Packaging to be banned from 2030 – which materials will the EU’s PPWR ban?

The 2030 packaging ban is one of the most important issues for businesses preparing for the PPWR. From 1 January 2030, businesses will no longer be permitted to place on the market certain types of packaging specified in Annex V to the PPWR Regulation. This mainly concerns specific single-use plastic packaging: cling film used to bundle products in shops, plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, single-use packaging for on-premises consumption in the HoReCa sector, sachets containing single portions of condiments, miniature hotel packaging, and very lightweight plastic bags under 15 microns. Article 25 of the PPWR stipulates that, from 1 January 2030, economic operators will not be permitted to place on the market packaging in the formats and for the uses listed in Annex V.

The key takeaway for businesses is simple: the PPWR does not ban all plastic or all single-use packaging. It bans specific types of packaging which the European Union considers unnecessary, excessive or replaceable with reusable, refillable or simpler packaging solutions.

PPWR and the packaging ban – what’s it really all about?

The PPWR, or Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, is EU Regulation 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste. The regulation covers the entire life cycle of packaging: design, composition, labelling, reuse, recycling, collection and waste treatment. The regulation applies to all packaging, regardless of material, and to all packaging waste.

However, in the context of the bans, Article 25 and Annex V are key. It is there that the specific packaging formats are listed which, from 2030, will no longer be permitted to be placed on the market. In practice, this mainly concerns single-use plastic packaging in retail, the catering industry, the hotel sector and the sale of fresh produce.

The PPWR, from 2030, does not eliminate packaging as such. It eliminates specific formats where packaging is deemed unnecessary, excessive or easily replaceable.

For businesses, this means they need to review not only the material used in packaging, but also its function. The fact that the packaging is made of plastic is not sufficient to assess the risk. It is necessary to check whether it falls into one of the prohibited categories.

When will the packaging bans come into force?

The PPWR came into force following its publication in the Official Journal of the EU, and its general date of application is 12 August 2026. The ban on the specific packaging formats listed in Annex V will take effect from 1 January 2030.

This means that companies have a preparation period, but they should not put off taking action. Changing packaging requires testing, liaising with suppliers, updating labels, modifying packaging processes and, in some cases, overhauling the entire sales model.

Example: a hotel should not wait until the end of 2029 to decide what to replace the miniature shampoo bottles with. It needs to test the dispensers, the refill system, hygiene procedures, communication with guests and staff responsibilities beforehand.

List of packaging items banned from 2030.

Annex V of the PPWR sets out six main categories of packaging subject to restrictions. A practical interpretation of each of these is provided below.

1. Single-use plastic packaging used to bundle products

The first category covers single-use plastic packaging used at the point of sale to bundle products sold in bottles, cans, tubes, cups, packs and similar formats. This refers to packaging designed as a convenience feature that encourages consumers to buy more than one item. The PPWR cites collation film and heat-shrink film as examples.

Examples of risky solutions:

– heat-shrink film holding several bottles together,
– a plastic film used to bundle tins,
– plastic bands forming a promotional multipack,
– a multipack designed primarily to boost sales of several items.

The ban does not apply to packaging required for logistical purposes. If packaging is necessary for safe transport, storage or handling, its function must be assessed and clearly distinguished in the documentation from packaging intended purely for sale.

Alternatives

Companies may wish to consider cardboard bands, bulk boxes, film-free display systems, reusable transport packaging, or selling individual items without grouping them together. Any alternative should be assessed in terms of recyclability, weight and logistical functionality, rather than simply on the basis of being „plastic-free”.

2. Plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg

The second category concerns single-use plastic packaging for fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables sold in portions of less than 1.5 kg. Annex V gives examples such as nets, bags, trays and containers.

This is one of the most significant changes for the retail sector, wholesalers, food manufacturers, packers and importers of fresh produce. It applies in particular to situations where fruit or vegetables are packed into small plastic trays, bags, nets or containers solely to create a convenient retail portion.

Important exceptions

The PPWR allows for exceptions where there is a demonstrated need to prevent water loss, loss of firmness, microbiological hazards, physical damage or oxidation, or where it is necessary to separate organic products from non-organic products in accordance with the regulations on organic farming. The Commission is to publish guidelines containing further examples and exceptions by 12 February 2027.

Plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables will not disappear entirely, but from 2030 onwards, its use will require a genuine functional justification, rather than simply being for the convenience of sales.

Alternatives

The safest approaches are bulk sales, paper bands, direct labelling, cardboard packaging without unnecessary liners, reusable transport crate systems, and product display without additional individual plastic wrap. However, care must be taken with sensitive products, as packaging can help prevent food wastage.

3. Single-use plastic packaging for food and drinks consumed on the premises in the HoReCa sector

The third category concerns single-use plastic packaging for food and drinks dispensed and consumed on the premises in the HoReCa sector. The PPWR covers indoor and outdoor consumption areas, including spaces with tables, standing areas and communal consumption zones. Annex V gives trays, disposable plates and cups, bags and boxes as examples.

This change applies to restaurants, bars, cafés, canteens, food courts, hotels, events and catering outlets that serve meals for consumption on the premises.

An exception has been made for HoReCa premises that do not have access to drinking water.

Alternatives

The most natural alternatives are reusable tableware, washing systems, deposit-based cups and containers, returnable tableware at events, and refill schemes. In the catering industry, however, it is not enough simply to buy a „more eco-friendly” disposable alternative. You need to consider hygiene, return logistics, washing costs, storage space and staff responsibility.

4. Single-use sachets and portion-sized side dishes in the HoReCa sector

The fourth category covers single-use plastic packaging in the HoReCa sector containing individual portions or single-serving side dishes. The PPWR lists, amongst other things, spices, preserves, sauces, coffee cream, sugar and seasonings; it cites sachets, cups, trays and boxes as examples.

Examples of packaging at risk:

– a sachet of ketchup,
– a portion of mayonnaise in a plastic pot,
– sugar in a single-serving plastic sachet,
– coffee cream in a small plastic cup,
– sauce in a disposable container, served on the spot.

Exceptions

The ban does not apply where such packaging is supplied together with ready-to-eat takeaway food intended for immediate consumption without further preparation. The exemption also applies to situations where packaging is required for health and safety reasons in settings requiring individual care, such as hospitals, clinics or care homes.

Alternatives

Establishments can introduce sauce dispensers, sugar dispensers, reusable containers for condiments, portioning by staff, or refill systems. It is worth establishing hygiene procedures, as when it comes to food accompaniments, the alternative must not only be environmentally friendly but also safe for the consumer.

5. Miniature hotel toiletries

The fifth category concerns single-use packaging for cosmetics, hygiene and toiletries in the accommodation sector, provided that it is intended for individual bookings and is to be disposed of before the arrival of the next guest. The PPWR cites shampoo bottles, hand and body lotion bottles, and soap sachets as examples.

This directly affects hotels, apartments, guesthouses, spa facilities, conference venues and other accommodation providers. The miniature bottles and single-use sachets that have been standard in hotels for years will need to be replaced.

Miniature hotel toiletries are not a problem simply because they contain toiletries. The problem is that they are single-use items intended for a single stay and are thrown away before the next guest arrives.

Alternatives

The most practical alternatives are wall-mounted dispensers, refillable containers, refill systems, products available on request, and larger packs handled by staff. The hotel should assess shelf life, hygiene, aesthetics, consumption control, tamper-proofing and communication with the guest.

6. Very lightweight plastic bags under 15 microns

The sixth category concerns very lightweight plastic carrier bags, i.e. bags with a thickness of less than 15 microns. The PPWR provides for an exception for bags required for hygiene reasons or used as sales packaging for loose food, where this helps to prevent food waste.

Examples of risky solutions:

– very thin disposable products used without any genuine hygienic need,
– bags for products that can be sold without additional packaging,
– automatic dispensing of thin bags for products that do not require protection.

Alternatives

Possible solutions include selling goods without bags, using reusable bags, returnable packaging, paper bags where they serve a practical purpose, and restricting the availability of single-use bags to cases where they are necessary for hygiene reasons or to prevent food waste.

Will the PPWR ban all plastic packaging?

No. This is one of the most common misinterpretations. The PPWR does not introduce a general ban on plastic from 2030. It introduces bans on specific packaging formats and uses, whilst at the same time setting out requirements regarding recyclability, minimisation, recycled content, labelling and documentation.

Plastic packaging may still be permitted if it meets the requirements of the PPWR, does not fall within a prohibited category, and serves a legitimate protective, logistical or hygienic purpose.

That is why a company should not operate according to the simplistic „plastic is bad, paper is good” model. Sometimes, poorly designed paper packaging featuring a coating, varnish, laminate or a plastic window can be more difficult to recycle than simpler plastic packaging designed in accordance with the principles of ‘design for recycling’.

Why can a substitute also be risky?

The biggest mistake companies could make would be to hastily replace single-use plastic with another single-use material without carrying out an analysis. The PPWR requires packaging to be minimised whilst taking its function into account. Annex IV to the PPWR sets out the criteria for assessing packaging minimisation, including product protection, logistics, functionality, information requirements, hygiene, safety, legal requirements, recyclability and reusability.

Example: a hotel could replace miniature plastic bottles with small disposable sachets made from a different material. Such a change may still pose a risk if the packaging remains disposable, allocated to a single booking and discarded before the next guest arrives.

Second example: a shop could replace a plastic fruit tray with a coated one. If the coating makes recycling more difficult or increases the weight of the packaging, the change does not necessarily solve the environmental problem.

A safe alternative is not one that merely appears to be environmentally friendly. A safe alternative is one that fulfils the product’s function, reduces waste and can be documented.

Who will be most affected by the ban on certain types of packaging from 2030?

The greatest risk applies to companies that use large volumes of single-use packaging or operate in the sectors listed in Annex V.

The following are particularly at risk:

– retail chains,
– fruit and vegetable producers and distributors,
– fresh produce packing rooms,
– hotels and accommodation facilities,
– restaurants, bars, cafés and catering services,
– food court operators,
– manufacturers of ready meals and side dishes,
– companies offering promotional multipacks,
– importers of packaged products,
– an e-commerce site selling products in promotional bundles.

Companies operating in several EU markets should also analyse local EPR, BDO and LUCID schemes, as well as reporting obligations. In this regard, the following may be helpful: compliance with packaging requirements in EU markets, particularly when a company markets products in packaging outside Poland.

How can you prepare your business for the PPWR restrictions?

Preparations should begin with an audit of packaging. This is not about a general statement that the company „uses less plastic”, but about carefully checking which formats are covered by the ban, which may qualify for an exemption, and which require a redesign.

1. Make a list of all the packets

The company should take into account individual, bulk, transport, hotel, catering, promotional and e-commerce packaging, as well as packaging used by external operators.

2. Assign the packages to the PPWR category

For each package, it must be determined whether it is single-use, whether it contains plastic, and whether it is used in the HoReCa sector, the hospitality industry, the retail sector, the fruit and vegetable trade, or as a multipack.

3. Check the packaging’s functionality

Some packaging may be justified on safety, hygiene or logistical grounds. Such justification should be set out in the documentation, rather than being based solely on the procurement department’s verbal interpretation.

4. Evaluate the alternatives

The alternative should be assessed in terms of functionality, weight, cost, recyclability, availability, product safety, hygiene and its impact on the operational process.

5. Draw up a phase-out plan by 2030.

The change should follow a timetable: testing in 2026–2027, pilot schemes in 2028, implementation of the main changes by 2030, and an update to the documentation once the new measures have been approved.

The best place to start is PPWR audit, which enables packaging to be assessed in terms of its design, composition, recyclability and compliance with environmental and legal requirements. EKOPRO describes the PPWR audit as a comprehensive assessment of a company’s readiness for the new requirements and an analysis of packaging in terms of its design, composition, recyclability and compliance.

Prohibited Packaging 2030 and e-commerce

E-commerce is not the main example given in Annex V, but online shops should also check their packaging. The risks may relate to promotional sets, grouped packaging, single-use accessories, packaging from overseas suppliers, and the sale of products in small formats.

In addition, e-commerce businesses must ensure compliance with other PPWR requirements: limits on empty space, minimisation of packaging, recyclability, labelling and EPR obligations. In this area, it is worth combining the PPWR analysis with e-commerce audit and a guide on how to settle Packaging in e-commerce: BDO and LUCID.

Are there penalties for using prohibited packaging?

Yes. The PPWR provides that Member States are to lay down rules on penalties for infringements of the Regulation, and that such penalties must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. In the case of infringements relating, amongst other things, to Articles 24–29 – including the prohibitions set out in Article 25 – penalties are to include administrative fines. Member States are to lay down rules on penalties by 12 February 2027.

In practice, the level and nature of penalties will depend on national implementing regulations. However, it is not worth waiting until the last minute. The risk of non-compliance extends beyond administrative sanctions to include product recalls, the need to change suppliers, lost sales and issues with B2B customers.

Alternatives to banned packaging – a table for businesses

Prohibited or high-risk packaging from 2030 onwards.	Where is it found?	Possible alternatives
Shrink wrap used to bundle products	Retail, drinks, multipack offers	Cardboard bands, bulk boxes, individual sales, display systems
Plastic trays, nets and bags for fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg	Retailers, packers, importers	Bulk sales, tamper-evident bands, cardboard packaging, reusable crates
Disposable plastic tableware for on-site consumption	HoReCa, food courts, events	Reusable tableware, deposit scheme, washing, returnable containers
Sachets of ketchup, sugar, cream and spices	Restaurants, bars, hotels	Dispensers, portioning by staff, reusable containers
Miniature hotel toiletries	Hotels, spas, apartments	Dispensers, refills, larger reusable containers
Very lightweight plastic bags < 15 microns	Retail trade, bulk goods	Reusable bags, reducing usage, purely hygienic solutions

The most common mistakes when preparing for PPWR restrictions

The first mistake is to assume that the ban applies to all plastics. It does not. It covers specific types and uses.

The second mistake is to change the material without changing the design. If a company replaces a single-use plastic miniature with a single-use miniature made from a different material, this may not solve the problem.

The third mistake is a lack of documentation regarding the function of the packaging. If a company claims that the packaging is necessary for hygiene or safety reasons, it should be able to demonstrate this.

The fourth mistake is to ignore suppliers. Some packaging may be designed and supplied by contractors, but the responsibility for placing the product on the market may lie with the seller or importer.

The fifth mistake is putting off alternative testing. New packaging can affect logistics, complaints, product shelf life, customer perception and costs.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

What types of packaging will be banned from 2030?

From 1 January 2030, the PPWR prohibits certain formats listed in Annex V, including single-use plastic packaging used to bundle products, packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, single-use packaging for on-premises consumption in the HoReCa sector, sachets containing condiments, miniature hotel packaging and very lightweight plastic bags.

Will the PPWR ban plastic film for fruit and vegetables?

Yes, but only to a certain extent. The ban applies to single-use plastic packaging for fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg. Exceptions may be made if the packaging is necessary to prevent loss of quality, microbiological risks, damage or the mixing of organic and non-organic products.

Will miniature hotel toiletries be banned?

Yes. The PPWR covers single-use packaging for cosmetics, hygiene and toiletries in the accommodation sector, provided it is intended for a single booking and is discarded before the next guest arrives. Examples include small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and soap sachets.

Does the ban cover all single-use plastic packaging?

No. The PPWR prohibits specific formats and uses listed in Annex V. Other single-use plastic packaging may still be permitted provided it meets the requirements regarding recyclability, minimisation, labelling, recycled content and documentation.

Are paper alternatives always safe?

Not always. A paper or cardboard substitute must also be assessed in terms of weight, coatings, laminates, recyclability, protective function and impact on the overall process. Simply substituting the material does not guarantee compliance with the PPWR.

When is the best time to carry out a packaging audit?

It is advisable to carry out the audit as early as possible, ideally before changing suppliers or packaging designs. This makes it possible to determine which formats are prohibited, which require documentation, and which can be safely replaced before 2030.

Don’t risk fines – book a packaging audit

The 2030 ban on packaging is not just a problem for the procurement department. It is an issue for the board, compliance, marketing, logistics, sales, hotels, restaurants, retail chains and manufacturers. Misinterpreting the PPWR could result in costly last-minute changes to packaging, the withdrawal of product formats from the market, or the risk of administrative penalties.

Don’t risk a fine — order PPWR audit and check which packaging items in your company may be affected by the ban from 2030. If you need further support, please use Eko-Pro’s professional technical and environmental consultancy services or go to the tab Contact Eko-Pro, to describe their packaging and sales model.