Global Food Contact Material Regulations: Updates in the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Brazil

Global Food Contact Material Regulations: Updates in the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Brazil

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

Mid-2025 marks a pivotal wave of updates in food contact material (FCM) regulations across three diverse markets: the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Brazil. While the Netherlands and Indonesia focus on tightening chemical thresholds and harmonizing standards, Brazil sets contaminant standards for recycled cellulosic food-contact materials.   Netherlands Tightens Chemical Thresholds Across FCMs The Netherlands introduced amendments…

Food Contact Compliance for Packaging Manufacturers: U.S. and EU Regulations Comparer

Food Contact Compliance: US and EU Regulations Compared

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

In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is undergoing one of its most transformative regulatory shifts in decades. Prompted by public health concerns and administrative directives, changes in oversight of food contact materials (FCMs) now focus on post-market reassessment, elimination of loopholes, and alignment with best international practices. These reforms, anchored in a…

EU Rules for Chemically-Recycled PET in Plastic Bottles - Empty water bottles moving on conveyor belt in factory

EU Rules for Chemically-Recycled PET in Plastic Bottles

Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

In the European Commission’s latest publication, new draft rules have been put forward to standardize how companies calculate, verify and report chemically-recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles. This initiative is part of the EU’s push to achieve strict recycled content targets under the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), which demands 25 % recycled PET in…

FCM Rules - Switcherland

Switzerland Updates FCM Rules: BPA & Hazardous Bisphenols

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

Switzerland is strengthening its chemical safety rules for food contact materials (FCMs) and articles to match stricter European Union standards. On June 2, 2025, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) issued RO 2025 395 to amend the nation’s Food Contact Materials Ordinance (RS/SR 817.023.21). The updated measures took effect on July 1, 2025.…

Japanese man shopping in Supermarket -

Japan’s Positive List for FCMs: Final Guidance & 5 Year Transition

Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Όλα τα Νέα

In our previous article, we outlined Japan’s introduction of a Positive List (PL) system for food contact materials (FCMs) under the Food Sanitation Act. As the official enforcement date of June 1, 2025 passed, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) released crucial updates clarifying final procedures, exemptions, and a phased transition period.   Positive List: Finalized Substances and…

UK EPR Glass Packaging Fees 2025 Impact & Cost Comparison

UK EPR Packaging Fees 2025: Impact & Cost Comparison

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

The UK government’s newly confirmed base fees for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) have been welcomed by some packaging sectors but continue to draw concern from the glass packaging industry. The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) say the finalized fees give businesses much-needed certainty on the costs they will face…

EU REACH 2025 EU Tightens Chemical Safety

EU REACH 2025: DMAC, NEP Restrictions & New SVHCs

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

The European Union continues to push for safer chemicals by placing new restrictions on two commonly used industrial solvents and expanding its Candidate List of hazardous substances. Companies across Europe now face tighter rules under REACH, the EU’s chemical safety law, that aim to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.   Stricter Controls for DMAC…

The Berlaymont building - Green claims directive

The End of The Green Claims Directive?

Corporate Updates, National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Όλα τα Νέα

The European Commission has unexpectedly stepped back from its proposed Green Claims Directive; a policy aimed at tackling misleading environmental claims made by companies. The withdrawal was announced during the final days of the current European Parliament’s term, sparking frustration among environmental groups and parts of the packaging industry who see it as a missed…

Practical Guide for EU Packaging Rules

EUROPEN Launches Practical Guide for EU Packaging Rules

Industry Trends & Reports, National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Όλα τα Νέα

EUROPEN has introduced a new digital guide to support companies in understanding and complying with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This tool is designed to simplify a complex legal framework and offer clarity to stakeholders across the packaging supply chain.   Clear Overview and Practical Tools The guide delivers a streamlined…

Key Milestones of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

Key Milestones of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

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

Since its publication in the Official Journal on 22 January 2025, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (“PPWR”) has set a clear, phased timeline to transform packaging across the EU into sustainable, circular‐economy–friendly materials. From strict chemical limits and the first reusable packaging standards to binding recycled‐content requirements and “recycled at scale” targets, the PPWR charts a path from 12 August 2026 through 2035.…

Push to Strengthen EU Packaging Waste Legislation - plastic waste in bin

Push to Strengthen EU Packaging Waste Legislation

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

The Rethink Plastic Alliance has released a report urging the European Union to implement stronger measures to meet its packaging waste reduction objectives. The recommendations emphasize increased reuse targets, the rapid adoption of deposit return schemes, and financial incentives to encourage participation. The alliance, composed of multiple environmental organizations, analyzed existing legislation and proposed ways…

Summary of European Regulations Relevant to Packaging during 2024

Summary of European Regulations Relevant to Packaging In 2024

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

In 2024, European regulations made significant strides toward enhancing sustainability, promoting consumer protection, and addressing the environmental impacts of materials such as plastics and chemicals. These regulations, spanning various sectors from packaging waste to food contact materials, aim to establish a safer, greener future for the EU and its neighboring countries. This article highlights important…