News on packaging regulations: towards safe, sustainable, and circular packaging

News

Staff Cart-One 18/06/2026 0

December 16, 2024, marks a decisive turning point for the packaging sector: the Council formally adopted the new regulation on packaging and packaging waste. This regulatory innovation, detailed in the PPWR special by ItaliaImballaggio, represents the latest evolution for a sector that, throughout its entire lifecycle, is moving towards more responsible and sustainable management.   News on packaging regulations: towards safe, sustainable, and circular packaging. In this article, we will explore the changes introduced, the implications for different application sectors, and the key role that efficient packaging can play in a circular economy strategy. Discover how these rules can transform your business and how Cart-One stands as a strategic partner in this transition.   Read also: “CE marking of machinery: what changes with the EU/2023/1230 regulation”  

Safe, sustainable, and recyclable packaging: the new requirements

The new regulation provides a series of ambitious targets for 2030 and 2040, aimed at promoting packaging that reduces environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Among the main requirements are:

  • Recycled content: by 2040, single-use plastic bottles must contain up to 65% recycled material, a key milestone to reduce dependence on virgin raw materials.
  • Weight and volume reduction: the new rules require minimizing both the weight and volume of packaging, eliminating superfluous wrapping and optimizing design to reduce waste.
  • Limitation of hazardous substances: substances of concern will also be reduced, for example by limiting the placement on the market of packaging in contact with food products that contains PFAS above certain thresholds.
  • Labeling and information: requirements regarding labeling and marking aim to make sorting and proper disposal of packaging easier for the consumer, facilitating more conscious purchasing choices.

 

Restrictions on single-use plastic packaging

The regulation introduces specific measures to limit the use of single-use plastic, particularly targeting:

  • Pre-packaged fruit and vegetable products, especially if the weight is less than 1.5 kg.
  • Food and beverages served in hotels, bars, and restaurants, with special attention to individual portions of condiments, sauces, cream, and sugar.
  • Small single-use cosmetic and personal hygiene products typical of the hospitality sector (for example, shampoo bottles or lotions).
  • Ultra-lightweight plastic bags, those often provided in markets for bulk food items.

These restrictions are designed to encourage the adoption of alternative materials and drastically reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in landfills.  

Reuse targets and refill obligations

The regulation sets new binding reuse targets for 2030 and indicative targets for 2040, diversified depending on the type of packaging. For example, for packaging intended for transport and sale, a binding target of 40% is planned, while for grouped packaging the target is set at 10%. Furthermore, businesses operating in the take-away sector will be obliged to offer customers the option of using personal containers, allowing them to be filled with food and beverages at no additional cost. This measure not only favors reuse but also encourages more sustainable consumption behaviors.  

The packaging lifecycle and the new regulatory vision

Despite progress in recycling, the EU still records high packaging waste production: in 2022, nearly 186.5 kg of waste were generated per inhabitant, with 36 kg from plastic alone. This scenario highlights how the amount of waste exceeds that of recycled material, making an update to the regulatory framework essential. The proposal to revise Directive 94/62/EC, now transformed into a regulation (PPWR), was conceived to promote a transition towards a circular economy and to steer Europe towards climate neutrality. The European Parliament and the Council agreed on their positions and, following a provisional agreement reached on March 4, 2024, the regulation will enter into force 18 months after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.  

The role of Cart-One in the transition towards innovative packaging

In this evolving regulatory context, Cart-One confirms itself as a strategic partner for companies wishing to align with the new regulations and adopt cutting-edge packaging solutions. Our solutions offer:

  • Safe and recyclable packaging: we design packaging that guarantees product protection and facilitates recycling, helping to reduce environmental impact.
  • Design optimization: with Cart-One, it is possible to reduce the weight and volume of packaging, improving logistics efficiency and reducing transport and storage costs.
  • Transparency and information: labels and markings compliant with the new standards allow for clear information on recycled content and the packaging lifecycle, making sorting and correct disposal easier for consumers.

The new regulation on packaging and waste represents an important regulatory evolution, aimed at transforming the packaging sector into a model of safety, sustainability, and circularity. With ambitious goals and restrictive measures, Europe is charting the course toward a future where every stage of the packaging lifecycle will be optimized to reduce waste and environmental impacts.   Cart-One stands as the ideal partner for companies wishing to make this leap in quality, offering innovative, safe packaging solutions compliant with the new regulations. Are you ready to transform your packaging and lead the change toward a circular economy?   Contact us today to discover how we can help you create packaging that is a true competitive asset for your business.   You might also be interested in: “Food product labeling: what changes with the new MIMIT guidelines”

You may also like...

Staff Cart-One 19/06/2026

Rise in raw material prices
The Covid-19 pandemic has substantially changed our purchasing habits and people's freedom of movement, requiring many businesses to adapt their services to remain competitive on the market. With successive lockdowns over time, several companies have had to reinvent themselves in some way: just think, for example, of the catering sector, which found itself with the sole option of selling its specialties through takeaway and home delivery. E-commerce, on the other hand, experienced a surge in requests at a time when shopping was not easy to secure various types of products, from groceries to technology, always at the best prices. What are the effects of the pandemic on the production sector? In the long run, this health emergency situation turned into a production emergency. In fact, the price of raw materials is rising, with a substantially significant impact on the cost of the final product. A striking example is waste paper, which went from an estimated 11 euros per ton in February 2020 to the current 140 euros per ton. Pure cellulose has also recorded a significant increase. In addition to the higher demand for packaging products within the paper sector, especially from the pharmaceutical and food sectors, we also note a difficulty in sourcing raw materials. The climate of uncertainty has triggered a rush for supplies that is forcing recycled paper suppliers to reduce their production capacity. An increase is also recorded in the costs of the finished product, as these factors have forced paper mills to raise their prices by 5% to 10%.  The price increase does not only affect paper, but also plastic, wood, copper and, in the food sector, wheat. Why does the crisis in the packaging sector affect all production sectors? It is impossible to think of a product without packaging: the latter is an integral part of a supply chain. Indeed, packaging is fundamental for various sectors, such as Food & Beverage, pharmaceuticals, and industry. The increased demand for corrugated cardboard boxes is also correlated with the growth of e-commerce. Demand has increased for products that allow for easy and safe transport. Paper weight and its resistance are the most sought-after characteristics. What are the effects of price hikes on packaging paper? Unfortunately, price tensions regarding waste paper and other materials contribute to increases in the cost of the final box and intermediate products. This price hike then translates into a general increase in prices, which are passed on to the final consumer, affecting the product's competitiveness and also impacting its shelf life. We must not forget that the pandemic has also reduced the purchasing power of many people, so a sequence of price hikes could make a product less appealing and limit or cancel its purchase, especially if it is non-essential goods. Intervention is needed to ensure that the paper sector maintains a sustainable production that can remain competitive. This is the challenge facing the Italian market, so that it can maintain a high level of quality and accessible costs.  The hope is that the holiday months themselves will act as a driving force for the recovery of consumption, making paper for recycling more available and mitigating the prices of waste paper.
Read more

Staff Cart-One 18/06/2026

Food product labeling: what changes with the new MIMIT guidelines
Food product labeling represents one of the most important tools for ensuring transparency and trust between producers and consumers. The new MIMIT (Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy) guidelines, published on September 18, 2024, introduce significant updates on the quantitative ingredients declaration (QUID).   Food product labeling: what changes with the new MIMIT guidelines. These changes aim to make food ingredient communication clearer and more uniform, an essential aspect for both domestic and international markets. But what are the implications for companies in the food sector? And how can packaging help comply with these regulations? Let's find out.   See also: “Greenwashing: the new regulatory framework and the implications for packaging companies”   What changes with the new guidelines: the focus on QUID The new provisions of MIMIT focus on the mandatory nature of the quantitative ingredient declaration, known as QUID (Quantitative Ingredient Declaration). This element is key to informing consumers about the quantity of the main ingredients of a product and ensuring an informed choice. The QUID declaration is mandatory in three specific cases: When an ingredient is mentioned in the product name: for example, names like “chocolate biscuits” or “orange juice” require a clear indication of the percentage of chocolate or orange used. When an ingredient is highlighted on the label: through images, colors, or text like “with fresh milk” or “with butter”, it is necessary to specify the quantity of the highlighted ingredient. When an ingredient is essential to characterize the product or differentiate it: for instance, “cereal bread” must declare the percentage of cereals it contains. Why QUID matters QUID is not just a regulatory matter, but also an element of transparency that increases consumer trust toward the product and the company. Clear and precise information improves the shopping experience and allows a direct comparison between similar products.   Food categories involved and specific updates The guidelines do not just establish general rules, but introduce specific clarifications for different categories of food products: Prepackaged products: labeling must be legible, complete, and visibly positioned. Milk and fresh pasta filata cheeses: these products require additional information to ensure proper understanding of their characteristics by the consumer. Meats used as ingredients: special attention is dedicated to this category, with the aim of ensuring traceability and a clear distinction between similar products sold in different countries.   The value of the guidelines for the international market The new standards offer a competitive advantage to Italian companies exporting their products. Clear and uniform labeling facilitates sales in foreign markets, where similar regulations often govern the composition and presentation of products.   The role of packaging in food labeling Packaging is a crucial element to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. A label must not only be compliant, but it must integrate harmoniously with the packaging design, maintaining legibility and visual impact. Here is how packaging can support companies: Support for legible and visible labeling: boxes designed by Cart-One offer dedicated spaces for label application, ensuring they are clearly visible and easily readable by consumers. Enhancement of product aesthetics: with well-designed packaging, mandatory information can be presented in an orderly manner, without compromising overall aesthetics. Sustainable materials for green communication: besides complying with regulations, using recyclable or eco-friendly materials communicates the company's sustainability values, which are increasingly appreciated by consumers today.   How to adapt to the new MIMIT guidelines Companies in the food sector must consider these aspects to comply with the new regulations: Label design review: ensure that all mandatory information is present and easily readable. Packaging optimization: choose packaging that enhances the label and supports clear communication. Innovation through customization: integrate creative designs to stand out from the competition, without compromising compliance.   Cart-One as a partner for food labeling Cart-One offers tailor-made packaging solutions for the food industry, combining functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Whether it is packaging for prepackaged products or boxes for milk and cheese, our solutions are designed to meet regulatory requirements and enhance your products.   Packaging as a tool for transparency and value The new MIMIT guidelines represent a step forward in the transparency and quality of food labeling. For companies, packaging is not just a support for labels, but a strategic element to strengthen consumer trust and stand out in the market.   With Cart-One, you can count on innovative, sustainable, and compliant packaging solutions that help you respect regulations and value your products.   Contact us to discover how we can support you on your path toward increasingly effective and competitive packaging.   Read also: “29th Comieco Report: paper and cardboard recycling in Italy, 2023 marks a new historic record”
Read more

Staff Cart-One 19/06/2026

GIFCO Conference 2022: corrugated cardboard figures in Italy in 2021
4.5 billion Euros in turnover, a 13% growth, and 8.3 billion square meters produced: these are the results relating to the Italian corrugated cardboard packaging industry, which were announced during the annual GIFCO conference held last May 13th and 14th, 2022, in Lecce. What emerged from the GIFCO 2022 annual conference The corrugated cardboard packaging sector continues to grow. Among the main factors are the exponential growth of e-commerce and the increasingly strong choice to adopt more sustainable packaging for the planet. An important sector, which accounts for nearly 20% of the paper supply chain, represented by the Federation of Paper and Graphics, which generates a turnover of 25.3 billion Euros, approximately 1.4% of GDP. This was communicated by GIFCO, the specialization group belonging to Assografici (Italian National Association of Printing, Paper Converting, and Transforming Industries), during the annual reporting meeting of activities carried out in the previous year. In the opening report, President Fausto Ferretti – Managing Director of Cart One Parma – presented the official figures for the sector, which in 2021 recorded a total national production – by weight – of nearly 4.5 million tons, with a growth of 12% compared to 2020. During the event, the topic of the evolution of raw material prices was addressed, which influences the costs of paper and finished packaging, as well as corporate budgets. According to data recorded by the Milan Chamber of Commerce, comparing April 2021 with April 2022, there was an increase ranging from +46% to +69% for linerboard and from +22% to +76% for fluting paper. To this scenario, the continuous and significant difficulties in raw material procurement must be added, affecting not only paper-based materials but also auxiliary resources. The well-known journalist Sebastiano Barisoni, deputy director of Radio 24 and historical voice of Focus Economia, also moderated the round table organized during the morning of May 14th. This panel was composed of distinguished representatives from the business and banking worlds, who discussed the national and international economic scenario within a context, like the current one, heavily influenced by the energy shock and complex sourcing of all raw materials. Stay updated on our NEWS.
Read more

Cerca...