Once upon a time, I ordered a simple eyebrow pencil online, only for it to arrive in a ridiculously large cardboard box, likely designed for delivery convenience. While most of the box was recyclable, that cannot be said for the typical CPU packaging.

For hardware enthusiasts, the thrill of new devices often mingles with dread at the sight of oversized CPU boxes filled with styrofoam peanuts, which are destined for landfills. Thankfully, as of February 11, new EU regulations are set to address this, reducing unnecessary CPU packaging (source: TechPowerUp).

The European Commission’s updated Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation aims to:

• Minimize the weight and volume of packaging
• Prevent unnecessary packaging

There’s speculation about whether bundled coolers offered by CPU manufacturers will become a thing of the past, as many users prefer third-party alternatives.

The EU has previously implemented regulations for standard charging ports and improved rights to repair. This new packaging law also grants manufacturers 18 months to adapt.

The PPWR’s future goals include:

• Making all packaging recyclable by 2030
• Reducing virgin material use by 2050

Overall, it’s an encouraging step toward less wasteful and more environmentally friendly practices in tech packaging.