The world of packaging is about to undergo one of its biggest transformations.
With the publication of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 in January 2025, the European Union has charted a new course towards a more sustainable future, with direct impacts for all manufacturers, users and consumers of packaging.
Entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applicable from 12 August 2026, because as of this date, according to the provisions of the Regulation:
"Packaging in contact with food shall not be placed on the market if it contains perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in concentrations equal to or greater than the following limit values, to the extent that the placing on the market of such packaging containing such a concentration of PFAS is not prohibited under another Union legal act"
This regulation is a key step in addressing the challenges related to waste and resource management by harmonising the rules in all Member States.
But what exactly does this mean for companies operating in the sector?
From labels to circularity: what are the key points of the Regulation?
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is not limited to a simple update of existing regulations, but introduces radical changes to promote circularity and sustainability.
The points listed below also indicate the specific effects for companies in the sector:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): companies will be increasingly responsible for the entire life cycle of their packaging, from design to disposal. This incentivizes the creation of more sustainable and easy-to-recycle packaging.
- Binding targets for recycled content and reuse: clear targets are set for the use of recycled materials and the proportion of reusable packaging. This pushes companies to invest in innovative solutions that allow them to close the circularity of materials.
- Recyclability requirements: all packaging will have to be designed to be industrially recyclable by 2035. This requires a redesign of current packaging, eliminating non-recyclable solutions and favoring materials compatible with existing recycling processes.
- Ban on hazardous substances: the regulation prohibits the use of certain substances, such as PFAS, which are known for their persistence in the environment and health risks. This is a further step towards safer and greener packaging.
- Digital Packaging Passport: a system will be introduced that will provide detailed information on the composition, recycling and reuse of packaging, making the supply chain more transparent for all operators.
The crucial role of paper and our response to innovation
For a company like Anico, which has been producing paper-based packaging for years, specialized in food packaging, these new requirements represent a confirmation of the direction taken.
Our paper-based packaging, in fact, is positioned as the ideal material to meet almost all the objectives of the Regulation, because:
- Inherently sustainable: paper is 100% recyclable. Our production aligns perfectly with the goal of reducing waste and promoting circularity.
- Easy to recycle: paper packaging is widely recognized as easily recyclable, making us a strategic partner for companies that need to comply with new standards.
- Continuous innovation: the introduction of the "Digital Packaging Passport" and traceability requirements urges us to further improve our transparency, to which we are already very attentive, and to clearly communicate the sustainability of our products.
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is not only a challenge, but a great opportunity for manufacturers and users of food packaging.
In summary, the most stringent requirements of food packaging are these:
- Safety for human health
- Easy recyclability
- Design for reuse
- Clear and uniform labeling
A challenge, but also an opportunity
For companies that choose to anticipate the times and invest in sustainable solutions such as paper packaging, new avenues will open up to stand out in the market and build a stronger and more responsible brand.
At Anico, we are ready to accompany our customers in this fundamental transition, offering solutions that not only comply with regulations, but that go further, actively contributing to a greener future.
If you are interested in exploring how your packaging can be future-proof, please do not hesitate to contact us.
