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 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…
In a recent publication by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), concerns surrounding the safety of PET bottles were addressed in detail. The report tackled common consumer questions regarding potential health risks posed by these containers, particularly focusing on hormonal effects, chemical migration, and taste alterations in bottled beverages. Assessing the Hormonal…
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…
A new report from researchers at Leeds Beckett University explores what the packaging industry could become by 2034, outlining a roadmap shaped by sustainability, collaboration, and resilience. Drawing on insights from top leaders in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, the study emphasizes the importance of long-term, systemic change rather than fragmented, short-term solutions. …
A global review of waste and pollution data has revealed that countries with deposit return schemes (DRS) see significantly less drinks container litter on their beaches. According to circular economy organization Reloop, nations that have adopted these systems report, on average, a 54% reduction in beverage container waste in coastal areas. Drastic Cut in…
Our laboratory has officially expanded its accredited methods for chemical and mechanical testing, reinforcing our commitment to quality, compliance, and customer confidence. We are now accredited for a broader and more advanced range of metal determination techniques. These include the specific migration, total content, and extractable content of critical elements in packaging materials, crucial for…
A recent industry whitepaper by ICIS (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services), projects that global mechanical recycling could reach over 50 million tonnes annually by 2050. This marks a doubling of current recycling rates in regions such as Europe, North America, and North Asia, where mechanical recycling made up just 8% of demand in 2024. The analysis…
A recent study by consultancy group Bain & Company underscores the transformative potential of chemical recycling in reshaping the plastics industry. Despite its current limitations, the sector is viewed as a key driver for reducing plastic waste and lessening dependence on virgin materials—if adequate investment and policy backing are secured. A Newcomer Industry Held…
The European Commission’s 2025 Single Market Strategy introduces significant reforms aimed at harmonizing packaging regulations across the European Union. By standardizing rules and embracing digital solutions, the strategy seeks to eliminate trade barriers, streamline compliance, and foster sustainability within the packaging sector. Standardizing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Across Member States A central component of…
Public institutions across Europe are being encouraged to embrace sustainable paper procurement, thanks to two newly published EU Ecolabel Practical Guides. The European Commission has released clear, user-friendly resources to help public buyers include environmental standards in tenders for graphic paper and tissue paper products. A third guide focusing on printed paper and stationery is…
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is calling on manufacturers and businesses in the plastics sector to report any instances of false claims related to recycled content in plastic packaging. This move aims to protect legitimate players in the market and uphold the credibility of the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), introduced in 2022 to encourage…