The European Union has begun applying a single set of packaging rules across all 27 member states, replacing national laws built on a directive dating from 1994. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation entered into force in February 2025 and applies directly from August 12, with no need for national transposition. The regulation also harmonises definitions such as manufacturer and producer, and adds traceability duties so authorities can identify who made packaging that breaks the rules. Member states face binding cuts in packaging waste per person of 5 per cent by 2030 and 15 per cent by 2040, measured against 2018. Europeans throw away about 180 kilogrammes of packaging each a year, an EU official told a briefing reported by Reuters.