EU Compliance Checklist: Plastics & Packaging (2025)

Stay Compliant. Stay Competitive.

Why this matters

Starting in 2025, new EU regulations require cleaning and service companies to reduce plastic use and manage packaging waste responsibly. This checklist will help you evaluate how well your business aligns with the latest EU directives—and where to improve.

Use it as a self-assessment tool to guide your sustainability strategy.

Plastics & Packaging – What You Need to Know

Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 201/904)

What is it?
This directive bans or restricts the use of certain single-use plastic items—especially where alternatives exist (e.g. plastic straws, cutlery, cotton swabs, bottles, and packaging).

Goal: Reduce plastic pollution and littering across the EU.

Official source: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/plastics/single-use-plastics_en

Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC)

What is it?
Regulates the design, production, and recycling of all packaging materials. The aim is to minimize packaging waste and improve recyclability and clarity in labeling.

Requirements include:

• Reducing the volume of packaging used
• Promoting recyclability
• Clear sorting instructions and labeling

Official sources: 👉 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste_en
👉 EUR-Lex virallinen direktiivi: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FI/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A31994L0062

Green Public Procurement (GPP) & Circular Economy Guidelines

What is it?
The EU’s Green Public Procurement criteria guide public sector purchases based on environmental impact—including in cleaning services. Companies that use less packaging, refillable solutions, or certified sustainable products are favored in tenders. 

Official source:: https://green-forum.ec.europa.eu/green-public-procurement/gpp-criteria-and-requirements_en

Next Steps for Your Business

Even small steps in reducing plastic can improve client relationships and increase success in public tenders.

Use this checklist to:

• Identify where plastic usage can be reduced 
• Set annual reduction targets 
• Improve how you communicate sustainability to clients and stakeholders

Explore plastic-free solutions

Read more about our sustainability practices

Note: This checklist provides a general overview and should not be considered a substitute for legal advice.

Sources & Further Reading:

• Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904):
  https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/plastics/single-use-plastics_en
  https://www.syke.fi/fi/tietoa-meista/uutiset/miten-kertakayttoisten-muovituotteiden-kulutusta-voidaan-vahentaa
• Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC):
  https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste_en
  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FI/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A31994L0062