New packaging regulations 

The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition has just postponed the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for professional packaging. Economic operators placing professional packaging or packaged products on the French market in a B2B context, will be required (at a date yet to be determined) to comply with this obligation.

To do so, they must join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to professional packaging. A similar system has long been in place for household packaging.

The financial stakes are significant, as those placing these products on the market will be required to pay substantial eco-contributions fees. 

And do not lose sight that EPR obligations apply in each of the 27 Member States. 

August 12^th marks the first official deadline set by the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); it requires companies to ensure their packaging comply with regulatory obligations and to draw up a European Declaration of Conformity. 

In both instances, we have found implementation to be complex and at times, still open to interpretation. For economic operators, the risk – beyond the administrative burden and the management of vast amounts of data – is either making errors or over-complying. Communications from customer companies can also add to the confusion. 

Without claiming to hold the absolute truth, the work we are conducting within the GALIA Circular Economy – Impacts on Automotive Packaging  Working Group can help you understand the regulatory requirements and avoid certain pitfalls. 

Although these first two measures are imminent, they are merely the beginning of legislation that will evolve over the years as new obligations come into force. 

It is therefore not too late to join our work.