plastic containers for food - Regulation (EU) 2025/351: Stricter Measures on Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

Regulation (EU) 2025/351: Stricter Measures on Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

Regulations & Policy, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

The European Commission has introduced Regulation (EU) 2025/351, aimed at enhancing food safety through stricter controls on food contact materials (FCMs). This regulation amends existing frameworks on plastics, good manufacturing practices (GMPs), and recycling standards, ensuring consumer protection while promoting sustainability.   Clarification of Definitions One of the significant changes introduced by Regulation (EU) 2025/351…

European Commission Approves € 500 Million French Chemical Recycling Scheme

New Technologies, Όλα τα Νέα

The European Commission has approved a € 500 million initiative proposed by France for a chemical recycling scheme that supports certain types of plastic waste. This initiative aligns with EU circular economy goals outlined in the European Commission’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.   Materials and Funding of the Chemical Recycling Scheme The project targets various…

drs in england photo

New DRS in England and Northern Ireland

Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, Όλα τα Νέα

Following last year’s announcement of the UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launch in October 2027, the UK Government has formally introduced new regulations for a DRS, aimed at improving recycling rates for single-use drink containers in England and Northern Ireland. While the initiative marks a significant step toward tackling waste, industry leaders have raised concerns…

Λεπτομέρειες για το Σύστημα Επιστροφής Εγγύησης στις Συσκευασίες Ποτών (DRS)

Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, Όλα τα Νέα

Με την εφαρμογή του συστήματος επιστροφής εγγύησης (ΣΕΕ) για συσκευασίες ποτών μιας χρήσης από πλαστικό και μέταλλο να πλησιάζει, αναλύουμε όλες τις λεπτομέρειες σχετικά με τις υποχρεώσεις καταναλωτών και προμηθευτών, καθώς και το εγγυοδοτικό αντίτιμο, αλλά και τα σημεία και τρόπους επιστροφής των συσκευασιών.   Τι είναι το Σύστημα Επιστροφής Εγγύησης; Το σύστημα επιστροφής εγγύησης…

Belgium Packaging Waste Regulations 2024, EPR framework in Belgium, Sustainable packaging laws

Belgium Strengthens Packaging Waste Regulations for Businesses

Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

Belgium has introduced stricter national regulations regarding packaging waste management to promote sustainability and enhance recycling efforts. These updated laws require businesses to adhere more strictly to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, ensuring greater accountability in the lifecycle management of packaging materials.   The Evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) The EPR system, originally…

Switzerland Tightens Regulations on Food Contact Plastics and Packaging Inks

Switzerland Tightens Regulations on Food Contact Plastics

National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

Switzerland has revised its regulations on food contact materials, specifically targeting plastics and packaging inks. These changes, published in Official Collection 2024 755, have come into force from January 1, 2025. The amendments focus on enhancing consumer safety by tightening restrictions on certain chemical substances used in the production of these materials.   Key Amendments…

Japan Food Contact Materials Regulation

Japan’s Upcoming Food Contact Material Regulation

National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

Japan has been making significant changes to its regulatory framework for food contact materials (FCMs), set to take effect on June 1, 2025. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has finalized the structure of the Positive List (PL) system for synthetic resin materials, marking a major shift in how chemicals used in food-related utensils,…

bpa bps bisphenol a

EU Ban on Bisphenol A in Food Contact Materials

National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

In December 19, 2024, the European Commission (EC) introduced Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, enforcing a strict ban on bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food-contact materials. This measure aims to enhance consumer safety by eliminating harmful chemicals from products like plastics, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks.   The Ban This regulation enforces a broad…

plastic waste for PPWR

PPWR formally adopted by The EU Council

National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

On 16th of December, the EU Council formally adopted the Package and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainability. The rules set binding targets for re-use, restrict specific single-use packaging types, and require businesses to minimize packaging across its entire life cycle.   Safe, Sustainable, and Recyclable Packaging The regulation…

Germany Regulations on Food Contact Materials: Key Updates for 2024 - Paper food packaging

Germany Regulations on Food Contact Materials: Key Updates for 2024

National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

In August 2024, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) announced significant updates to its recommendations for materials and articles that come into contact with food. These changes, which apply to silicones, paper and board, specialized baking papers, and temperature-resistant coatings, are already in effect. While all five revised guidelines introduce noteworthy updates, the…

global recycling progress -

BIR: Trade Restrictions Jeopardize Global Recycling Progress

Corporate Updates, Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, Όλα τα Νέα

The Bureau for International Recycling (BIR), representing over 30,000 companies across 73 nations, has raised concerns about the adverse effects of restrictive trade policies on recycled materials. A recent position paper, approved by the World Council of Recycling Associations in Singapore, highlights how these trade barriers undermine the recycling industry’s potential to drive sustainable practices…