2025 Plastic Packaging Regulations Update: EPR, PFAS Ban and Plastic Restrictions

Plastic Packaging RegulationsIn 2025, the packaging industry entered a period of intense regulatory change. According to monitoring by the World Packaging Organization (WPO), 127 packaging-related regulatory amendments were introduced globally in 2025, of which 78 concerned plastic packaging. This marked the most active year ever for regulatory changes in the packaging sector.

ForCustom Plastic PackagingFor enterprises,Plastic Packaging RegulationsCompliance is no longer just the responsibility of the compliance department, but a core variable that directly determines whether a product can be sold, where it can be sold, and whether production lines need to be redesigned.

EPR Expansion: From 1. “Who produces, who is responsible” to 2. “Who sells, who is responsible” 3.

The core logic change of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)

Traditional EPR only addresses who pays for waste disposal (0), while the new trend in 2025 is (1).Full-chain responsibility：

> Practical ImpactIf yourCustom Plastic PackagingCustomers primarily engaged in e-commerce must label the packaging with producer information (even under the platform’s name) starting from 2025, otherwise they will not be able to legally sell products in the EU and California.

How should plastic packaging companies respond to the expansion of EPR?

1. Create a Packaging Material Passport(Packaging Passport): Records the composition, recyclability, and recycling pathway of each material layer
2. Plan for Recyclable Design in AdvanceThe single-material (Mon-Material) structure is eligible for a 30%-50% reduction in EPR fees.
3. Collaborate with compliant service providersSuch as Germany’s Dual System (Der Grüne Punkt), China’s Green Cycle Platform, completing multi-country reporting in one go

PFAS Ban: Retirement Schedule for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

What is PFAS and why is it regulated for plastic packaging? (Core controlled substances in plastic packaging regulations)

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of chemicals used forWaterproof and Oil-Resistant CoatingChemical substances widely used for:

Oil-Resistant Coating for Fast Food Packaging Paper
Leak-proof treatment of coffee cup lids
Anti-fog agents for certain plastic films

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” — they do not break down in the environment and accumulate continuously in the human body and ecosystems. In 2025, the PFAS ban will move from “recommended attention” to “mandatory enforcement”:

PFAS Alternatives under Plastic Packaging Regulations

Key NotesIfCustom Plastic PackagingThe end-market for the customer includes the EU or the US, so we need to initiate PFAS alternative testing immediately. Do not wait until regulations take effect and then face product removal.

New Expansion of the Plastic Bag Restriction Policy: From 0 Single-use Plastics 1 to 2 Flexible Packaging 3 (Important Updates to Plastic Packaging Regulations)

Major Changes in the Scope of the Plastic Bag Restriction Policy (Core Content of Plastic Packaging Regulations)

Before 2025, the plastic restriction policy (a key component of plastic packaging regulations) mainly targeted rigid single-use items such as disposable plastic cutlery, straws, and cotton swabs. The new trend in 2025 isInclude flexible packaging in the restrictions：

– EUStarting from 2025, single-use small-sized packaging for toiletries in hotel settings will be prohibited.<20ml） - Hainan, ChinaStarting from 2025, the proportion of non-degradable materials in express delivery soft packaging shall not exceed 30%.
– IndiaStarting from 2025, non-recyclable multi-layer composite soft packaging will be subject to a plastic tax of 18% of the production cost.
– AustraliaFrom 2025, packaging exported to Australia must be labeled with recyclability level 0 (A-F grades).

Compliance Pathways for Plastic Packaging Regulations in Flexible Packaging

Plastic Packaging Regulations: A Quick Overview of Compliance Requirements in Four Major Markets

Chinese Market (Core Market for Plastic Packaging Regulations)

– Mandatory StandardsGB 4806.1-2016 (Safety of Food Contact Materials), GB/T 16716.1-2018 (Packaging and Packaging Waste)
– 14th Five-Year Plan additionsStarting from 2028, e-commerce express packaging must use biodegradable materials of at least 40%.
– Local regulationsHainan, Shenzhen, and Shanghai have stricter requirements and need to be checked separately.

Regulatory Requirements for Plastic Packaging in the EU Market

– PPWR(Effective February 2025): Harmonizing recyclability requirements for packaging across the entire EU
– PFAS Ban(February 2025): Prohibition of all PFAS substances
– EPR Expansion(January 2025): Soft packaging included in producer responsibility

Plastic Packaging Regulations in the US Market

– California SB 54100% recyclable or compostable packaging materials by 2032
– EPA PFAS StandardsDrinking Water Standards Affect Food Contact Materials
– State-level EPRCalifornia, Colorado, and Washington have implemented

Plastic Packaging Regulations Requirements in the Southeast Asian Market

– ThailandImported packaging containing PFAS will require additional testing starting in 2025.
– VietnamAn environmental tax will be imposed on non-recyclable multi-layer flexible packaging starting from 2025.
– SingaporeAll imported packaging from 2025 onwards must provide a material composition declaration.

If your product needs to meet compliance requirements for multiple markets simultaneously, we recommend referring to our [Export Packaging Compliance Guide](#) to develop a universal compliance packaging solution, avoiding the need for separate moldings for each market.

Summary: Regulatory Compliance Framework for Plastic Packaging Enterprises

Looking Back at 2025Plastic Packaging RegulationsThe overall picture shows that enterprises need to take synchronized actions at three levels:

1. Material LevelComplete PFAS alternative solution validation within 6 months and achieve single-material structure transformation within 12 months.
2. Certification LevelAchieve recyclability/compostability certification in target markets by 2025, seizing compliance leadership advantage.
3. Supply Chain LevelEstablish a material passport system to ensure compliance certificates are provided to downstream brand owners.

Regulations are not zero cost, but rather a threshold—enterprises that cross the threshold will exclusively enjoy the market space left behind by competitors who were excluded.

Need a professional packaging compliance solution? Contact Hasupack’s expert team for regulatory guidance and packaging upgrade recommendations tailored to your target market.

Additionally, if your food-related customers also need to understand the regulatory compliance requirements for flexible packaging, you may also refer to our sibling brand’s Food Flexible Packaging Compliance Guide for integrated compliance recommendations covering both rigid and flexible packaging.

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Reference: World Packaging Organization (WPO) “Global Packaging Regulatory Monitoring Report 2025,” EU Commission PPWR Regulation text (effective February 2025), and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment “List of Key Controlled New Pollutants (2025 Edition)”