Major EU packaging rules to affect Croatian cafés, restaurants and hotels from August

ZAGREB, 13 June 2026 – Restaurants, cafés and hotels across the European Union, including Croatia, will face significant new packaging rules from August 2026 under the bloc’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

The legislation represents one of the biggest changes to packaging and packaging waste management in the EU in more than three decades, replacing the previous framework that allowed member states greater flexibility in how they addressed packaging waste.

Andrea Čović Vidović, Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia and Head of its Media Team, told HRT the first phase of implementation will begin in August 2026.

Among the most notable measures is a ban on the use of so-called “forever chemicals” in food packaging.

These substances, known for their persistence in the environment, have raised concerns due to their potential health impacts.

The regulation also introduces stricter limits on excessive packaging.

Packaging will no longer be allowed to contain more than 50 per cent empty space, while e-commerce packaging will face an even tighter restriction, with more than 40 per cent empty space prohibited.

The use of heavy metals in packaging will also be significantly restricted, with a maximum permitted concentration of 100 mg/kg.

Further changes are scheduled for February 2027, when hospitality businesses across the EU will be required to allow customers to bring their own containers for takeaway food and drinks.

From 2028, restaurants, cafés and other food service providers will also be obliged to offer reusable options for takeaway food and beverages.

Additional measures will come into force by 2030. Small single-use packaging items containing more than five per cent plastic, such as sugar sachets commonly used in hospitality settings, will be banned.

The same rule will apply to small hotel toiletries, including shampoo bottles.

The regulation forms part of wider EU efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling rates. Between 2025 and 2030, the EU aims to recycle at least 70 per cent of non-plastic packaging waste and at least 50 per cent of plastic packaging waste.

EU officials say the measures are intended to reduce packaging waste, encourage reuse and recycling, and support the transition towards a more circular economy across the bloc.