European Union
Regulatory Framework: The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2025/40 (PPWR) replaced the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC (PPWD). The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025, and its general date of application is 18 months after that.
Key Requirements:
Packaging Design and Materials: All packaging must comply with essential requirements related to its manufacturing, composition, and reusable or recoverable nature. The regulation aims to minimize the weight and volume of packaging, avoid unnecessary packaging, and restrict certain single – use plastics. For example, pre – packed fruit and veg weighing less than 1.5 kg and individual portions of condiments, sauces, and sugar in hotels, bars, and restaurants are restricted.
Recycling and Reuse: The goal is to make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030. There are also targets for a minimum percentage of recycled content in packaging by 2030 and 2040. Take – away businesses are required to offer customers the option to bring their own containers at no extra cost.
United States
Regulatory Framework: In the United States, packaging regulations are mainly scattered in various federal and state laws and regulations. For example, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49 Part 180 prescribes requirements pertaining to the maintenance, reconditioning, repair, inspection, and testing of packagings, especially for those used in the transportation of hazardous materials.
Key Requirements:
Hazardous Materials Packaging: Packaging for hazardous materials must meet strict requirements to ensure safety during transportation, storage, and handling. This includes specific materials, designs, and testing procedures to prevent leaks, spills, and other accidents.
China
Regulatory Framework: The Chinese government has issued a series of regulations and standards to manage packaging, especially in the context of express delivery packaging. The revised “Express Delivery Interim Regulations” have comprehensively and systematically regulated express delivery packaging. In addition, there are relevant national standards and industry standards.
Key Requirements:
Express Delivery Packaging: The “Limit Express Delivery Over – packaging Requirements” (GB 45186 – 2024) and the “Limit of Heavy Metals and Specific Substances in Express Delivery Packaging” (GB 43352 – 2023) are two important mandatory national standards. The former clarifies the technical requirements, judgment rules, and testing methods for limiting express delivery over – packaging, while the latter specifies the limit requirements for heavy metals and specific substances in paper – based, plastic – based, and textile – fiber – based express delivery packaging.
Food and Cosmetics Packaging: The “Limit Requirements for Over – packaging of Commodities – Food and Cosmetics” (GB 23350 – 2021) and its Amendment No. 1 regulate the packaging，void ratio, and other aspects of food and cosmetics packaging to prevent over – packaging.
