A new list of packaging prohibited in the EU, including in Romania, from 2030 (European Parliament)

The European Parliament adopted, on Wednesday, a new list of packaging that will be banned in the European Union, including in Romania, starting from 2030, according to a draft EU regulation.

The draft EU regulation on packaging was adopted by the MEPs gathered in plenary, in Strasbourg, with 476 votes in favor, 129 against and 24 abstentions, according to a statement sent to the StartupCafe.ro publication. In order for the agreement to enter into force, the Council of the European Union (ministers from the member states) must officially approve it.

Some types of single-use plastic packaging will be banned from 1 January 2030. The list includes:

1. packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables,
2. packaging for food and drinks served and consumed in cafes and restaurants,
3. individual servings (e.g. condiments, sauces, coffee milk, sugar),
4. miniature packaging for hotel hygiene products,
5. very thin (under 15 micron) plastic carrier bags.

Some countries have already introduced bans to use such packaging for consumption at restaurant tables. An example is France. In Strasbourg, for example, at McDonalds, consumers drink juices from reusable cups and consume fries also from a reusable package, instead of the cardboard present in Romania. According to the manufacturer, these packages are made of polycarbonate without BPA (bisphenol A).

To prevent adverse health effects, the draft EU regulation adopted by MEPs on Wednesday also bans the use of so-called “eternal chemicals” (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS) above certain limits in packaging that comes into contact with food.

To reduce unnecessary packaging, the text sets a maximum weight of 50% for empty space in bundled or used packaging for transport or e-commerce. Manufacturers and importers will also need to ensure that the weight and volume of packaging is kept to a minimum.

We remind you that already in 2021, Romania has banned a number of single-use plastic products, such as ear sticks, drinking straws, plates, cutlery – forks, knives, spoons.