What and How Should We Pack in the Future? – Successful Webinar on New EU Packaging Regulations
Link Copied!Article written by Lili Schweitzer, International Project Officer at MGFÜ. The European Union aims to reduce packaging waste and implement a circular economy. To achieve this, several new regulations will come into effect from 2026, significantly impacting the packaging industry.
On February 5, 2025, MGFÜ, Ugrinpack, and DDRIÜ organized a joint online webinar, which also served as the opening event for the CIRCSYST and CIREVALC projects. The event aimed to help industry stakeholders prepare for upcoming legislative changes in time.
At the beginning of the webinar, Project Manager Eszter Balogh-Tanka introduced the two projects, followed by Dr. Kata Konstantin, policy expert, who presented key legislation that will fundamentally affect the packaging industry from 2026 onwards.
What Changes Can Be Expected?
During the webinar, participants gained insight into three major regulatory changes:
- PPWR Regulation (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation): The regulation, which comes into effect in August 2026, aims to reduce packaging waste, promote reuse and refilling, and support recycling. It includes specific goals and strict requirements that industry players must familiarize themselves with as soon as possible.
- Greenwashing Directive (Green Claims Directive): This directive aims to protect consumers by preventing misleading environmental claims. In the future, companies must support all sustainability-related claims with credible, scientifically recognized data.
- Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation: This regulation encourages eco-conscious product design throughout the entire product lifecycle. Its goal is to improve durability, reusability, repairability, and recyclability of products.
In addition to receiving detailed information about the new regulations, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a professional discussion about their impact on the industry.
Positive Reception and Future Plans
The event was a huge success, with active participation and lively discussions among attendees. Based on the positive feedback, MGFÜ plans to continue the webinar series to provide further guidance and support to packaging industry players as they navigate the upcoming regulatory changes.
A short summary document of the discussed regulations is available here.
As the EU moves towards a new regulatory framework, it is essential for packaging industry stakeholders to understand and implement the new rules in time. The webinar highlighted that while these changes present challenges, they also open opportunities for a more sustainable future.
