UPM said the European Commission restated its serious concerns about the planned graphic paper joint venture with Sappi in early October 2026. UPM has opened discussions on potential remedies while maintaining that its arguments address the concerns, and the transaction remains subject to merger control approval. UPM's third-quarter 2026 sales were EUR 2,202m and comparable EBIT fell 8% to EUR 131m amid customer destocking.
Why this mattersRemedy talks signal that the UPM-Sappi graphic paper consolidation may clear only with concessions, which could change the capacity the joint venture brings together.
- The European Commission restated serious concerns about the UPM-Sappi graphic paper joint venture in early October 2026
- UPM has opened discussions on potential remedies while saying it believes in the strength of its arguments
- The joint venture remains subject to merger control approvals
- UPM Q3 2026 sales were EUR 2,202m against EUR 2,226m; comparable EBIT fell 8% to EUR 131m
- Q3 operating cash flow rose to EUR 420m from EUR 218m
- The plywood business is to start trading as WISA Group on Nasdaq Helsinki in November
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Swiss minerals group Omya over alleged abuse of a dominant position in the supply of calcium carbonate to paper manufacturers. The Commission suspects Omya required paper-industry customers to source all or most of their calcium carbonate from it, potentially shutting out rival suppliers in Europe. Omya did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Why this mattersA finding against Omya could lower calcium carbonate procurement costs for European paper and board makers and open the field to rival mineral suppliers.
- European Commission announced the investigation on 23 October 2026.
- The probe targets Omya, a Swiss supplier of calcium carbonate.
- The Commission alleges Omya may have required paper-industry customers to buy all or most of their calcium carbonate needs from it.
- Calcium carbonate is used in papermaking to cut production costs and improve brightness, opacity, smoothness and printability.
- The Commission says Omya's practices may have limited rival suppliers' ability to compete for customers in Europe.
Eurostat data show the EU generated 81.5 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2024, or 181.0 kg per inhabitant, up 3.2 kg on 2023 and 19.6 kg above 2014 levels. Plastic packaging waste rose to 35.9 kg per person while its recycling rate improved to 42.4%, with wide gaps between member states.
Why this mattersRising per-capita waste despite better recycling rates underlines the gap EU producers and converters must close to meet PPWR reduction and recycled-content targets.
- EU packaging waste generation reached 81.5 million tonnes in 2024, or 181.0 kg per inhabitant, up 3.2 kg year on year
- Per-capita packaging waste rose 19.6 kg between 2014 and 2024
- Paper and cardboard made up 40.8% of packaging waste, plastic 19.9%, glass 18.1%, wood 16.2% and metal 4.8%
- Plastic packaging waste generated per capita was 35.9 kg in 2024, up 0.6 kg on 2023, of which 15.3 kg was recycled
- EU plastic packaging recycling rate rose to 42.4% in 2024 from 41.6% in 2023
- Member state plastic recycling rates ranged from 71% in Latvia to 22.5% in Denmark
The European Commission launched a public consultation on 21 October 2026 on the role of bio-based plastics in packaging policy, running until 13 January 2027. Conducted under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the EU Bioeconomy Strategic Framework, it will inform a possible assessment of demand measures, targets and sustainability requirements for bio-based feedstock, which could lead to a legislative proposal.
Why this mattersA future EU framework or targets for bio-based feedstock would reshape sourcing and investment decisions across plastic packaging producers and converters.
- Consultation launched 21 October 2026, open until 13 January 2027
- Conducted under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the EU Bioeconomy Strategic Framework
- Open to manufacturers, converters, raw-material suppliers, bio-based plastics producers, recyclers, brand owners and retailers
- Aims to assess market demand measures, targets and possible sustainability requirements for bio-based feedstock
- Feedback may lead to a legislative proposal establishing a framework for bio-based feedstock in plastic packaging
- UK converter Duo Packaging says the UK Plastic Packaging Tax treats bio-based plastics the same as fossil-based plastics, disadvantaging low-carbon alternatives.
The European Commission has selected 77 industrial projects across 23 EEA countries as candidates for Innovation Fund grants worth up to EUR 3.4bn, funded from Emissions Trading System revenues. The list includes chemical recycling plants in Spain and the Netherlands, a biopolymer facility in Germany and a PHA pilot in Finland. Promoters now begin grant negotiations with CINEA, with outcomes due in the first quarter of 2027 and a new call round opening in December 2026.
Why this mattersA multi-country funding push for chemical recycling and bio-based alternatives could expand feedstock options for packaging resin producers facing recycled-content mandates.
- European Commission selected 77 projects across 23 EEA countries for up to EUR 3.4bn in Innovation Fund support.
- Greenertis Tarragona in Spain proposes the Circus project to convert mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis oil using molten-salt and electrically heated reactors.
- PTC Amsterdam in the Netherlands proposes the Plastic project, combining slow-cracking pyrolysis with in-line decontamination to produce feedstock oil.
- Traceless Materials in Germany plans an industrial plant under the Beyond project, following a first Hamburg-Harburg facility opened in May 2026 with about 3,000 tonnes annual capacity after an investment of more than EUR 20m.
- NG Nordic Finland proposes the Eagle pilot to capture about 10,000 tonnes of CO2 a year from a waste-to-energy plant for use in producing polyhydroxyalkanoates.
- Grant agreements are to be negotiated with CINEA, with outcomes expected in the first quarter of 2027, and a new Innovation Fund call round opens in December 2026.
The European Commission says it is not convinced UPM and Sappi's planned graphic paper joint venture would bring enough cost, environmental or resilience benefits to offset the risk of higher prices, less choice and lower quality, and The Capitol Forum reports it doubts behavioural remedies will suffice as the companies discuss concessions. Gunnar Eberhardt, UPM's head of graphic papers and designated chief executive of the venture, says the project is on schedule with bank financing secured and expects a decision in early November 2026. He argues pricing power is not a risk in a market that shrank from 40 million tonnes in 2008 to 13 million tonnes in 2025, with 30% overcapacity.
Why this mattersA block would leave Europe's two largest graphic paper producers to manage a market with 30% overcapacity on their own, including any mill closure decisions.
- The Commission says it is not convinced the venture offers enough savings, environmental or resilience benefits to outweigh risks of higher prices, less choice and lower quality.
- The Capitol Forum reports the Commission doubts behavioural remedies will be enough for the EUR 1.42bn (USD 1.60bn) venture while the companies discuss concessions.
- The parties presented their case at an oral hearing on 15 September 2026; UPM expects a decision in early November 2026 and the venture to be in place in early 2027.
- Gunnar Eberhardt of UPM is designated chief executive and Stephen Blyth of Sappi chief financial officer; bank financing is secured.
- European graphic paper consumption fell from 40 million tonnes in 2008 to 13 million tonnes in 2025, with 30% overcapacity and 8 million tonnes expected in 2030.
- If cleared, about 2,500 employees and 1.2 million tonnes of German graphic paper output would move into the venture.
Italy has become the first EU member state to invoke a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) provision that allows certain single-use packaging to remain on sale when made from certified compostable plastics, covering fresh produce, condiment portions and some HORECA and hotel packaging. The European Commission has raised doubts about whether Italy has demonstrated adequate composting capacity to handle the exempted packaging, and no other member state has yet followed with an equivalent measure.
Why this mattersItaly's move tests how far the PPWR's single-use plastics phase-out can be diluted through national derogations, a precedent other member states may now weigh.
- Italy is the first of the EU's 27 member states to use a PPWR provision permitting single-use packaging made from certified compostable plastics.
- The measure covers fresh produce packs, condiment portions and some HORECA and hotel packaging.
- The European Commission has questioned whether Italy can demonstrate sufficient composting capacity for the exempted packaging.
- No other EU member state has so far adopted an equivalent derogation, though all 27 are entitled to.
The European Commission has approved M&G Investment Management and Arini Capital Management taking joint control of Italian cardboard maker Reno de Medici, currently controlled by Apollo Management. The deal was cleared under the simplified merger review procedure after regulators found no overlap in the companies' markets.
Why this mattersOwnership of a listed European recycled-cardboard producer moves from a private-equity sponsor to asset managers, a shift readers tracking consolidation in fibre packaging should note.
- European Commission approved the deal on 25 September 2026 under case number M.12612.
- M&G Investment Management and Arini Capital Management, both UK-based, will take joint control of Reno de Medici.
- Reno de Medici is currently controlled by US firm Apollo Management.
- The transaction was cleared under the EU's simplified merger review procedure.
- The Commission found the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets.
- No deal value was disclosed in the Commission statement.
France and Italy, with Germany seen as a likely supporter, are reported to be preparing to ask the European Commission to examine safeguard measures on PET imports. No formal Commission investigation has yet been launched. The move follows earlier EU anti-dumping duties on Chinese PET and a separate probe into Vietnamese material that closed without measures.
Why this mattersA new safeguard probe would add to years of EU trade actions on PET resin, a core input for bottles and rigid packaging, affecting import costs and sourcing.
- France and Italy are reported to be preparing a request to the European Commission on PET safeguard measures
- Germany is seen as likely to support the initiative
- No formal Commission investigation has yet been announced
- The EU has previously imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese PET
- A separate EU anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese PET ended without measures
UPM and Sappi's proposed joint venture combining their communication paper businesses, valued at EUR 1.42bn (USD 1.62bn), faces a likely European Commission prohibition, Reuters reported citing people familiar with the matter, after the companies offered no concessions and did not persuade regulators at a closed hearing. The Commission must decide by 11 November 2026; in August 2026 it issued a statement of objections saying the deal could reduce competition and raise prices in graphic paper used for magazines and books. Both companies declined to comment to Reuters.
Why this mattersA veto would remove the planned consolidation of Europe's shrinking graphic paper capacity, leaving both producers to manage overcapacity independently.
- The proposed joint venture would combine UPM and Sappi's communication paper businesses at an enterprise value of EUR 1.42bn (USD 1.62bn).
- The European Commission must rule on the deal by 11 November 2026, according to Reuters sources.
- UPM and Sappi have not offered concessions and did not persuade regulators at a closed hearing, Reuters reported.
- Difficulty finding a buyer for potential divestment assets has complicated a remedy, per the sources.
- The Commission issued a statement of objections in August 2026, citing risk of reduced competition and higher prices in graphic paper, including for magazines and books.
- The partners signed the agreement in May 2026, expect annual synergies of about EUR 100m and UPM has said it targets completion by the end of 2026.
- European graphic paper demand fell from 40 million tonnes in 2008 to 13 million tonnes in 2025, with mills running about 30% overcapacity, and is forecast to fall further to 8 million tonnes by 2030
- If approved, about 2,500 employees and 1.2 million tonnes of German graphic paper production would move into the new joint venture
- UPM says financing for the joint venture through banks is already secured
- UPM's Gunnar Eberhardt, designated CEO of the joint venture, said the companies still expect a positive Commission decision
- Oral hearing before the Commission took place on 15 September 2026, with a decision now expected in early November 2026.
- UPM says financing for the joint venture is secured and its proposed leadership is named: Gunnar Eberhardt as CEO, Sappis Stephen Blyth as CFO.
- UPM Gunnar Eberhardt says a rejection would be a missed opportunity for the industry, employees and Europe.
- If completed, about 2500 employees and 1.2 million tonnes of German graphic paper production would move into the new company.
- EU Commission says the JV would create a market leader able to raise prices, reduce choice and lower quality for customers
- Companies held an oral hearing with the Commission on 15 September 2026, with a decision expected in early November 2026
- European graphic paper demand fell from 40 million tonnes in 2008 to 13 million tonnes in 2025, with mills at 30% overcapacity, forecast to fall to 8 million tonnes by 2030
- UPM's Gunnar Eberhardt is designated CEO of the JV, with Sappi's Stephen Blyth as CFO; bank financing is secured and integration planning has begun
- European Commission issued a Letter of Facts restating serious concerns about the proposed joint venture.
- UPM disagrees with the Commission's preliminary assessment and will propose remedies that exclude divestments.
- China, South Africa and the United States have already cleared the transaction.
- Commission's final decision is now expected by year-end 2026 or shortly after.
- UPM and Sappi received a Letter of Facts from the European Commission on or before 5 October 2026 restating serious concerns about the joint venture.
- The companies plan to submit remedy proposals but rule out divestments.
- China, South Africa and the U.S. have already approved the transaction.
- The EU's draft revised Merger Guidelines, published 30 April 2026, are cited by UPM as relevant to the assessment.
- The EU extended its Phase 2 remedy deadline by 20 days to 9 December 2026.
- UPM disclosed the Commission's renewed concerns on 5 October 2026 via a Letter of Facts.
- UPM and Sappi intend to offer remedies without divestments.
- The Dörpen mill in Germany is among the assets covered by the planned UPM-Sappi tie-up.
- UPM and Sappi have rejected a proposal put forward by the European Commission to address its competition concerns.
Aluminium producer Constellium says it may shelve planned recycling investments across its packaging, automotive and aerospace divisions unless the EU secures reliable scrap feedstock. Chief executive Ingrid Joerg told Reuters the projects could be comparable to or larger than the EUR 130m expansion completed at Neuf-Brisach, France, but will not proceed while scrap continues to be exported outside the bloc.
Why this mattersA sustained EU scrap shortage threatens the feedstock base for aluminium can and packaging recycling, raising costs and slowing decarbonisation plans across the sector.
- Constellium is evaluating several recycling projects across its packaging, automotive and aerospace divisions.
- The potential investments are comparable to or larger than a previous EUR 130m expansion at Neuf-Brisach, France.
- Chief executive Ingrid Joerg said the projects will not proceed without secure scrap supply.
- The European Commission dropped a proposed scrap export duty in favour of limits under waste shipment regulations.
- Joerg expects the EU carbon border levy to raise European aluminium premiums.
- Constellium says its US operations benefit from tariffs and higher domestic scrap retention.
The European Commission has adopted an Implementing Decision establishing a harmonised mass-balance methodology for calculating, verifying and reporting chemically recycled PET content in single-use beverage bottles under the Single-Use Plastics Directive. The rules exclude fuel-use outputs and processing losses from recycled-content claims and require annual third-party verification, initially limited to material produced within the EU and EEA, widening to OECD countries from 21 November 2027. Environmental group Zero Waste Europe has criticised the framework for legitimising chemical recycling ahead of wider PPWR policy discussions.
Why this mattersStandardised verification is expected to unlock investment in chemical recycling capacity and strengthen demand for recycled PET across Europe's beverage packaging value chain.
- The Implementing Decision covers chemically recycled PET used in single-use plastic beverage bottles under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive
- Mass-balance accounting is adopted as the methodology for allocating recycled content across multiple outputs of chemical recycling
- Plastic waste converted into fuels or lost as processing waste is excluded from recycled-content calculations
- Annual third-party verification is mandatory for the most technically complex recycling stages
- Eligibility is initially limited to EU/EEA-produced material, expanding to OECD countries from 21 November 2027
- Zero Waste Europe criticised the framework for legitimising chemical recycling ahead of wider PPWR policy discussions
The European Commission's Circular Economy Act has slipped from a planned third-quarter 2026 publication to November after the Regulatory Scrutiny Board issued a negative opinion on its impact assessment, forcing a rewrite. The Act would amend the Waste Framework, Landfill and WEEE Directives and sets a target to roughly double the EU circular material use rate to about 24% by 2030. Adoption, previously expected in the third quarter of 2027, is now at risk of a compressed timeline against the unchanged 2030 target.
Why this mattersA shorter drafting-to-transposition window compresses the time packaging and electronics producers have to align design, collection and EPR systems before the 2030 target.
- Publication of the Circular Economy Act slips from Q3 2026 to November 2026
- The EU Regulatory Scrutiny Board returned a negative opinion on the proposal's impact assessment
- The Act targets roughly doubling the EU circular material use rate to around 24% by 2030
- The Act covers three pillars: Waste Framework and Landfill Directive amendments, WEEE directive amendments, and horizontal single-market measures for secondary materials
- Adoption had been foreseen for Q3 2027, based on publication a year earlier
- The Act aims to address fragmentation across 27 national extended producer responsibility schemes with differing fee structures and recyclability definitions
The European Commission has published its preliminary assessment of 32 non-OECD countries seeking approval to keep receiving EU non-hazardous waste once new export rules apply from May 2027, with a separate ban on plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries starting 21 November 2026. Recycling Europe has criticised the Commission's approach to ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste, warning that restricting access to buyers such as India could leave recyclers with surplus material that European manufacturers are not ready to absorb.
Why this mattersTighter export rules could depress recovered-material prices and undermine the investment case for new EU recycling capacity unless domestic demand for secondary raw materials grows.
- Thirty-two non-OECD countries, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan and Thailand, have applied to keep receiving EU non-hazardous waste.
- EU plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries are prohibited from 21 November 2026.
- Wider restrictions on non-hazardous waste exports to non-OECD countries apply from May 2027, with shipments allowed only to approved destinations and streams.
- Recycling Europe has criticised the Commission's preliminary approach to ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste, arguing restrictions should reflect individual streams and receiving facilities.
- Recycling Europe estimates about four-fifths of the recycled metals its industry produces are already sold within Europe.
- India, a substantial buyer of European metal scrap, has applied to remain eligible; some shipments could be blocked from May 2027.
European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis visited Sciacca, Sicily, on 18 September 2026 to inspect BlueFishers, a Marevivo-run pilot supplying reusable crates to fishers in place of single-use expanded polystyrene boxes. Kadis said the Commission is assessing whether such local trials could inform an EU-wide packaging framework for the fisheries sector, which currently lacks a harmonised mandate beyond regional Italian rules such as Veneto's 2030 phase-out.
Why this mattersSignals possible EU regulatory movement against single-use EPS in fisheries packaging, a segment currently outside PPWR consumer-plastics mandates.
- Commissioner Costas Kadis visited the port of Sciacca, Sicily, on 18 September 2026 to review the BlueFishers reusable-crate scheme
- The pilot, run by foundation Marevivo, has distributed 1,000 reusable crates to 16 fishers on 10 vessels in Sciacca, funded by the Sicily Environment Fund and Verdura Resort
- Marevivo estimates the 1,000 crates will displace 20,800 single-use expanded polystyrene boxes once fully deployed
- Nationally, Marevivo's project, launched in Viareggio in 2023, has supplied over 4,200 reusable crates to about 130 fishers and 100 vessels, displacing more than 60,000 disposable EPS boxes
- Italy's Veneto region has legislated a phased ban on single-use polystyrene fish boxes targeting full phase-out by 2030, with Campania drafting similar rules
- Kadis said the Commission is assessing how such local packaging trials could inform a broader EU regulatory framework for fisheries packaging
EU regulators are preparing to block the EUR 1.42bn (USD 1.63bn) joint venture between UPM and Sappi after the companies declined to offer concessions on competition concerns, and did not convince officials of the deal's merits at a closed-door hearing in the week to 18 September 2026, according to people familiar with the matter. The venture would combine UPM's European and US communication paper business with Sappi's European communication paper and speciality paper operations, creating the largest supplier in Europe. A final Commission decision is due by 11 November 2026.
Why this mattersA prohibition would keep European printing paper fragmented and mark a rare EU block of forestry-sector consolidation, hardening scrutiny of further tie-ups.
- EU regulators are preparing to veto the EUR 1.42bn (USD 1.63bn) joint venture after the companies declined to offer remedies, according to people familiar with the matter.
- Closed-door hearings in the week to 18 September 2026 did not persuade regulators of the merits of the deal.
- An asset-sale remedy is not being pursued because of difficulties in finding a buyer.
- The Commission sent a statement of objections in August 2026, saying the deal could reduce competition in communication paper used for magazines and books.
- The venture would combine UPM's European and US communication paper business with Sappi's European communication paper and speciality paper operations, creating Europe's largest supplier.
- The Commission must decide by 11 November 2026.
- Difficulty finding a buyer for potential divestment assets has complicated a remedy, the Commission said.
- UPM and Sappi have not offered concessions to address the Commission's concerns, per Reuters.
- As of 23 September 2026 the European Commission had not yet ruled on the Sappi-UPM joint venture.
The European Commission has warned it may suspend exports of plastic waste to Turkey unless Ankara addresses pollution problems identified in a Commission assessment dated 1 September 2026. Turkey received 510,000 tonnes of EU plastic waste last year, 36% of all EU plastic waste exports and 70% of exports to OECD countries, with only around 10% recycled domestically. The Commission has for now opted to engage with Turkish authorities rather than trigger a suspension procedure under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation.
Why this mattersTurkey is the EU's largest plastic waste outlet; a suspension would strand volumes just as a ban on non-OECD exports takes effect on 21 November 2026, tightening the region's recycling capacity.
- Commission assessment dated 1 September 2026 found evidence Turkey's plastic waste treatment could breach EU rules
- Turkey imported 510,000 tonnes of EU plastic waste in 2025, 36% of all EU plastic waste exports and 70% of exports to OECD countries
- Only around 10% of plastic waste is recycled in Turkey, with the rest landfilled, mismanaged or leaked into the environment
- EU export ban to non-OECD countries takes effect from 21 November 2026, which could redirect more waste to Turkey
- The Commission has opted to engage with Turkish authorities for now rather than suspend exports immediately
- A list of non-OECD countries seeking exemptions from the export ban is due to be published in the coming days, with the Commission required to adopt it by November 2026
Emirates Global Aluminium said it is disappointed by the European Union's decision to withdraw a proposed 15% export duty on aluminium scrap, warning the reversal could affect its decision-making on a planned six-fold expansion of its German recycling unit. The company's chief financial officer called the U-turn a net negative for domestic scrap supply. No final decision on the German project's scale has yet been confirmed.
Why this mattersWithdrawal of the 15% scrap export duty changes the supply and cost assumptions underpinning recycled aluminium capacity that feeds can sheet and rigid packaging.
- The EU withdrew a proposed 15% export duty on aluminium scrap in early September 2026.
- Emirates Global Aluminium's CFO called the withdrawal a 'net negative' for the company.
- EGA plans a six-fold expansion of its recycling unit in Germany.
- The company says the policy reversal could affect its investment decision-making on the German expansion.
The European Commission is preparing a delegated act to further restrict exports of recycled materials to non-OECD countries, according to a statement from Commissioner Stephane Sejourne's cabinet reported by the Bureau of International Recycling. The move follows the Commission's decision to drop a planned aluminium-scrap-specific export restriction, and a public consultation is expected before adoption envisaged by end-2026. The scope of waste streams, destinations and any exceptions is not yet defined.
Why this mattersTighter export limits on recycled feedstock would affect availability and pricing of recycled content for packaging producers required to meet EU recycled-content mandates.
- A delegated act under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation would further restrict exports of recycled materials to non-OECD countries.
- The Commission dropped a planned aluminium-scrap-specific export restriction earlier in the week of 14 September 2026.
- A public consultation is expected ahead of adoption, envisaged by the end of 2026.
- The revised Waste Shipment Regulation, in force since May 2024, already bars non-hazardous waste exports to non-OECD countries from 21 May 2027 unless the destination is authorised.
- The first list of authorised non-OECD destination countries is due by 21 November 2026.
- Details of targeted waste streams, destinations, exceptions and application date are not yet public, per BIR.
The European Commission said on 21 August 2026 that PPWR compliance is triggered by the date packaging is placed on the EU market rather than its date of manufacture, so stock transferred to an independent retailer or distributor before 12 August 2026 is generally exempt, while stock still at a manufacturer's premises or with a logistics provider is not automatically covered. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation became applicable across the bloc on 12 August 2026, replacing national rules and banning PFAS above set thresholds in food-contact packaging such as takeaway containers, bakery paper and pizza boxes. Labelling requirements for stock already made can be met through an accompanying document, so existing stock generally need not be destroyed or relabelled.
Why this mattersPPWR's entry into force and the Commission's stock-transition guidance together set the near-term compliance costs and reformulation timetable across the EU packaging supply chain.
- On 21 August 2026 the Commission clarified that the compliance date is when packaging is placed on the EU market, not when it is manufactured.
- Packaging transferred to an independent retailer or distributor before 12 August 2026 is generally treated as already placed on the market and is exempt.
- Stock held at a manufacturer's own premises or with a logistics provider is not automatically deemed placed on the market and must comply once placed.
- PPWR became applicable across the EU on 12 August 2026, banning PFAS above set thresholds in food-contact packaging.
- Labelling requirements for such stock may be met by an accompanying document; the Commission statement is interpretative and not a binding ruling.
- An EU-wide waste-sorting label applies from 2028 and, from 2030, empty-space limits, single-use plastic restrictions, reuse targets and recycled-content thresholds for plastic packaging.
The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation began applying on 12 August 2026, setting a timetable of bans and reuse obligations through 2030. Hotels will lose the right to supply single-use mini toiletries and individually wrapped soap, and restaurants face curbs on single-use condiment sachets, from 1 January 2030. Takeaway outlets must accept customers' own containers from February 2027 and offer reusable packaging from February 2028, while online sellers must cut oversized delivery boxes.
Why this mattersRestrictions from 2030 on hotel mini toiletries, condiment sachets and small fresh-produce packs move hospitality and food-service demand towards dispensers, refill systems and reusable formats.
- Regulation began applying across the EU on 12 August 2026
- From 1 January 2030, hotels may no longer supply single-use shampoo, shower gel, lotion bottles or individually wrapped soap per guest stay
- From 2030, single-use plastic sachets and containers for condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, coffee creamer and spices are restricted for on-site dining, with exceptions for takeaway and hygiene-sensitive settings
- From 12 February 2027, takeaway drink and food outlets must accept customers' own containers on equal terms
- From February 2028, takeaway outlets must also offer reusable packaging
- From 2030, single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables up to 1.5 kg is restricted, and online sellers must reduce oversized, mostly empty delivery boxes
