Regulatory Updates: EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

On 22 January 2025, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was published in the Official Journal of the EU.

The Regulation will enter into force on 11 February 2025 and will apply from 12 August 2026.

The Regulation will apply to all packaging and packaging waste, regardless of material used or from where it originates.

Some of the topics covered include:

  • Substances of concern- the sum of concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium, resulting from substances present in packaging, shall not exceed 100mg/kg
  • Recyclability
  • Recycled content- setting up minimum recycled content for packaging, to be applicable from 1st January 2030
  • Reuse and refill
  • Labelling- within 18 months the Commission shall establish harmonised label specifications for the labelling requirements and formats, including when provided through digital means, for the labelling of packaging and waste receptacles.
  • Compostability- within 3 years compostable packaging shall allow material recycling in accordance with Article 6, without affecting recyclability of other waste streams

Extended Producer Responsibility

A ban on certain types of packaging – From 1 January 2030, single-use accommodation sector packaging intended for an individual booking is prohibited. This applies to single-use packaging for cosmetic products, such as shampoo bottles, hand and body lotion bottles, and sachets around soap bars, that are intended for an individual booking only, to be discarded before the next guest arrives.

For more information on these changes, contact our team at clientservices@melbecmicrobiology.co.uk.

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