As of August 12, 2026, the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) states:
From the moment the product is placed on the market—without exception.
Permeable tea and coffee bags, tea bags, and coffee capsules now officially fall under the European definition of packaging.
This legal classification has far-reaching consequences for the coffee and tea industries.
Consequences for Companies
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Registration, participation in a management system, and volume reporting are now mandatory for these products.
• Technical Documentation: Complete documentation of material compositions and compliance must be available.
• Authorized Representative Requirement: Anyone importing single-serve products from abroad into Germany has been required to appoint an authorized representative since August 12, 2026. Failure to do so may result in sales bans and cease-and-desist letters.
The next deadline is fast approaching: February 12, 2028
Starting in mid-February 2028, permeable tea bags, coffee pods, and soft single-serve units in the EU must be industrially compostable (according to EN 13432).
This represents a tight timeframe within the product life cycle for switching to new filter materials, coordinating with suppliers, and providing proof of compliance.
Differentiation for Capsules: Case-by-Case Assessment Required!
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the entire product range.
A compostable coffee pod, a traditional tea bag, and an aluminum capsule are treated differently under the law (composting requirement vs. recycling stream by 2030).
A detailed product analysis is therefore essential.
Our tip: Don’t wait until 2028. Review your material compositions now and adapt your supply chains to the new EPR requirements.
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