What the Commission has launched
On 21 October 2026, the European Commission (DG Environment) opened a public consultation on bio-based feedstock used in plastic packaging. Contributions are welcome until 13 January 2027. The exercise forms part of the review under Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. [1, 2, 3]
- Consultation opened
- 21 October 2026
- Feedback deadline
- 13 January 2027
- Legal status
- Consultation, not new law
Evidence the Commission is seeking
The Commission is asking stakeholders about the availability and technological performance of bio-based feedstock, environmental impacts, sustainable sourcing and production, recycling routes and the consequences of different regulatory options. It is assessing whether possible demand-side measures or targets for bio-based content could be combined with sustainability requirements. [2]
Packaging makers and converters, raw-material suppliers, bio-based plastics producers, recyclers, food-contact packaging businesses, brand owners, retailers, public authorities, researchers, NGOs and consumers may participate. [1, 2]
No new binding duty has been adopted
The consultation itself creates no new mandatory bio-based content quota, certification requirement or universal Digital Product Passport duty for packaging. Feedback will support a Commission assessment that may lead to a legislative proposal. The consultation does not set an application date for new content quotas or new penalties. Existing PPWR requirements must still be assessed separately. [1, 2, 3]
Preparing packaging records in NexusDPP
Companies can inventory packaging identity, material composition and declared percentages, feedstock provenance, suppliers, sustainability criteria and supporting evidence. Food-contact packaging warrants a separate food-contact assessment. Digital records can help maintain and review evidence, but this consultation alone imposes no new Digital Product Passport function.
See also the article on Italian Law 173/2026 and NexusDPP's packaging guide.
Official sources
Information verified against European Commission primary sources on 23 October 2026. Regulatory options are not binding requirements.