With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation now in effect, here is a streamlined list of its key deadlines through 2040.

By 31st December 2025:

• Limit lightweight plastic carrier bags to 40 per person annually, with some exceptions.
• Achieve a 65% recycling rate for all packaging waste, with specific targets for different materials.

By 12th February 2027:

• The HORECA sector must allow customers to use their own containers for take-away food and drinks.

By 1st January 2028:

• Labels with separation instructions must be affixed to plastic waste collection receptacles.
• Member States must submit reports on reusable packaging, plastic bag consumption, and recycling rates.

By 12th February 2028:

• HORECA must offer reusable packaging for food and beverages.

By 1st January 2029:

• Deposit return systems must be established for plastic and metal beverage containers (up to three liters), with some exemptions.

By 1st January 2030:

• All packaging must be designed for recycling, meeting minimum recycled content requirements.
• The HORECA sector and beverage sales must meet reusable packaging targets.
• Transport and grouped packaging must meet reuse quotas.
• Retailers over 400m² must allocate space for refill systems.
• Member States must reduce packaging waste per capita by 5% compared to 2018.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) contributions will be adjusted based on recycled content.

By 31st December 2030:

• Recycling targets increase to 70% for all packaging waste, with specific material-based targets.

By 1st January 2035:

• All packaging must be recyclable at scale.
• Member States must reduce per capita packaging waste by 10% from 2018 levels.

By 1st January 2040:

• Higher minimum recycled content and reusable packaging targets.
• Member States must cut per capita packaging waste by 15% from 2018 levels.

Additional Considerations:

• Member States may defer recycling targets by up to five years under specific conditions.
• Some medical and safety-related packaging is exempt from recycled content rules.
• Compostable packaging is excluded from minimum recycled content requirements.