Topic

Compostable packaging

From 12 February 2028 a defined set of formats must be industrially compostable: sticky labels attached to fruit and vegetables, and very lightweight plastic carrier bags, plus tea and coffee single-serve units where national rules require it. Other packaging may only be marketed as compostable if it meets the same standards, and member states may require compostability for a limited further list. Compostable plastic packaging is excluded from the recycled-content targets.

What you must do

• Identify any produce labels, single-serve units or very light carrier bags in your range.
• Get certification against the industrial-compostability standards for those formats.
• Check national rules, which vary for tea and coffee units.

Dates that apply

• 12 February 2028Compostability required for named formats

Source: Article 9 (compostable packaging).