A coalition of 78 organizations from the European reusable packaging sector has jointly called on the European Commission to establish a clear and enforceable symbol that distinguishes reusable packaging from single-use alternatives. Industry Unites for Clarity in Reuse Labelling Led by the New European Reuse Alliance and Reusable Packaging Europe, the statement expresses support…
Denmark has completed a public consultation on its proposed draft governing food contact materials (FCMs) and articles, a move that could reshape the nation’s packaging standards. We outline the main points of the proposed Executive Order, its scope and the implications for businesses. If approved, the new rules will come into effect on January 1,…
Governments across Africa have introduced a wave of new packaging regulations in 2025, focusing on extended producer responsibility (EPR), bans on single-use plastics, and harmonization of technical standards. These measures aim to reduce waste, encourage recycling, and align national policies with international trade requirements. This article highlights the most recent developments, from Kenya’s EPR rollout…
On September 1st 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced a proposal to add three substances to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). A public consultation on the proposal is now open and will run until October 16, 2025. Substances Under Review The substances under review are: 4,4′-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its…
India’s rPET industry (recycled PET) is facing turbulence after amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules created uncertainty around recycled content obligations. The Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat), which represents Indian recycling companies, has warned that brand owners are stalling procurement, undermining demand and threatening years of investment. Brand Owners Delay Purchases Amid Rule…
The European Commission has proposed raising the EU-wide levy on non-recycled plastic packaging waste, in order to account for inflation, which has eroded the real value of the current charge. Introduced in 2021 as part of measures to balance the budget after Brexit, the levy has already generated an estimated € 7.2 billion in revenue.…
Σε πρόσφατο άρθρο του περιοδικού Manufacturing, ο πρόεδρος του ΣΥΝΔΕΣΜΟΥ ΒΙΟΜΗΧΑΝΙΩΝ ΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΥΛΙΚΩΝ & ΣΥΣΚΕΥΑΣΙΑΣ (ΣΥ.ΒΙ.Π.Υ.Σ.), Δημήτρης Μαντής, παρουσίασε τις προοπτικές και τις δυσκολίες που συνοδεύουν τον υπό διαμόρφωση Νέο Νόμο για την Κυκλική Οικονομία (Circular Economy Act – CEA). Υπό Διαμόρφωση το Θεσμικό Πλαίσιο Ο νέος νόμος, που συζητείται σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο και…
Ukraine officially launched its REACH regulation, known as UA REACH (Resolution No. 847/2024), on January 26, 2025. Modeled on the EU REACH framework, this legislation establishes a structured system for the registration, evaluation, and management of chemicals on the Ukrainian market. For packaging companies importing raw materials, additives, or polymers, the regulation introduces new compliance…
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reported that UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) revenues for 2024/25 reached £ 259 million, a 3% decrease from the previous year’s £ 268 million. The figures highlight a decline in taxable plastic packaging as businesses adjust to the levy introduced in April 2022. How the Plastic Packaging Tax…
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has unveiled new certification standards for beverage bottles, cleaning product containers, and cosmetics packaging. The criteria, effective from 24 January 2026, aim to cut down material use, encourage higher recycled content, and simplify recyclability processes. Certification Standards: Government Push Toward Circular Economy These standards are an…
Poland’s Ministry of Environment is preparing to roll out a fully state-run Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, sparking pushback from major packaging industry groups including EUROPEN, Cepi, Flexible Packaging Europe, and Pro Carton. The organizations warn that the proposed model risks undermining both the EU Waste Framework Directive (WFD) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste…
According to Plastic Recyclers Europe’s latest publication, Europe’s plastics value chain is in crisis. Production is down, recycling plants are shutting, and the EU’s global market share has dropped from 22 % in 2006 to just 12 %. By the end of 2025, nearly one million tonnes of recycling capacity will disappear, putting competitiveness and…