Flower packaging: what compliant florists use in 2026

Florists usually use transparent film, conical sleeves, carrier bags and decorative paper. Most of these formats are made of conventional plastic. From 12 August 2026, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) applies, and choosing packaging becomes a compliance decision, not only a matter of looks. This guide helps you choose correctly, especially before the spring season.

What changes for florists from 12 August 2026

Every piece of packaging placed on the market must come with an EU Declaration of Conformity, drawn up by the packaging manufacturer. As a florist, ask your supplier for this declaration.
Packaging already placed on the market before 12 August 2026 and held in distributors' stock does not need to meet the new requirements. You can use up old stock, but new orders must be compliant.
From 2030, packaging must be recyclable (grade A, B or C), and plastic packaging must include a minimum share of post-consumer recycled plastic. What you choose today affects what you can buy in 2030.
For deliveries, grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging cannot have more than 50% empty space from 2030. This matters for florists who deliver bouquets.
Pots and trays for plants, used only for sale and transport, are considered packaging.

EPR: who is responsible for florist packaging

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) means registration, reporting and paying a fee. As a rule, the producer is the one who places the packaging on the Romanian market for the first time. If you buy your packaging from a local supplier, the supplier is usually responsible. If you import it directly, you may be the producer. Check this with your supplier and with a specialist before your first order.

Which packaging you can choose

Transparent film and sleeves. The closest option to classic plastic is BioFlex, a bio-based plastic made with tapioca starch, with a translucent look. According to the manufacturer, the carbon reduction is between 10% and 40% compared with the standard version, and can reach about 100% for the renewable version. The storage life is 5 years, so seasonal stock is not a problem. Ask the manufacturer for evidence of these figures.

Bouquets delivered with plant residues. CompoFlex is a range that is compostable both at home and industrially, with TÜV Austria OK Compost HOME and INDUSTRIAL certification under EN 13432. The storage life is 9 months, so you order it by season. It is suitable when the packaging actually ends up together with plant residues. Standard floral foam is not compostable and must be separated from the packaging.

Carrier bags for counter sales. They can be made in any size, with 4 colour printing and several handle types. Production time for custom orders is 4-6 weeks from confirmation. You can also discuss options with recycled content, for example GRS certified recycled plastic.

Decorative paper. Choose plain paper, without lamination with plastic film or metallised layers, because combined materials are harder to recycle. The principle is mono-material: one material, easy to recycle.

Be careful with "bio" claims

Bio-based does not automatically mean recyclable or compostable. Check recyclability and compostability separately.
Bio-based content does not replace the recycled content requirement in PPWR. Marking it on the packaging is voluntary.
Compostable packaging has a limited role in PPWR. Flowers are not on the Article 9 list, and for packaging outside the list the general rule remains recyclability. Compostable is a niche option, which you check with your supplier and with the rules in your country.
Home composting depends on real conditions, so do not promise customers a guaranteed result. Do not use terms such as "biodegradable" without a certificate.

Order calendar for the spring season

For custom orders, production takes 4-6 weeks. For the spring season, around 8 March in Romania, place your order in January. Compostable packaging has a storage life of 9 months, so order it by season, not as large stock.

Checklist for florists

Ask each supplier for the EU Declaration of Conformity.
Check the material of each packaging item and avoid combinations of paper with glued film.
Ask for certificates (EN 13432, GRS) and evidence for environmental claims.
Clarify who the producer is for EPR.
Plan custom orders 6-8 weeks before the season.
Use up old stock before fully switching to the new options.

Conclusion

Florists do not have to give up attractive packaging, but they must choose in an informed way. Ask for documents, choose simple materials and plan orders early. This way you avoid compliance surprises and last minute costs.

Sources and recommended reading

How ECONOS can help

ECONOS helps you choose the right packaging for your flower shop. We check supplier documents, clarify EPR obligations and train your team for PPWR compliance.