Reduce packaging waste generated per capita against a 2018 baseline by at least 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040, and endeavour to reduce plastic packaging waste specifically.
Member States must comply, and this is law in force.
Why it matters
This is law in force, not a proposal.
- It is Art. 43(1) and (4), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
- The act gives its timing as: 2030, 2035 and 2040 (Art. 43(1)). as of 2026-08-18
- It names one industry by name: Waste. as of 2026-08-18
- Compliance is checked by reporting to the Commission under Art. 56, continuous, measured against 2030, 2035 and 2040. as of 2026-08-18
What changes
All 27 Member States, and the first absolute waste-reduction target in EU packaging law. 94/62/EC Art. 4 required only that preventive measures be implemented, with no quantified reduction. Art. 43(8) let a Member State request a base year other than 2018 by 31 December 2025 on evidence of a reporting-driven distortion.
The rule
national packaging waste generated per capita
Reduce packaging waste generated per capita against a 2018 baseline by at least 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040, and endeavour to reduce plastic packaging waste specifically.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
Binds a Member State, not a company by size.
Source text
Each Member State shall reduce the packaging waste generated per capita, as compared to the packaging waste generated per capita in 2018 as reported to the Commission in accordance with Decision 2005/270/EC, by at least: (a) 5 % by 2030; (b) 10 % by 2035; (c) 15 % by 2040.
View source →Settled later in secondary legislation. The tourism correction factor, which materially changes the target for high-tourism Member States, is set by implementing act due 12 February 2027 (Art. 43(2)).