Food packaging: changes to rules for recycled plastic

Food packaging containing recycled plastic also requires documentation and instructions for use. But what information do food producers need to receive and pass on? The European Commission is clarifying the rules for exchanging that information. It aims to avoid unnecessary administrative burdens at the end of the supply chain. Under certain conditions, food producers therefore do not need to provide a separate declaration with their shipments.

Regulation (EU) 2026/2376 amends the existing rules for recycled plastic intended for food contact. The changes cover declarations of compliance and traceability, among other requirements.

Packaging documentation

Businesses may only accept materials covered by the regulation if they come with an appropriate declaration of compliance. This also applies to food packaged in these materials. Food producers must use the packaging according to the instructions they receive. They must pass on applicable instructions to consumers or other food businesses.

A simplified Declaration C is being introduced for later production stages. It applies to materials whose composition will no longer be intentionally changed. Limited additions to the plastic are permitted under certain conditions. These additions may total no more than one percent by weight across all subsequent stages.

Exemption for food producers

The exemption from providing a declaration with shipments applies to deliveries to retailers. It also covers deliveries to distributors that supply retailers. Relevant information and instructions must be available through labeling or other appropriate documentation. Information on recycled content must match the declaration received.

Producers must still be able to provide a declaration upon request. If the request is part of an inspection by a competent authority, the deadline is ten working days. In other cases, they have twenty working days. They may pass on the declaration received from their supplier or issue a new one.

Entry into force and transition periods

The regulation enters into force on November 18, 2026. Transition periods apply to placing products on the market. These products must comply with the rules in place before this amendment.

For products requiring Declaration A or B, the transition period runs through February 18, 2027. For products requiring Declaration C or P, the deadline is May 18, 2027.

Materials and articles manufactured from these products may remain on the market until stocks are exhausted.

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