January 6, 2025

Food Packaging Regulations for the EU and Canada: What You Need to Know

Packaging sustainability requirements are changing fast and every country has different requirements. For growers and packers, keeping up with the latest regulations and staying compliant is more difficult than ever. To help you navigate, we created this complete guide on food packaging regulations in the EU and Canada so you can confidently expand and succeed in new markets. 

EU Food Packaging Regulations

Key Regulatory Frameworks

In the EU, food packaging must meet strict rules that cover food safety and protect the environment. Several key regulations apply:

The Switch from PPWD to PPWR

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) has long served as the foundation for all packaging rules within the EU and has been one of the most important sets of regulations to understand as a grower or packer of packaged food products. However, in November 2024, the EU passed a new set of laws called Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) that will replace the PPWD. The introduction of PPWR marks a huge shift from directive guidelines found in the PPWD to much more enforced regulation on recyclability, labeling, recycled content, waste reduction, and more. 

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces comprehensive measures to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainability. As a grower/packer aiming to sell products in the EU, it’s essential to understand and comply with these requirements. Here’s a summary of the key provisions:

Packaging Design and Minimization

    • Reduction of Empty Space: By January 1, 2030, packaging must be designed to minimize empty space, with a maximum allowable empty space ratio of 50%.
    • Prohibited Packaging Formats: Certain single-use plastic packaging formats, such as those for condiments in the catering sector, will be banned from January 1, 2030.

Recyclability and Recycled Content

    • Recyclability Requirements: All packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable by January 1, 2030.
    • Mandatory Recycled Content: Minimum recycled content targets for plastic packaging are set for 2030 and 2040.

Reuse and Refill Targets

    • Sector-Specific Targets: The regulation sets reuse targets for various sectors, including transport packaging, grouped packaging, and beverage containers.
    • Consumer Options: Businesses in the catering sector must provide systems for consumers to use their own containers or offer reusable packaging options.

Collection and Recycling Systems

    • Deposit and Return Systems: Member States are required to implement deposit and return systems for single-use plastic beverage bottles and metal beverage containers by January 1, 2029, aiming for a 90% separate collection rate.

Hazardous Substances Restrictions

    • PFAS Ban: Food contact packaging containing per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) will be prohibited.

Compliance and Enforcement

    • Harmonized Labelling: Packaging must include clear labels indicating material composition to facilitate proper waste sorting and recycling.
    • Green Public Procurement: The regulation introduces requirements for public contracts to prioritize sustainable packaging solutions.

These measures aim to create a circular economy for packaging, reducing environmental impact, and promoting resource efficiency. As a grower/packer, aligning your packaging practices with these requirements will be crucial for accessing and maintaining your presence in the EU market.

Other EU Regulations to Know

  • Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004: This regulation requires that all materials intended to come into contact with food—such as plastics—do not transfer substances to food in amounts that could harm human health. 
  • Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on Plastic Materials: This regulation focuses specifically on plastics used in food contact applications. It defines the allowable substances in plastic materials and outlines specific migration limits (SMLs) of chemicals into food, along with rules for traceability to ensure each component of the plastic can be identified throughout the supply chain.
  • Single-Use Plastics Directive: While not directly applicable to all packaging, the Single-Use Plastics Directive plays a significant role in the EU’s broader sustainability goals. It targets items like cutlery, plates, and straws, aiming to reduce their environmental impact and promote alternatives. Understanding this legislation helps businesses align with the EU’s push towards reducing plastic waste.

Compliance and Penalties

If food packaging doesn’t meet EU regulations, companies can face serious consequences. This can include fines or limits on selling their products. To avoid this, businesses need to stay up-to-date with any changes in the rules and make sure their packaging meets all the necessary standards.

Canada Food Packaging Regulations 

Federal vs. Provincial Regulations

Canada’s food packaging rules can be a bit more complex because they’re managed at both the federal and provincial levels. At the federal level, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) regulates harmful substances that might be used in packaging and encourages the use of environmentally friendly materials. 

Provinces like Quebec and British Columbia have their own rules, especially around waste management and recycling. For example, Quebec requires businesses to contribute to recycling programs, while British Columbia enforces strict guidelines by reducing packaging waste. If you sell products across Canada, your compliance relies on following both national and local rules.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Like some states in the US, Canadian provinces use Extended Producer Responsibility programs to reduce packaging waste. EPR means that packaging manufacturers, along with growers and packers, are responsible for the full lifecycle of their packaging, from production to disposal. Canadian EPR is not federally regulated, so implementation is on a province-by-province basis. Most provinces have EPR programs in place today. Here are some examples: 

  • Blue Box Program (Ontario): Companies must pay fees to support recycling programs for paper and plastic packaging.
  • Recycling and Waste Diversion Programs (British Columbia): Businesses are required to meet specific targets for recycling their packaging materials

Federal Plastics Registry

Canada is also introducing a Federal Plastics Registry, requiring businesses to report detailed data on their plastics usage starting in September 2025. This initiative is part of Canada’s zero plastic waste action plan and emphasizes transparency and accountability. Companies operating and/or selling in Canada should begin to prepare for these reporting requirements now.

Environmental Initiatives

Canada has big goals for making food packaging more sustainable. The Federal government is working to eliminate single-use plastics by 2030, which means businesses need to find alternatives to items like certain food containers. Other key initiatives include:

  • Recyclable and compostable materials: Packaging should be designed to be recycled in local systems or composted where facilities exist.
  • Zero plastic waste action plan: This plan pushes for 90% of plastic packaging to be recycled by 2030.

Beyond Legislative Regulations

Knowing how retailers are navigating these different rules is also key. Ahold Delhaize is a great example. Although they’re based in the Netherlands, they get about 80% of their revenue from the U.S. market. They’ve developed their own set of sustainability goals and requirements that meet or exceed the regional regulations where they do business. In a sense they’ve created their own sustainability safeguards so that new and changing regulations don’t take them by surprise and put their business at risk. 

It’s not uncommon for retailers like Ahold Delhaize to have slightly different packaging requirements. As a grower or packer looking to sell into retailers, simply meeting the regional legislative requirements for packaging is usually not enough. It’s important to understand the full extent of the requirements outlined by the retailers you work with.

Choose the Right Packaging Partner

Food packaging regulations in the EU and Canada play a vital role in keeping food safe and reducing environmental impact. Staying informed and proactive not only ensures compliance but also helps businesses show their commitment to quality and sustainability.

Working with a packaging partner who understands these regulations—and how retailers are responding—can make a big difference. An experienced partner can guide you through the complexities, help you stay compliant, and even identify opportunities to improve your packaging.

We know how challenging it can be to navigate and keep up with food packaging regulations and sustainability requirements. That’s why our team of experts is ready to help you find the perfect packaging solutions that meet the food packaging regulations of the EU and Canada.  

Ready to get started? Connect with a packaging expert today.