EU's new packaging rules spark praise and criticism from industry leaders

The European Commission has released new guidance on packaging waste and PFAS regulations, drawing mixed reactions from industry groups. While some praise the clarity it brings, others highlight remaining gaps and uncertainties for businesses. The Rethink Plastic Alliance welcomed the document as a major step toward consistent interpretation of the rules. It commended the Commission for maintaining strict PFAS stock limits and outlining a clear testing process. The group also backed the 2029 deadline for Member States to introduce deposit return schemes for plastic bottles and metal cans.

However, the Alliance warned against limiting local authorities from setting stricter waste reduction targets than the EU minimum. Meanwhile, Europen criticised the guidance for failing to deliver the legal certainty businesses need. The trade body argued that operational details remain unclear, leaving companies unsure of compliance steps. Several packaging firms saw the update as a positive shift. Metsä Board called it 'long-awaited clarity' and praised the 5% exemption for plastic-coated paper packaging as a win for fibre-based solutions. UPM Specialty Materials described it as a 'long-waited milestone' for the industry. The World Packaging Organization urged professionals to study the document, calling it 'valuable material' and a 'must-read'. Yet concerns persist. Neirin Jones of GreenForest Solutions viewed the guidance as a fundamental redesign of market access rules. Martin Foe from Brunswick Marine pointed to critical omissions, including the lack of a PFAS detection method for food packaging and vague conformity assessment procedures.

The guidance provides a framework for packaging rules but leaves some issues unresolved. Businesses now face a mix of new clarity and lingering questions as they adapt to the updated regulations. The 2029 deadline for deposit schemes remains a key focus for Member States moving forward.