Packaging, waste and deforestation: the regulatory keys for the agri-food industry in 2025

January 20, 2025

AINIA

This year will be full of important legislative developments that will transform the agri-food sector. Among the most notable initiatives are the National Food Strategy, which will be presented by the Ministry of Agriculture at the beginning of 2025, and the launch of the European Agriculture and Food Board, promoted by the European Commission. However, beyond these far-reaching measures, other specific regulations will have a direct impact on the sector. 

Packaging and waste regulations: sustainability as a priority 

The beginning of 2025 brings with it the publication of the New Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste, which is expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) this January. This legislation introduces ambitious targets for 2030 and 2040, such as increasing the use of recycled materials, reducing the weight and volume of packaging, and phasing out substances of concern, such as PFAS. 

AINIA's Head of Regulatory Affairs, Jose Maria Ferrer, points out that issues related to the Labelling and consumer information, aspects that the Ministry for Ecological Transition is already harmonizing with Royal Decree 1055/2022 through an interpretative note. 

Food Waste Prevention Act: In the Final Stretch 

The bill to prevent food loss and waste, which is currently in the Senate, will continue its process in the first months of 2025. Everything indicates that this initiative will see the light of day this year, after incorporating amendments that strengthen key aspects such as the concept of agents in the food chain and good practices to encourage the sale of products with best-before or expiration dates close to the end. 

Among the novelties, the creation of a National Strategic Plan and regional programmes to reduce food waste. According to José María Ferrer, these measures aim to promote responsible consumption at all stages of the food chain. 

Reflation: Transparency to protect consumers 

Another central issue will be the approval of a bill to combat redundancy, a practice that consists of reducing the quantity of a product while maintaining the price or even increasing it. According to a recent study, 54% of consumers in Spain have detected this situation, especially in foods such as snacks, bread, pasta and sweets. 

The new regulations will require clear and visible information to be provided about any reduction in the content of a product that entails an increase in the price per unit of measurement. This obligation to provide information must be fulfilled at the point of sale for at least 90 days from the marketing of the modified product. 

Restrictions on products associated with deforestation 

Deforestation will also be a critical issue in 2025 with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115. This regulation prohibits the sale in the European Union of products linked to deforestation and forest degradation. 

AINIA's Head of Regulatory Affairs, José María Ferrer, highlights that large companies must comply with these requirements before December 30, 2025, while micro and small companies will have until June 2026 to adapt. This regulation poses significant challenges for the marketing and export of raw materials, but also reinforces the sector's commitment to sustainability. 

These regulations, together with other national and European measures, make up an agri-food agenda for 2025 focused on sustainability, transparency and consumer protection. AINIA will continue to support companies in adapting to these new legislative challenges. 

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