The final EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), to be adopted in 2024 and to enter into force in 2025, aims to minimise the environmental impact of packaging . It will focus on promoting recyclability and sustainability and introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This could result in significant changes to the requirements for producers across the European market .

New obligations for manufacturers

(Expected obligations according to the current version of the Directive)

Extended producer responsibility can oblige manufacturers and distributors of packaging to bear the costs for the entire life cycle of their packaging. They are therefore also responsible for taking back and recycling. This includes:

• design and production of recyclable packaging
• collection and transport to recycling and disposal facilities
• sorting and (re)use
• Disposal of non-recyclable packaging

In addition, companies must register with the relevant national authorities and report the quantities of packaging placed on the market.

Directive possible from 2025, obligation starts 18 months

The PPWR is due to come into force in 2025 and may lead to the mandatory appointment of an authorised representative in each EU member state. Every company that exports to different EU countries and does not have its own headquarters in the respective country would then have to appoint a local authorised representative . This representative would assume the company’s obligations, including registration and reporting obligations to the national authorities. This regulation is currently still being discussed.

National Authorized Representatives throughout the EU

While the authorised representative model is already known in Austria and Spain, this obligation is expected to apply in all EU countries once the PPWR comes into force. Any company that sells goods to certain EU countries and is not based in the respective country needs a local authorised representative.

International challenges and support from Interzero

Internationally operating companies face major organizational and financial challenges, as there are obligations and requirements in every country that must be met. This is where Interzero comes in: By redistributing responsibilities, companies should be more conscious of their packaging design. The goal is to extend the shelf life of packaging . Many companies cannot map the resources internally to improve sustainable packaging design or seek support from external expertise. With the modular “Made4Circle” solution, Interzero offers companies of all sizes support in developing sustainable and recyclable packaging. Our digital portals and solutions make it easier to comply with EPR obligations and reduce administrative effort.

Act now

With the right preparation and support from experienced partners such as Interzero as a Europe-wide environmental service provider, all of these challenges can be mastered. Companies should therefore address the issue in a timely manner, as the implementation is extensive. Contact us: For compliance with Austrian law, rely on Interzero Austria. Find out more at https://licensing.interzero.at.

(Updated version, information has been corrected)