New EU Regulation 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste
Topic: PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE

Date of publication: 22/01/2025

On January 22, 2025, the European Union (EU) Commission approved Regulation (EU) 2025/40, repealing Directive 94/62/EC. This regulation represents a major step towards sustainable packaging across different sectors, including the cosmetic industry.

What’s new?

On 22 January 2025, the European Commission approved Regulation (EU) 2025/40, introducing stricter rules on packaging sustainability and waste reduction across the EU. This regulation repeals Directive 94/62/EC and aligns packaging requirements across Member States.

Key Provisions

  • Recycling & Reusability: By 2030, all packaging must be designed for recyclability. Non-compliant packaging will be banned from the market.
  • Reduction Targets: The regulation sets mandatory packaging waste reduction goals:
    • 5% by 2030;
    • 10% by 2035;
    • 15% by 2040.
  • Chemical Restrictions: The existing ban on lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium in packaging is reinforced.
    • New Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Limits: From 12 August 2026, packaging in contact with food must not exceed:
      • 25 ppb per single PFAS;
      • 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS;
      • 50 ppm total fluorine threshold.
  • Recycled Content Requirements: From 2030, different plastic packaging types must meet minimum recycled content targets, increasing by 2040 to reach 65% for most plastic packaging.

Impact on the Cosmetic Industry

  • Packaging Minimization: Cosmetic brands must optimize packaging to reduce weight and volume, ensuring no more than 50% empty space.
  • Harmonized Labelling: Packaging must feature uniform labels indicating material composition and recycling instructions. QR codes may be used.

What now?

  • 11 February 2025: Regulation enters into force.
  • 12 August 2026: Main requirements apply.
  • 12 August 2028: Decision 97/129/EC is repealed.

This regulation represents a major shift towards sustainable packaging, with significant obligations for manufacturers, importers and retailers in the cosmetics industry.

References:

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC

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