What this screen covers
This screen looks only at empty space and packaging minimisation under Regulation (EU) 2025/40. It is separate from labelling dates, reuse-system duties, and a general PPWR readiness check.
The 50 percent rule
Grouped packaging, transport packaging, and e-commerce packaging can fall under a maximum empty-space ratio of 50 percent.
2030 and the implementing act
Sales-packaging minimisation is dated 2028-02-12. Article 10 weight and volume minimisation is dated 2030-01-01. The Article 24(1) 50 percent rule is the later of 2030-01-01 and three years after the Article 24(2) implementing act enters into force.
Sales packaging
Sales packaging has no generic 50 percent threshold.
Filling materials
Paper cuttings, air cushions, bubble wrap, foam, wood wool, and polystyrene chips count as empty space. This screen does not treat those materials as banned.
Article 10 minimisation
Article 10 looks at design that reduces weight and volume to the minimum needed for functionality. Annex IV performance criteria are part of that review.
Perceived volume
Double walls, false bottoms, and extra layers used to increase perceived volume need review. The result does not declare a prohibition.
Protective space
Space needed for protection, settlement, headspace, food air, or protective gas is not treated as excessive empty space by itself. Sales packaging used as e-commerce packaging, and reusable packaging in a re-use system, may follow Article 24(5). Article 10 still stays in the review.
Examples
- E-commerce packaging after the effective date and above 50 percent asks for review.
- Transport packaging at or under 50 percent stays on the rule without a compliance finding.
- Sales packaging in March 2028 follows minimisation, not a generic 50 percent rule.
- Required headspace is a special-functionality review.
- A double wall used to increase perceived volume is a design review.
- Sales packaging used as e-commerce packaging notes Article 24(5) while Article 10 remains.
Limits
Screen the PPWR empty-space ratio, the 50 percent rule, 2030 and implementing-act timing, sales packaging, filling materials, and Article 10 minimisation. This screen looks only at empty space and packaging minimisation under Regulation (EU) 2025/40. It is separate from labelling dates, reuse-system duties, and a general PPWR readiness check.