Make the packaging listed in Art. 3(1) point (1)(f) and sticky labels on fruit and vegetables compostable in industrially controlled conditions, and home-compostable where the Member State requires it.
Manufacturers of the listed packaging and of fruit and vegetable labels must comply, and this is law in force.
Why it matters
This is law in force, not a proposal.
- It is Art. 9(1), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
- The act gives its timing as: By 12 February 2028 (Art. 9(1)). as of 2026-08-18
- It names 3 industries by name: Plastics converting, Paper and board and Food and drink. as of 2026-08-18
- Compliance is checked by technical documentation (Annex VII), continuous. as of 2026-08-18
What changes
A narrow set of formats -- tea and coffee singles, sticky fruit labels -- but for those it reverses the general rule: they must be compostable rather than recyclable, by derogation from Art. 6(1).
The rule
placing the listed packaging or sticky labels on the market
Make the packaging listed in Art. 3(1) point (1)(f) and sticky labels on fruit and vegetables compostable in industrially controlled conditions, and home-compostable where the Member State requires it.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
No size threshold.
Source text
sticky labels affixed to fruit and vegetables are placed on the market, that packaging and sticky labels shall be compatible with the standard for composting in industrially controlled conditions
View source →Settled later in secondary legislation. Art. 9(6) has the Commission request harmonised standards for industrial and home compostability by 12 February 2026. The duty bites in 2028 whether or not those standards exist.