PET bottles get a new look: 25% recycled content mandatory from January

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 09. 29. 12:03

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New regulations for PET bottles will come into effect from January 1st: every bottle put on the market must contain at least 25% recycled plastic. The goal is to reach 30% by 2030, and 50% in the longer term. The measure is aligned with the European Union’s directive on single-use plastics, and in Hungary the details are set out in a government decree.

One of the most visible consequences of the change is that the appearance of the bottles may also change: a darker shade, a slightly yellowish tone and a less shiny surface may become common on store shelves. It is important, however, that this is not a quality problem, but a characteristic of the recycled raw material.

According to MOHU, the new bottles are just as safe and durable as the versions made of virgin plastic. The measure can replace up to 15,000 tons of primary plastic in Hungary annually, significantly reducing the environmental burden.

The move is part of a process that began with the introduction of screw-on caps and bottle return machines, which aims to strengthen the circular economy and reduce plastic waste.