To reduce packaging waste, enhance sustainability and to mitigate the environmental impact of packaging, the European Commission proposed a new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in 2022. The Regulation entered into force on 11 February 2025, replacing the Packaging Directive (Directive 94/62/EC). In 2021, the average European generated 189 kg of packaging waste. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment oversees the implementation of the Regulation. The packaging industry is one of the main users of raw materials in the EU, accounting for 40% of plastic and 50% of paper use.
