PPWR empty space ratio

Two obligations sit under Article 24 and behave differently. The 50 % empty space ratio has no determined start date, while the duty to reduce empty space in sales packaging to the minimum necessary applies from 12 February 2028 as a fixed date.

The ratio waits on Article 24(2) implementing acts, due 12 February 2028, which define how empty space is measured at all. The 2028 duty does not: for products that settle, fill is assessed at the moment of filling, and filling materials count as empty space rather than as content. Two obligations, one article, one date you can plan against and one you cannot — which is exactly the distinction the platform is built to keep.