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…
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…
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…
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.…
On 31 December 2024, the State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport of the Dutch Government, enacted a ministerial regulation, modifying the Commodities Act Regulation on Packaging and Utensils (Warenwetregeling verpakkingen en gebruiksartikelen). This update implements the Benelux Committee of Ministers’ decision on metals and alloys intended for contact with foodstuffs (M (2022) 12) and…
On April 1st, the new packaging waste tax came to effect in UK, as part of the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (EPR), fundamentally changing how packaging waste is managed. The new rules require businesses to cover the full cost of collecting and recycling their packaging, based on the tonnes of plastic they introduce to…
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…
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…
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…
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…