The End of Ketchup Sachets and Mini Shampoos: EU Goes to War
A new packaging regulation takes effect today, gradually reshaping how we buy, pack, and recycle, with the first major bans arriving by 2030.
A new packaging regulation takes effect today, gradually reshaping how we buy, pack, and recycle, with the first major bans arriving by 2030.
August 12, 2026, marks the beginning of a new era in the European Union's fight against packaging waste. The first amendments to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) come into force-a comprehensive 124-page, 71-article document that will fundamentally transform consumer habits and business models in the years ahead.
The first wave of changes introduces new restrictions on PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals that are slow to degrade, in food-contact packaging. These substances are commonly used in food delivery containers, fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes to repel water and grease, and they are linked to risks such as cancer and liver damage. By limiting their use, the new rules protect both human health and the environment.
One change consumers will notice almost immediately concerns online shopping. No longer will it be possible to order a small item and receive it in a disproportionately large box. The general rule stipulates that empty space in packaging must not exceed 50 percent, with space filled with paper, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam also considered empty. Although the regulation is now in force, technical criteria for assessing packaging recyclability will only apply from 2030.
The very definition of packaging changes as of today. Coffee and tea capsules, as well as certain beverage sachets, are now officially classified as packaging. This has implications for producer responsibility, end-of-life waste management, and consumer information on proper disposal.
Food service establishments don't have to change their packaging immediately, but significant adjustments are on the horizon. From January 1, 2027, they will be required to allow customers to use their own containers, such as plastic food boxes, without additional charges. Two years later, in 2028, they must offer their own reusable containers as an alternative to single-use ones.
A major shift comes on January 1, 2030, when a ban on certain single-use plastic packaging takes effect in the hospitality sector. This includes sachets for ketchup, salt, oil, vinegar, and sugar, as well as single-use coffee capsules. The same ban will not apply to households, so consumers will still be able to purchase these products for personal use. From 2030, plastic packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables in quantities under 1.5 kilograms will also be restricted, covering plastic trays and bags in supermarkets.
One of the most tangible changes for consumers will be the introduction of deposit return systems for single-use plastic and metal beverage containers. Member states, including Croatia, must establish these systems by 2029 at the latest. The system will apply to cans, plastic bottles, and cartons up to three liters, with the goal of collecting 90 percent of beverage packaging by 2029.
While the EU regulation does not specify an exact deposit amount, Spain approved a system in 2022 with a deposit of at least 10 cents per bottle or can. This means a €2 soft drink will cost €2.10, with the deposit refunded when the packaging is returned to designated collection points. Not returning packaging incurs no penalties, but the consumer forfeits the deposit. If someone buys a thousand bottles a year and doesn't return them, the loss amounts to €100.
Supermarkets, manufacturers, and the hospitality sector are already warning that the costs of adapting to new requirements will partly be passed on to end consumers. The changes are expected to cause more difficulties for companies than for citizens, as the regulation reshapes roles and responsibilities regarding packaging waste. By 2028, a common European packaging labeling system will be introduced, including QR codes with information on reuse and return points.
According to Eurostat data, the EU generated 177.8 kilograms of packaging waste per capita in 2023. The goal is to reduce this amount by 5 percent by 2030 compared to 2018, by 10 percent by 2035, and by 15 percent by 2040. The ultimate aim is that by 2030, nearly all packaging on the EU market will be recyclable.
