributes to waste reduction targets. It also aims to harmonise national measures, reducing regulatory fragmentation and supporting the free movement of goods across the Single Market.
Key objectives include:
- reducing packaging waste across the EU through binding targets;
- improving recyclability and promoting reusable packaging solutions;
- harmonising packaging requirements across Member States;
- strengthening transparency and compliance obligations for businesses.
The regulation entered into force in February 2025 and will apply progressively from August 2026, giving businesses time to adapt to the new requirements.
Significant implications for businesses and SMEs
The new rules will affect companies across all sectors, including manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce businesses. Businesses placing packaging on the EU market will need to ensure compliance with new sustainability, labelling, and recyclability requirements.
The regulation also strengthens oversight and compliance mechanisms, requiring companies and digital marketplaces to ensure that products meet packaging and environmental standards.
While the regulation aims to support environmental sustainability, SMEs may face challenges in adapting to new compliance obligations, highlighting the importance of clear implementation guidance and proportional requirements.
JEUNE highlights the importance of balanced implementation
JEUNE supports the EU’s efforts to strengthen sustainability and promote the circular economy through harmonised packaging rules. For young entrepreneurs and SMEs, clear, predictable, and proportionate requirements will be essential to ensure compliance without creating excessive administrative burdens. Simplified procedures, digital tools, and harmonised implementation across Member States will be crucial to enabling startups and SMEs to contribute effectively to Europe’s green transition while maintaining competitiveness.
Supporting Europe’s transition to a sustainable economy
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 represents a major step toward reducing packaging waste and supporting the EU’s environmental and climate objectives. By harmonising rules and promoting sustainable packaging, the regulation aims to strengthen both environmental protection and economic integration within the European Single Market.
Official EU Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32025R0040
