EU directive lifts restrictions on food packaging sizes from 2009

Restrictions on food packaging are to be relaxed following the introduction of a new European directive that will deregulate fixed packaging sizes for a number of products.

From April 2009, it will be possible for companies to pack a range of foods in different sizes, which could free them to develop more innovative packaging.

However, restrictions on the sizes of packs for milk, butter, pasta, coffee and white sugar will stay in place for up to five years longer, and the government will consult during this period on when to relax these rules.

The original regulations were introduced in the 1960s to ensure consumer confidence in standardised sizes of pre-packaged foods.

However, these days most pre-packaged foods are required to carry quantity information, making fixed packaging rules redundant.

Science and innovation minister Ian Pearson said: "The new Directive frees up UK manufacturers to innovate in how they package and market their products."

Foods that will be de-regulated under the new directive:

Breakfast cereals
Chocolate products
Flour
Honey
Jam and marmalade
Potatoes
Salt
Tea
Potatoes
Bread

Source: packagingnews