EU packaging rules push Styrian retailers toward less plastic

New European Union packaging rules came into force on Wednesday, prompting initial changes in food shops in Styria, ORF reported. The regulation aims to reduce plastic waste and increase the amount of recyclable waste, although several details of its implementation remain unresolved.

Newly produced coffee-to-go cups and pizza boxes, for example, may no longer have a coating. From August 2028, packaging must indicate which waste bin it belongs in. From January 2030, unprocessed fruit and vegetables may no longer be sold in single-use plastic packaging, and small portions of jam or butter may no longer be offered in individual packaging at breakfast buffets.

Uncoated paper arrives in delicatessen departments

Manuela Klammler-Almer, chairwoman of the Styrian food retail association, said the regulation would initially affect retailers only indirectly because they depend on suppliers and producers to manufacture packaging paper and blister packs. During the transition period, suppliers are expected to use up pre-produced stock before switching to new materials.

Some food shops in Styria have already received uncoated paper for wrapping sausage and meat products in delicatessen departments. However, it remains unclear how products such as pastries will be handled in future. They are currently delivered frozen in plastic packaging, then thawed and sold in the same packaging.

Waste sector expects benefits

Christian Schreyer, managing director of the umbrella organisation of Styrian waste management associations, said many questions were still open but described the rules as sensible and positive for consumers.

He also expects economic benefits for recycling companies. More recyclable PET packaging on the market would help recyclers obtain the material needed to meet blending obligations domestically. In the past, he said, companies had sometimes depended on imports from Asia to meet those requirements.