New EU rules on packaging and packaging waste

Changes to food packaging standards to be rolled out

The European Commission has introduced new legislation on packaging and packaging waste (Regulation (EU) 2025/40). This covers the full life cycle of packaging, including some requirements which impact food safety.

Current legislation on the safety of food contact materials protects the public from risk of chemicals that may transfer from packaging into food. The new EU legislation affects:

• requirements for substances used in packaging
• recycled material content in plastic packaging
• reuse and refill obligations for takeaways

All packaging that comes into contact with food, including compostable packaging, must meet existing safety standards under Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. These safety requirements remain unchanged.

The new regulation applies in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. Transition periods and targets are in place, beginning as early as August 2026, affecting both businesses and consumers.

The Food Standards Agency welcomes industry feedback on these new developments. You can email your views to infofsani@food.gov.uk.

29 January 2025