In recent years, the improvement of environmental awareness has made the selection of packaging materials increasingly important. As one of the world's largest economies, the European Union has increasingly strict requirements for packaging materials. According to Article 3 of the EU Packaging Materials Directive (94/62/EC), packaging refers to all consumable resources used to contain, protect, handle, transport, and present goods, covering from raw materials to processes, from producers to consumers. So, what are the EU's requirements for packaging materials?

1、 What are the EU packaging requirements?

General packaging: the minimum concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and Hexavalent chromium is 100 ppm (based on weight).

Recycled materials: The use of recycled materials in new packaging is regulated by REACH regulations.

Food contact materials: Refer to the EU Food Contact Materials (FCM) requirements.

Plastic materials: The EU plastic regulations include a list of authorized substances that can be used in plastic materials in contact with food.

Recycled plastic materials: To sell materials and items made of recycled plastic, these materials and items must only include recycled plastic purchased through an approved recycling process.


2、 How to comply with EU packaging requirements?

1. The packaging volume and weight must be a minimum quantity to maintain the necessary safety, hygiene, and acceptance levels for the packaged product and consumers

2. The manufacturing of packaging must allow for reuse or recycling according to specific requirements

3. Harmful substances inside the packaging must be minimized in terms of emissions, ash content, or leaching from incineration or landfill sites

In addition, there are heavy metal restrictions on cadmium, mercury, lead, and chromium VI in packaging and packaging components. The total weight of such metals shall not exceed 100 ppm.