Exchange for Change has opened the first phase of UK DRS registration for producers and retailer return points, ahead of the scheme’s launch in October 2027. Phase 2 follows in January 2027.
More than 40 industry associations, including EUROPEN, have called on the EU to use the Circular Economy Act to create a directly applicable EPR Regulation and reduce fragmentation between national systems.
SMEunited has called on EU policymakers to suspend the PPWR’s requirement for SMEs to appoint authorized representatives in every Member State, warning of disproportionate costs and administrative burden for smaller businesses.
The SCoPAFF has approved binding maximum levels for MOAH in food across a wide range of categories, replacing the indicative levels from 2022. The limits are expected to enter into force in 2027.
Six major consumer goods companies have formed the PaperFlex Consortium, convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to accelerate the development of recyclable and biodegradable paper-based flexible packaging as an alternative to plastic films, sachets and pouches.
A peer-reviewed study found that biodegradable PLA-lined cups release approximately 12 times more micro- and nanoplastic particles than conventional PE-lined cups when exposed to hot water, raising questions about material substitution decisions in food contact packaging.
A survey of 200 British manufacturers and suppliers found that 93 % have been affected or expect to be affected by the PPWR, with over half already making or having completed packaging changes to comply with EU requirements.
The European Commission has updated its Single-Use Plastics guidelines to add a new example on mixed-material closures: plastic caps used with aluminium foil lids must be tethered, while the foil seal is exempt under Article 6(2).
Italy has become the first EU Member State to exercise the PPWR’s Article 9(2)(b) flexibility, mandating compostability instead of recyclability for specific single-use plastic packaging in fresh produce and HoReCa.
The European Commission has missed the 12 August 2026 deadline to adopt the implementing act establishing harmonized labelling specifications for packaging under Article 12 of the PPWR. The act is now expected in Q4 2026.
Wales has appointed Exchange for Change as its DRS administrator, giving the UK a single scheme operator across all four nations. Meanwhile, independent brewers are calling for a delay, citing unresolved questions around glass, EPR interaction and readiness.
The European Commission has launched three parallel calls for evidence to develop the secondary legislation defining how PPWR recycled content targets for plastic packaging are calculated, verified and enforced. The feedback period runs until 16 September 2026.