EU PPWR FAQs Updated August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 47
Other examples and other guiding principles will be provided in the guidelines. As regards B2B
situations, they are not covered by the ban.
The Commission guidelines will further specify how the term 8necessary to facilitate handling9 will
be operationalised, through illustrative examples.
5) Are biodegradable or compostable bags banned by Annex V, point 6?
All very lightweight plastic carrier bags (thus including compostable or biodegradable bags) are
banned under Annex V, point 6. However, if such bags are needed for hygiene purposes or provided
as sales packaging for loose food to prevent food waste, they are excluded from this harmonised
ban.
Very lightweight plastic carrier bags, which are needed for hygiene purposes or provided as sales
packaging for loose food to prevent food waste9, although not banned by Annex V, point 6, are in
principle included in the 40% reduction target set out in Article 34(1) PPWR for all lightweight
plastic carrier bags. However, Member States may decide to exempt that specific type of bag from
the reduction target (Article 34(4) PPWR). To reach the 40% target, Member States may decide to
ban very lightweight plastic carrier bags, including compostable or biodegradable bags, which are
needed for hygiene purposes or provided as sales packaging for loose food to prevent food waste
However, marketing restrictions (bans) by Members States must be proportionate and
nondiscriminatory (Article 34(2) PPWR).
6) Can hotel miniature cosmetics be available on demand? Can derogations for products
packaged for hygienic reasons, such as toothbrush and cotton pads, be expected?
Annex V, point 5, refers to 8single-use accommodation sector packaging intended for an individual
booking9.
The Regulation does not define the terms 8cosmetics, hygiene and toiletry product9, nor does it
exempt miniature packaging available on demand or purchased at the hotel premises, but only
those intended for an individual booking. To ensure a harmonised approach, the Commission is
mandated to explain Annex V in more detail, including examples of the packaging formats in scope,
and any exemptions from the restrictions, by publishing guidelines by 12 February 2027 (Article
25(6) PPWR). The timely adoption of the Commission guidelines will ensure that the scope of the
provision is sufficiently clear almost three years ahead of the application date.
The Commission intends to consult the relevant stakeholders, including the hospitality sector,
before publishing them. Furthermore, it should be recalled that only packaging is banned and not
products as such, which could therefore still be made available without packaging.
7) Will single-use plastic food and beverage packaging be banned from entertainment
and sporting events and festivals?
Sport and entertainment venues and festivals are included in the 8HORECA9 definition (Article
3(1), point (35)), which refers to 8Accommodation and Food Service Activities according to NACE
Rev. 2 3 Statistical classification of economic activities. NACE Rev. 2 includes guidance which
explains that the decisive element is that meals, including beverages, fit for immediate consumption
are offered at the facility, and not the kind of facility providing them. However, establishments in
the HORECA sector that do not have access to drinking water are expressly exempted from the
ban, pursuant to Annex V, point 3.
8) Is hotel room service covered by the ban in Annex V, point 3? How about if a hotel
delivers food outside the restaurant9s premises?
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