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The European Union is moving towards a single recycling label for packaging
- Daniel Jiménez
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A few weeks ago the European Commission published a rather interesting technical report on the future harmonised system of labelling of packaging waste in the European Union, within the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
In short: Europe wants consumers to be able to easily understand how to recycle packaging, regardless of the country they are in.
Today we have different symbols, different colors, different instructions… and that creates confusion, errors in waste separation and also additional costs for companies that sell in multiple markets.
The goal is to create a common language across the EU.
Table of contents
Single Recycling Labelling in the EU: The Proposal
Labels based on the container material (plastic, glass, metal, etc.)
Pictograms that match the waste containers
Minimal text and intuitive design
Solutions for multi-component packaging
All of this has been developed using consumer behavior studies and industry consultations, which is relevant because it shows that the Commission wants it to work in practice, not just in theory.
The important thing for companies is that, although the final implementing act does not yet exist, the regulatory message is already clear:
New labelling requirements for packaging in the EU
Changing packaging involves:
Redesign of artworks
Technical validations
Transition costs
Coordination with manufacturers and suppliers
But in the medium term it should also simplify life for brands that sell in several European countries, because it will reduce regulatory fragmentation.
From a regulatory point of view, we are seeing a very clear trend: packaging is becoming a critical element of compliance, not just of marketing.
PPWR, recyclability, recycled content, EPR, environmental labeling… everything is connected.
My recommendation for companies that sell in Europe is simple: start looking at this now, not when it becomes mandatory.
Because when the time comes, the deadlines will probably be tight.
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