New EU rules restricting “forever chemicals” in food packaging and requiring packaging to be traceable have taken effect in Slovakia.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which applies across the EU, covers manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other businesses selling packaged goods.
“It will have a fundamental impact on the entire waste-management sector,” said Jan Chovanec, director-general of Slovakia’s Waste Industry Association (ZOP).
The European Commission has yet to set out some of the technical details, including rules on labelling and how recycled content should be calculated.
ZOP vice-president Michal Sebin noted that the commission updated its guidance only days before the rules took effect.
“The fact that interpretative uncertainties remain is also shown by the commission publishing updated guidance only a few days before the regulation started to apply,” he said.
Industry groups have called for some deadlines to be delayed until the commission adopts the remaining technical rules.
The rules now restrict PFAS, persistent substances commonly known as “forever chemicals”, in food packaging.
Since 12 August, food packaging containing PFAS at or above limits set by the regulation cannot be placed on the EU market.
Packaging must also be traceable, for example through a type, batch or serial number.
Online retailers expect higher spending on packaging, technology and logistics, as well as more administrative work.
E-commerce representatives say some of the extra costs could be reflected in prices or packaging charges, although smaller and lighter parcels could eventually cut transport costs.
From 2030, packaging will be assessed under detailed design-for-recycling criteria, with recyclability grades determining which packaging can remain on the EU market.
Minimum recycled-content requirements will also apply to some plastic packaging, while certain single-use formats will be restricted.
From 2030, empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging will generally be limited to 50%.
Harmonised EU labels showing the material composition of packaging are due to become compulsory from August 2028.
The European Commission estimates that each person in the EU produces about half a kilogram of packaging waste a day. (The Slovak Spectator)