Regulation (EU) 2025/40, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, has applied generally since 12 August 2026 and replaces the 1994 Packaging Directive in every member state. The biggest design changes arrive on 1 January 2030: recyclable design, minimised packaging and no more than 50% empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packs.
Updated 20 October 2026 · By the EasyPak team in Qormi, Malta
This guide is a plain summary for brands buying packaging. It is not legal advice, and parts of the regulation depend on detailed rules the European Commission is still adopting. Check the regulation itself on EUR-Lex, and take advice for your own products.
The regulation covers packaging placed on the EU market, whatever material it is made of and wherever it was made. Because it is a regulation rather than a directive, it applies directly in every member state instead of being rewritten into each national law. If you sell into the EU, it applies to your packaging. If you sell into the UK, check the UK's own packaging rules separately.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 11 February 2025 | The regulation enters into force |
| 12 August 2026 | General application date. Food-contact packaging containing PFAS above set limits can no longer be placed on the market |
| 12 February 2028 | Commission rules on how to calculate the empty space ratio are due |
| 12 August 2028, or later | Harmonised labels showing material composition, from the later of this date or 24 months after the implementing rules |
| 1 January 2030 | Packaging designed for material recycling; weight and volume minimised; empty space of 50% or less in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging; minimum recycled content in plastic packaging; certain single-use formats restricted |
| 1 January 2035 | Packaging must be recyclable at scale |
| 1 January 2038 | Packaging must reach the top recyclability grades |
Right-sizing becomes a rule, not a nice-to-have. From 2030, packaging must be cut to the minimum weight and volume needed to do its job, and grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging must keep empty space at 50% or below. A mailer twice the size of the product it carries will not pass. The good news is that right-sizing also cuts board and courier costs today.
Recyclability is graded. Packaging will be graded on how well it can be recycled, with grades set by the Commission. Mixed materials, heavy plastic films on paper packs and hard-to-separate components can pull a pack down. Our print and finishes guide explains where finishes affect this.
Labels are coming. Harmonised labels will tell consumers what the packaging is made of, to help them sort it. Leave room in your artwork for them when you next redesign.
Food packaging moves first. The PFAS restriction for food-contact packaging applies from 12 August 2026, so food and drink brands should already have confirmation from their suppliers.
Work through the full list with our free EU packaging rules checklist, which you can tick off on screen or print.
Recyclable and recycled-content board is our standard starting point, FSC-certified board is available on request, and we right-size every design. When you brief a new pack, tell us that EU rules are a requirement and we will design to them from the first sample. Start with the spec builder.
When does the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation apply?
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies generally from 12 August 2026. Many design requirements, including recyclable design and the 50% empty space limit, apply from 1 January 2030.
What is the empty space ratio rule?
From 1 January 2030, operators filling grouped, transport or e-commerce packaging must keep empty space at 50% or less. Empty space is the difference between the volume of the packaging and the volume of the product. The calculation method is due from the Commission by 12 February 2028.
Does the regulation apply to packaging made outside the EU?
Yes. It applies to packaging placed on the EU market, wherever the packaging was made.
Is this guide legal advice?
No. It is a plain summary for brands. Parts of the regulation depend on detailed rules the Commission is still adopting, so check the regulation on EUR-Lex and take advice for your own products.
This page is general information for packaging buyers, not legal advice. Checked on 20 October 2026.
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