PFAS, France takes a major leap forward!
26 February 2025
The (Proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – EU n°2025/40) is a European regulation revising directive 94/62/EC. It came into force in February 2025 and aims to harmonise and strengthen European Union packaging and packaging waste management requirements.
The implementation of the PPWR will be a major turning point for the cosmetics sector; it enforces a whole new set of design, recyclability and consumer information requirements. Let’s take look at the impacts on the sector.
Application schedule
Whilst the PPWR came into force in February 2025, it’s effective application is actually set for August 2026 at the earliest. By then, a number of delegated and executive decrees will be published to provide concrete compliance measures.
Who is concerned?
This regulation applies to all packaging used on the European market, regardless of whether it is primary, secondary, grouped or specifically for shipping or e-commerce.
It concerns all of the materials used in the manufacture of packaging.
It will have an impact on all of the parties involved in the chain: manufacturers, importers and distributors; which means everyone who introduces packaging and/or packaged products onto the market, as well as the Member States themselves.
The main objectives of the PPWR
This new regulation seeks to:
✔ Reduce packaging waste by decreasing packaging volume and weight.
✔ Increase the proportion of recycled matter in packaging.
✔ Harmonise requirements across all Member States.
✔ Accelerate transition towards a circular economy, by limiting the environmental impact of packaging.
What obligations will be in place for cosmetic product packaging ?
- Less packaging and waste
Optimisation of packaging volume and weight. (clause 10)
Limitation of unused space by at least 50%. (clause 24)
- Banned formats, notably single use packaging in the hotel-trade. (clause 25)
- Greater recyclability
Packaging must be designed to promote the recycling of materials (clause 6)
Implementation of recycled materials objectives to be attained.
- Incorporation of recycled plastic
Definition of minimum percentages of recycled plastic to be integrated into packaging. (clause 7)
- Framework for substances present
Reduction of substances that raise concerns in packaging materials. (clause 5)
- Coherent labelling
Obligation to indicate the packaging material rather than the sorting method. (clauses 12 and 13)
Label language must be appropriate for the country of sale/use. (clause 12)
Specific indications for reusable packaging. (clause 12)
It should be noted that any national requirements must not be contrary to those of the PPWR and Member States will therefore not have the right to forbid/restrict the marketing of PPWR compliant packaging. Consequently, the application dates of some AGEC and ‘Climat & Résilience’ law clauses, with similar requirements to the PPWR, will now be aligned.
Anticipate this now, with CLEAR
Do you want to be sure that your packaging is compliant to this regulation? CLEAR will help you through the transition. Get in touch with us now to find out more and adopt the necessary actions.
Sources
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202500040
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste_en
