Regulations
Packaging laws and regulations
Practical information about PPWR, SUP, EUDR, producer responsibility, Verpact and sales packaging.
Packaging laws and regulations are developing rapidly. European and national rules are setting increasingly stringent requirements for material use, recyclability, reuse and producer responsibility. This page provides a clear overview of the most important topics and what they mean in practice.
Quick navigation
Key developments in packaging legislation
A concise overview of important milestones and implementation years.
Who is responsible for what?
Packaging legislation concerns not only the packaging itself, but also a company's role in the supply chain. Responsibility for declarations, registration or classification depends on how packaging is placed on the market.
Producer / importer
Places packaging or packaged products on the market.
- registration of packaging flows
- declaration of material types and volumes
- waste management contribution and producer responsibility
Retail / hospitality / point of sale
Uses packaging when supplying products directly to consumers or end users.
- correct classification of sales packaging
- take SUP rules into account
- clearly document how packaging is used
Customer / end user
Usually has no role in declarations, but does play a role in use and waste separation.
- correct use of the packaging
- waste separation and collection
- influence on reuse and recycling
Legislation at European level
A large part of packaging legislation is established at European level. Member States subsequently implement these rules in national legislation.
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
The PPWR is the new European regulation on packaging and packaging waste. The aim of this legislation is to reduce packaging waste and encourage more recyclable and circular packaging.
- packaging must be designed to be more recyclable
- unnecessary packaging must be reduced
- reuse and circular materials are encouraged
- stricter requirements for packaging characteristics will be introduced
For companies, this means that packaging design, material selection and documentation are becoming increasingly important.
Single Use Plastics (SUP)
Single Use Plastics legislation aims to reduce the amount of plastic litter. These rules mainly focus on plastic products intended for single use.
Examples of products that may be subject to these rules include:
- drinking cups
- food containers
- plastic cutlery
- certain disposable plastic products
In the Netherlands, additional rules apply to disposable cups and food packaging containing plastic for on-the-go or on-site consumption.
EUDR – deforestation regulation
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to prevent products that contribute to deforestation from entering the European market.
For packaging, this legislation may be relevant when materials such as wood, paper or cardboard are used.
- the origin of raw materials must be demonstrable
- supply chain traceability is becoming increasingly important
- supplier information must be documented more thoroughly
Obligations in the Netherlands
In addition to European rules, companies that place packaging on the Dutch market are subject to obligations in the Netherlands. These rules primarily concern producer responsibility, packaging administration and the classification of specific packaging types.
Producer responsibility and Verpact
Companies that place packaging on the Dutch market are responsible for the collection and recycling of this packaging. In the Netherlands, this is organised through Verpact.
In practice, this often means:
- registering packaging use
- declaring material types and volumes
- paying a waste management contribution
- documenting who is responsible within the supply chain
Good packaging administration helps companies comply with these obligations and prevent discussions about responsibilities.
Sales packaging
Sales packaging is packaging used at the point of sale to provide a product to the consumer or end user.
Examples include:
- carrier bags
- drinking cups
- food containers
- pizza boxes
- sauce containers
In practice, this is an important topic because correct classification can have consequences for declarations, contribution obligations and any applicable SUP obligations.
- uncertainty about who places the packaging on the market
- confusion between use at the point of sale and general packaging applications
- insufficient attention to SUP when packaging contains plastic
- no clear internal documentation of classification and responsibility
What should you pay attention to in practice?
- how and where the packaging is used
- whether the packaging is added at or around the point of sale
- who purchases, commissions or places the packaging on the market
- whether additional legislation, such as SUP, applies
What companies need to consider
Frequently asked questions
Advice on packaging legislation
Packaging legislation continues to evolve. By gaining timely insight into packaging flows, material use and responsibilities, companies can respond more effectively to new rules.
Do you have questions about packaging legislation or packaging solutions? We are happy to think along with you.
Contact us
