Netherlands packaging industry warns of cost spikes and trade shifts under new EU waste rule

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will take effect on 12 August 2026. The Dutch industry body Verpakkingsunie Nederland (VUNL) says the way the regulator Verpact plans to interpret the producer definition will shift responsibility for transport and shipping packaging from end‑users to the producers or importers of packaging material.

Under this interpretation, suppliers and importers would have to declare and pay waste‑management contributions. VUNL estimates that a company using 20 000 kg of stretch‑film annually could see an extra €16 400 in fees each year, with larger users facing still higher costs. The group warns that these charges will be passed on to customers, creating “enormous cost increases”, distorting competition, pressuring employment and prompting firms to source packaging abroad.

Entrepreneurs’ organisation ONL for Ondernemers also criticised the proposal, calling it “disastrous” for SMEs and urging a rethink. VUNL and ONL request that the current practice be maintained until clearer guidance on the EU rules is provided, to avoid trade shifts and protect the Dutch packaging sector’s competitiveness.