Dansk 
With the new EU regulation, a series of new targets have been set to help member states reduce packaging waste and increase the amount of reusable packaging by 2030 and 2040.
Emballageretur has reviewed the new regulation, and here are the key points:
1: Limiting Unnecessary Packaging
There will be stricter rules on how much empty space is allowed in packaging to prevent the use of unnecessary materials and to ensure better utilization of existing resources.
2: Increased Requirement for Recycled Materials in Packaging
From 2030, plastic packaging must contain a minimum percentage of recycled materials – a requirement that will become even stricter by 2040.
3: Limit on Harmful Substances in Packaging
Food packaging must be free of harmful PFAS substances by 2026.
4: Phasing Out Certain Types of Single-Use Packaging
From 2030, the use of specific single-use plastic packaging, such as for ketchup and shampoo, packaging for fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg, and single-use tableware in cafes and restaurants, will be prohibited. Packaging must instead be designed for reuse or refilling.
5: Requirement for Compostable Packaging Types
There will be requirements that packaging for fruit and vegetables must be compostable so that it can enter the bio-waste stream without contaminating the end product. The regulation defines compostable packaging as those that can biodegrade under industrially controlled conditions – not in home composting.
Clear labeling will also be required to distinguish between packaging that can be composted at home and those needing industrial facilities. The aim is to separate compostable packaging from plastic waste, where it currently causes contamination and cannot be recycled.
6: Requirement for Reuse and Refilling in Cafes and Restaurants
By 2027, cafes and restaurants must allow customers to bring their own containers for food and drinks. Additionally, take-away restaurants must enable customers to receive their food and drinks in reusable packaging as part of a reuse system by 2028, without charging extra for this option.
7: Requirements for Clear and Accurate Labeling
Packaging must be correctly labeled with information about materials, sorting, and recycling, making it easier for consumers to contribute to waste sorting.
Read more: Greenwashing vs greenhushing: How to Communicate Safely About Green Progress
The New EU Regulation and Implementation in Danish Law
The EU’s packaging regulation sets the overall framework for packaging management in member states, but it is up to each country to implement the rules into national legislation.
In Denmark, this means that the packaging regulation must be integrated into Danish packaging legislation, ensuring that companies comply with both EU requirements and national provisions.
The latest update to Danish packaging legislation has been drafted to harmonize national rules with the EU’s new packaging regulation.
This means that the new national rules reflect the requirements set at the EU level, including reduced packaging waste, increased reuse targets, and specific bans on certain types of single-use plastics.
The deadlines seen in the new Danish packaging legislation, such as the requirement for food packaging to be PFAS-free by 2026 and the phase-out of certain single-use plastics by 2030, mirror the EU’s own timelines and goals.
Although Danish legislation is largely based on the EU framework, local conditions have also been considered. This means that additional requirements or adjustments may support the Danish market situation and ensure effective implementation of the new rules domestically.
In short, the latest legislative update ensures that Danish companies operate under a common set of rules that support both the EU’s sustainability goals and the specific conditions in Denmark.
If you have any questions or want to know how your company can best navigate this transition, feel free to contact us. We are ready to help.
