The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation tightens recyclability and reuse requirements for food packaging, while the Single-Use Plastics Directive continues to restrict certain plastic items. Food brands serving the European market need documented compliance for cups, trays and lids.
In the United States, several states have introduced extended producer responsibility laws that charge fees based on packaging recyclability. Mono-material PP and PET packaging with removable labels typically scores better than multi-layer structures.
For buyers, the practical moves are clear: favor mono-material cups, avoid PVC, specify water-based inks, and keep IML or shrink labels compatible with sorting streams. PLA remains a viable option where industrial composting is available.
Quanwei can provide material declarations, recyclability statements and test reports to support your compliance file. Send us your target markets and we will map the packaging requirements with you.
