EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD): Packaging Requirements & Compliance Guide
The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) is one of the most important environmental regulations affecting packaging in Europe.
For B2B buyers and suppliers, the key question is not political intent, but whether a specific product or packaging type is affected, and what actions are required to stay compliant.
This page explains SUPD requirements in practical terms, focusing on packaging relevance, compliance risks, and how the directive interacts with compostable packaging standards.
What Is the SUPD (Directive (EU) 2019/904)?
The SUPD, formally known as Directive (EU) 2019/904, aims to reduce the environmental impact of certain plastic products.
It targets single-use plastic products that are commonly found in litter and marine environments. The directive introduces bans, restrictions, design requirements, labeling rules, and producer responsibility obligations.
SUPD does not regulate all plastics. Instead, it focuses on specific product categories and usage patterns.
Is Your Product “In Scope”? A Simple B2B Decision Flow
Before reviewing detailed rules, B2B buyers often ask a simple question: Is my product or packaging covered by SUPD?
A practical way to assess scope is to ask:
- Is the product intended for single use?
- Does it contain plastic, even partially?
- Is it listed in the SUPD product categories (Annex)?
- Is it placed on the EU market after the directive’s effective dates?
If the answer to most of these questions is “yes,” SUPD requirements are likely relevant.
What the SUPD Requires: Core Measures Explained
SUPD introduces several core measures that affect packaging and packaged products.
Market Restrictions and Bans
Certain single-use plastic products and oxo-degradable plastics are prohibited from being placed on the EU market.
Consumption Reduction
Member States must reduce consumption of certain single-use plastic items through national measures.
Product Design Requirements
Some products must meet specific design rules, such as attached caps for beverage containers.
Marking and Labeling
Selected products must display standardized EU pictograms informing users about plastic content and disposal.
Separate Collection Targets
Member States must meet collection targets for plastic beverage bottles, including 77% by 2025 and 90% by 2029.
These measures work together to reduce waste and improve collection outcomes.
SUPD Marking Requirements: What Must Be Labeled
SUPD introduces harmonised marking requirements for certain product categories.
Products such as beverage cups, wet wipes, sanitary products, and tobacco filters must display a standardized pictogram. The goal is to inform users that the product contains plastic and should not be littered.
For packaging buyers, this means:
- Marking is not optional for affected products
- Pictograms must follow official EU specifications
- Incorrect or missing marking can create compliance risk
Product Design Requirement: Tethered Caps (From July 2024)
One of the most visible SUPD requirements is the tethered caps requirement.
From 3 July 2024, certain beverage containers must have caps that remain attached to the container during use.
This requirement affects product design and sourcing decisions, especially for beverage packaging and closures.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Under SUPD
SUPD strengthens Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations for certain product categories.
Under EPR, producers may be required to cover:
- Waste collection costs
- Cleanup of litter
- Consumer awareness measures
For B2B buyers, this means packaging choices can influence reporting obligations and cost allocation, even if the packaging itself is compliant with material standards.
Compostable Packaging and SUPD: Common Misunderstandings
A common misconception is that compostable packaging is automatically exempt from SUPD.
This is not always true.
SUPD focuses on product type and use, not marketing claims. A compostable product may still fall under SUPD if it meets the definition of a single-use plastic product.
To avoid confusion:
- Use certified compostable claims carefully
- Understand when compostable standards apply
- Do not assume compostability overrides SUPD obligations
For execution-level guidance, see EN 13432 Requirements
For standard background, see EN 13432 Certification Guide
National Implementation Differences Across the EU
SUPD is an EU directive, which means it is implemented through national laws.
As a result:
- Enforcement levels differ by country
- Penalties and timelines may vary
- Interpretation of scope can change locally
For a country-by-country overview, see EU Compostable Packaging Regulations: Country Comparison Guide
SUPD Compliance Checklist (B2B-Oriented)
Use this checklist to assess SUPD relevance for your packaging:
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Is it listed as a SUP product? |
| Usage | Single-use or reusable context? |
| Plastic Content | Fully or partly plastic? |
| Marking | Is a pictogram required? |
| Design | Are tethered caps required? |
| EPR | Does the category trigger EPR duties? |
| Country | Are national rules confirmed? |
Key Takeaways on SUPD Compliance
- SUPD regulates specific single-use plastic products, not all plastics
- Compostable does not automatically mean exempt
- Marking, design, and EPR obligations matter for buyers
- National implementation differences must be checked
- SUPD and EN 13432 often apply together, not separately
Understanding SUPD early helps B2B buyers reduce compliance risk and make better packaging decisions.
