EU waste packaging rules: Why small businesses are worried

EU waste packaging rules, effective Wednesday, impose stricter standards on PFAS chemicals—a type of "forever chemical"—in food-contact packaging. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to health issues like certain cancers. While exposure from food packaging is typically low, concerns exist about their long-term effects as these chemicals persist in the body and environment.

Alongside PFAS restrictions, bisphenol A (BPA) limits already in place continue. The new rules focus on enhancing sustainability and reducing packaging waste, with packaging needing to meet stricter environmental criteria. However, these changes have raised significant concerns among small businesses and online traders.

Many small businesses argue that the additional cost and administrative burden are too high, particularly for registering packaging in multiple EU countries. They claim the rules threaten cross-border trade and make compliance difficult, especially for those without dedicated compliance departments.

Critics like Händlerbund, the German online retailers association, argue that the rules impose a significant financial and logistical burden on small businesses, with no minimum quantities or exceptions for smaller enterprises. EU lawmakers have warned that the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) could lead to hefty costs for medium-sized firms.

Businesses have paused deliveries to and within the EU due to the new regulations. Some, like Swedish electronics maker iLabs Electronics, have halted web shop orders from EU countries, citing the excessive costs and administrative burdens.

A petition on change.org has gathered over 45,000 signatures, urging Brussels to reconsider the impact on micro-businesses. Despite the EU's goal to reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2040, packaging waste generation has risen by 20% over the past decade. The 215 kg of packaging waste per capita in Germany surpasses the EU average.