EU packaging rules evolve as Polish water safety alerts issued

The European Union is implementing progressive changes to beverage packaging to reduce plastic waste. Following the July 2024 mandate requiring caps to remain attached to single-use containers up to 3 liters, new regulations focus on material composition. Producers must increase the use of recycled plastic (rPET), which may result in bottles having a slightly greyish, yellowish, or less transparent appearance.

Separately, in Poland, health authorities have issued urgent water safety warnings for residents in Kotlin, Orpiszewek, and parts of Magnuszewice. Recent testing in the Kotlin supply zone detected E. coli bacteria at three units per 100 ml, exceeding the required zero standard. Due to this contamination and elevated microbial counts, Sanepid advises that water must be boiled for at least two minutes before being used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing produce. Unboiled tap water should currently only be used for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets.