New European packaging law: How does it affect consumers and restaurateurs in Lanzarote?

The European Union Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) which seeks to establish a common and harmonized framework for the 27 Member States regarding recycling, has entered into force this week.

Its main objective is to eliminate unnecessary packaging and promote the reuse of packaging. In the future, the regulation aims to ensure that all packaging placed on the single market can be recycled.

The regulation includes a multitude of measures that will be introduced between now and 2030.

What has entered into force this week?

Since this August 12, one of the most significant health and environmental measures of the regulation has been effectively applied: the strict restriction of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in packaging intended to come into contact with food and beverages.

Popularly known as "forever chemicals" due to their high persistence and ability to accumulate in the human body and nature, PFAS were commonly used in fast-food wrappers, takeaway containers, pizza boxes, or microwave popcorn bags to repel water and grease.

From now on, it is prohibited to market new food packaging in the EU that exceeds the strict limits set for these substances. However, products manufactured and distributed previously may continue to be sold until stocks are depleted.

How will the regulation affect consumers and restaurateurs in the future?

For consumers, the regulation marks the beginning of a progressive change in their purchasing and consumption habits, with a particular impact on supermarkets and the hospitality sector.

From February 12, 2027, consumers will have the right to bring their own clean containers to bars, cafes, and restaurants when ordering food or drinks to go, without being charged any extra fee.

One year later, from February 12, 2028, if the customer does not bring a container, establishments will be obliged to offer a reusable packaging option at no additional cost.

Also from that date, tea bags, coffee capsules or pods, and adhesive stickers placed on fruits and vegetables must be compostable.

Six months later, on August 12, 2028, the new labeling with icons and colors will come into effect throughout the EU, which will coincide with the color of the recycling bin (for example, the gray icon for cans or yellow for rigid plastic in the yellow bin).

We will have to wait until 2029 for the return of plastic bottles and cans to become widespread through a small refundable deposit (around 10 cents) that citizens will recover upon returning the empty container.

From January 1, 2030 , plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg and plastic rings for cans will disappear from supermarkets and stores. 

Also in 2030, the obligation to eliminate individual sauce sachets such as ketchup or mayonnaise, sugar, or coffee cream in the hospitality industry will come into effect, as well as single-use gel and shampoo bottles in hotels. In addition, large supermarkets will reserve at least 10% of their space for bulk or refill sales points.

Are there exceptions for small businesses in Lanzarote?

European legislation introduces certain flexibility mechanisms to prevent these obligations from becoming an unmanageable burden for smaller businesses, which are the vast majority of establishments in Lanzarote.

Microenterprises (those employing fewer than 10 people and with an annual turnover or balance sheet not exceeding 2 million euros) may be exempt from the prohibition of using single-use packaging for food and beverages consumed on-site, provided that they can justify that they do not have technically or economically viable alternatives.

On the other hand, the Regulation grants member states room to maneuver to adapt the application of the rule to local and market realities.

National governments will have the power to grant additional exemptions to specific sectors, allow small distributors to form groups to share the management of packaging return systems, or directly exempt establishments operating on small islands and in regions with low population density, where the implementation of complex recycling or reuse infrastructure is unfeasible.