22/08/2026
Jules Crystal Design 🍄 by Iulia I rarely get into politics, and I even more rarely post negative things on this page, because that is simply not the message I want to put out into the world.
But this… this is affecting so many of us that I feel like it is my duty to raise awareness and try to fight it.
Very few people know about these new regulations, and I can’t even blame them. I probably wouldn’t either if they didn’t affect me so directly.
It breaks my heart to see incredibly talented artists and makers already struggling to get by in this economy, only to have another obstacle put in their way.
For small businesses selling across the EU, complying with different national packaging systems can mean hours of research, registrations, reporting, fees and additional requirements. Across multiple countries, those costs can quickly add up.
And some of us might only send a handful of packages to each country.
So what do we do? Pay to comply without knowing if we’ll ever make enough sales there to cover the costs? Or simply stop shipping to customers in countries we can’t afford to comply with?
For years, I’ve tried to make my business as mindful as possible.
I reuse every box and piece of bubble wrap I receive.
I recycle every bit of paper I can.
I don’t brand my little bags so you can reuse them.
I avoid plastic in my packaging wherever I can.
I’m one person, making tiny things with my own hands and sending a handful of them around the world.
Meanwhile, gigantic corporations have the money, departments and resources to adapt. Small businesses don’t.
Europe has centuries of craftsmanship and handmade tradition. Small makers help keep that alive.
We should be helping them prosper, not making it harder for them to reach the people who value their work.
I understand why packaging waste needs to be addressed. I just don’t believe the smallest businesses should be collateral damage in doing so.
I am deeply disappointed, EU.
Please share this 🤍 We need people to know what is happening.
Carousel inspiration: Alina | Humblebee Atelier 🐝
