Keep empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging at or below 50%, counting filling materials such as paper cuttings, air cushions, bubble wrap and foam chips as empty space.
Economic operators who fill grouped, transport or e-commerce packaging must comply, and this is law in force.
Why it matters
This is law in force, not a proposal.
- It is Art. 24(1), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
- The act gives its timing as: From 1 January 2030 or 3 years after the Art. 24(2) implementing acts, whichever is later (Art. 24(1)). as of 2026-08-18
- It names 2 industries by name: Retail and Food and drink. as of 2026-08-18
- Compliance is checked by self-assessment against the Art. 24(2) methodology, continuous. as of 2026-08-18
What changes
E-commerce and distribution most of all. Genuinely new: 94/62/EC's Annex II required packaging volume and weight to be the minimum needed, but set no ratio and no measurable test. Art. 24(5) exempts operators using sales packaging as e-commerce packaging or reusable packaging within a re-use system.
The rule
filling grouped, transport or e-commerce packaging
Keep empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging at or below 50%, counting filling materials such as paper cuttings, air cushions, bubble wrap and foam chips as empty space.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
No size threshold.
Source text
economic operators who fill grouped packaging, transport packaging or e-commerce packaging shall ensure that the maximum empty space ratio, expressed as a percentage, is 50 %.
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