On Monday 30 March, the European Commission published guidelines on the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in order to facilitate uniform application of the new rules across the EU and simplify compliance for economic operators and Member States.
According to the Commission, the packaging industry faces significant administrative burdens due to divergent national rules in the Member States.
The document (https://aeur.eu/f/ldr ) clarifies the rules where the regulation requires further interpretation and specifies the areas where stakeholders have requested assistance. For example, it defines when a company is considered to be a manufacturer or producer, as well as the elements that are considered to be packaging within the meaning of the text.
It also details the restrictions on single-use packaging, the application of the restriction on PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in packaging in contact with food and the implementation of re-use targets.
The document also provides guidance on how to apply extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and on the obligation to set up deposit and return systems. A number of delegated and implementing acts are currently being prepared, notably concerning harmonised formats for EPR registration and reporting, labelling for waste sorting by consumers, the content of recycled materials in plastic packaging and recyclability criteria. The regulation came into force on 11 February 2025 (see EUROPE 13577/32). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)