11/02/2025 (Agence Europe) – The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation came into force on Tuesday 11 February, following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on Tuesday 21 January (see EUROPE 13563/28). The European Commission has stated that it will now focus on “implementation”. By reducing the production of packaging waste and setting binding targets for reuse, the regulation should help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and environmental costs in the packaging industry. A single market for waste, secondary and reusable materials will be developed. Packaging will have to be more durable, enabling consumers to reuse and sort their waste more effectively. According to the European Commission, this is a “key step towards a more circular, sustainable and competitive economy for the EU”. (FS)