EU Packaging Regulation shifts manufacturer responsibilities to retailers

The European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has come into effect, significantly altering responsibilities for retailers. Under the new rules, companies with private labels are classified as manufacturers, meaning they must register in the LUCID register, participate in recycling systems, and report packaging quantities. The Central Agency Packaging Register has clarified that these obligations cannot be transferred to suppliers or contract manufacturers.

Lidl, a major retailer of private labels, has expressed concerns regarding the regulation, warning of potential chaos, legal disputes, and a lack of planning security due to unclear interpretations. Other industry groups, including the German Retail Association (HDE) and EuroCommerce, have also noted difficulties in implementation.

The regulation introduces several long-term mandates, including a ban on certain single-use plastic packaging for unprocessed fruits and vegetables under 1.5 kilograms by 2030, and restrictions on mini-cosmetic packaging in hotels. Additionally, the law aims for a 90 percent collection rate for single-use plastic bottles and metal cans by 2029, standardized waste separation symbols across the EU by 2028, and stricter limits on PFAS chemicals in food-contact packaging.