New packaging rules now apply in France: what changes for consumers
From takeaway containers to online deliveries, these changes are being introduced
Published
France is affected by new EU rules aiming to reduce packaging waste and promote its easier reuse and recycling.
The new rules for packaging regulation apply from August 12, 2026, but the changes will be introduced gradually. The regulation covers packaging throughout its life cycle, from how it is designed and manufactured to how it is distributed, collected, recycled and reused.
In 2023, almost 80 million tonnes of packaging waste were generated across the EU, equivalent to 177.8kg per person, according to Eurostat. The figure was 21.2kg higher per person than in 2013.
Plastic packaging accounted for 35.3kg per person in 2023. Of this, 14.8kg was recycled, giving the EU a plastic packaging recycling rate of 42.1%. France's rate was considerably lower, at 25.7%.
The regulation notes that packaging accounts for around 36% of municipal solid waste, while 40% of plastics and 50% of paper used in the EU are used for packaging.
Compared with 2018 levels, EU countries must reduce packaging waste per person by:
5% by 2030
10% by 2035
15% by 2040
The European Commission wants packaging on the EU market to be recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
Here are incoming changes:
Consumers will be able to bring their own containers
The first change for consumers comes on February 12, 2027, as takeaway businesses must allow consumers to use their own containers for food or drinks.
They must not be charged more or receive less favourable conditions than those buying the same product in single-use packaging.
Additionally, from February 2028, takeaway businesses will also have to offer reusable packaging for takeaway food and drinks.
More opportunities to refill
From 2030, larger shops must endeavour to make space available for refill stations for food and non-food products.
Restaurants, cafes, bars and catering services will also be encouraged to offer tap water in reusable or refillable containers, where available, free of charge or for a low service fee.
Smaller parcels and less unnecessary packaging
Online shoppers are also set to witness a difference in the size of parcels. From 2030, grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging will generally be limited to a maximum 50% empty-space ratio.
The goal is to reduce unnecessary packaging when products are delivered.
Some single-use packaging will be banned
From 2030, certain types of single-use packaging will be prohibited. These include some small single-use formats for food and drinks, for example individual ketchup sachets and certain miniature hotel shampoo bottles.
Clearer recycling information
The new rules require companies to make packaging labels clearer to help consumers understand from what packaging is made and where it should be disposed.
This is set to make sorting waste easier and more consistent.
Restrictions on ‘forever chemicals’
Finally, the rules also introduce restrictions on PFAS, a group of chemicals sometimes used in food packaging because they repel grease and water.
If brands continue to use non-recyclable or environmentally harmful materials they will have to contribute in cleaning up the resulting waste.
