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Legislative Looks Packing
and Packaging Waste

EU-Wide Regulations and Directives

As your partner in all things compostable packaging, Grinove Materials and our Sustainability Team are also here to help you navigate the landscape of packaging legislation in the European Countries.

What Happening in the World

Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC)

Minimize packaging waste and encourage recycling and reuse, targets for materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal.

The Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC)

Focus on waste prevention, reuse and recycling rather than just disposal, producers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products.

REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006)

Protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals, chemicals used in packaging materials meet required safety standards.

EU Ecolabel

That certified products meet strict ecological criteria throughout their entire life cycle, supports the EU's broader goals of reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Manufacturers must manage the entire lifecycle of their products, including waste and recycling, aims to minimize natural resource consumption and landfill waste.

Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904)

Reduce plastic pollution by banning certain single-use items, adapt their national regulations to enforce these bans, encourage eco-friendly alternatives.
Interactive Cards

Valorize Product Waste

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Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) Minimize packaging waste and encourage recycling and reuse, targets for materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal.

Close the Loop of Product Waste

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The Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) Focus on waste prevention, reuse and recycling rather than just disposal, producers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products.

No Toxic Ingredients

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REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) Protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals, chemicals used in packaging materials meet required safety standards.

Product Sustainability

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EU Ecolabel That certified products meet strict ecological criteria throughout their entire life cycle, supports the EU's broader goals of reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Reduce Carbon Footprint Production

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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Manufacturers must manage the entire lifecycle of their products, including waste and recycling, aims to minimize natural resource consumption and landfill waste.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

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Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904) Reduce plastic pollution by banning certain single-use items, adapt their national regulations to enforce these bans, encourage eco-friendly alternatives.

Germany : The Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz)

The law, which came into force in Germany on 1 January 2019, aims to minimize packaging waste and enhance recycling initiatives by requiring businesses to contribute to the proper management of packaging materials. Failure to comply with the Packaging Act can lead to significant penalties, including fines and market access restrictions for non-compliant products. It is therefore a legal requirement for companies operating in Germany. Read More

Germany : The Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz)

The law, which came into force in Germany on 1 January 2019, aims to minimize packaging waste and enhance recycling initiatives by requiring businesses to contribute to the proper management of packaging materials. Failure to comply with the Packaging Act can lead to significant penalties, including fines and market access restrictions for non-compliant products. It is therefore a legal requirement for companies operating in Germany.

France : Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy (AGEC Law)

Enacted in 2020, focuses on reducing packaging waste, increasing recycling, and promoting sustainable practices. requiring businesses to manage the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal, and contribute financially to recycling efforts. Strict penalties apply for non-compliance. bans specific single-use plastics—such as straws, cutlery, plates, stirrers, expanded polystyrene food containers, and cotton buds—with the aim of recycling 100% of plastic packaging by 2025. Read More

France : Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy (AGEC Law)

Enacted in 2020, focuses on reducing packaging waste, increasing recycling, and promoting sustainable practices. requiring businesses to manage the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal, and contribute financially to recycling efforts. Strict penalties apply for non-compliance. France bans specific single-use plastics—such as straws, cutlery, plates, stirrers, expanded polystyrene food containers, and cotton buds—with the aim of recycling 100% of plastic packaging by 2025. (ülkelere gelecek metinler biraz daha uzun tutmalıyız, o yüzden world centrik deki gibi ülke metinlerini açıp gizlemeli yapabiliriz)

Italy : Italian National Packaging Consortium (CONAI)

Italy implements EU directives like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) and theSingle-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904) through national laws aimed at reducing waste, promoting recycling, and transitioning to sustainable materials. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system plays a crucial role in Italy, requiring companies to manage the entire lifecycle of their packaging, ensuring that waste collection and recycling obligations are met.

Italy also enforces the EU’s Single-Use Plastics ban, prohibiting items like plastic cutlery, plates, straws, and expanded polystyrene containers to align with the EU’s circular economy goals. In 2021, Italy introduced measures supporting the transition to biodegradable and compostable alternatives, offering incentives to businesses that adopt eco-friendly packaging.
Read More

Italy : Italian National Packaging Consortium (CONAI)

Italy implements EU directives like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) and the Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904) through national laws aimed at reducing waste, promoting recycling, and transitioning to sustainable materials. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system plays a crucial role in Italy, requiring companies to manage the entire lifecycle of their packaging, ensuring that waste collection and recycling obligations are met.

Italy also enforces the EU’s Single-Use Plastics ban, prohibiting items like plastic cutlery, plates, straws, and expanded polystyrene containers to align with the EU’s circular economy goals. In 2021, Italy introduced measures supporting the transition to biodegradable and compostable alternatives, offering incentives to businesses that adopt eco-friendly packaging.

Netherlands : Dutch Packaging Waste Policy

Focus on reducing plastic and packaging waste through national measures. Introduced on January 1, 2013, the policy enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers and importers to register with the Afvalfonds Verpakkingen (Packaging Waste Fund) and pay recycling fees based on the volume of packaging. This ensures companies contribute to waste management and recycling programs.

In compliance with the Single-Use Plastics Directive, the Netherlands banned items like plastic cutlery, plates, straws, and polystyrene containers in July 2021, promoting reusable alternatives. Retailers also impose surcharges on disposable packaging to discourage waste.
Read More

Netherlands : Dutch Packaging Waste Policy

Focus on reducing plastic and packaging waste through national measures. Introduced on January 1, 2013, the policy enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers and importers to register with the Afvalfonds Verpakkingen (Packaging Waste Fund) and pay recycling fees based on the volume of packaging. This ensures companies contribute to waste management and recycling programs.

In compliance with the Single-Use Plastics Directive, the Netherlands banned items like plastic cutlery, plates, straws, and polystyrene containers in July 2021, promoting reusable alternatives. Retailers also impose surcharges on disposable packaging to discourage waste.

Spain : Spanish Waste Law (Law 22/2011)

Establishes a comprehensive framework for managing waste in Spain, focusing on sustainability and aligning with EU directives. It mandates that producers accept Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for their products, meaning they must finance the collection and recycling of waste generated by their goods, particularly packaging. Key elements of the law include promoting separate waste collection, especially for bio-waste, to enhance recycling rates and reduce landfill usage.

In compliance with the Single-Use Plastics Directive, the Netherlands banned items like plastic cutlery, plates, straws, and polystyrene containers in July 2021, promoting reusable alternatives. Retailers also impose surcharges on disposable packaging to discourage waste.
Read More

Spain : Spanish Waste Law (Law 22/2011)

Establishes a comprehensive framework for managing waste in Spain, focusing on sustainability and aligning with EU directives. It mandates that producers accept Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for their products, meaning they must finance the collection and recycling of waste generated by their goods, particularly packaging. Key elements of the law include promoting separate waste collection, especially for bio-waste, to enhance recycling rates and reduce landfill usage.

In compliance with the Single-Use Plastics Directive, the Netherlands banned items like plastic cutlery, plates, straws, and polystyrene containers in July 2021, promoting reusable alternatives. Retailers also impose surcharges on disposable packaging to discourage waste.

United Kingdom : Environmental Protection Act 19907

In Finland, the Waste Act (646/2011), effective since 2011, governs waste management, promoting sustainable practices and resource efficiency. This law emphasizesExtended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requiring producers to manage the lifecycle of their products, including packaging waste. The Finnish Environment Institute oversee s compliance, encouraging the recycling and recovery of materials

The Packaging Waste Regulations 2007 further enhance these obligations by mandating that businesses register and contribute to the packaging recovery scheme, aiming to reduce landfill usage and increase recycling rates.
Read More

United Kingdom : Environmental Protection Act 19907

Emphasizes the duty of care for waste producers, requiring them to ensure their waste is managed responsibly and safely.The UK has implemented a system of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which places the onus on producers to manage the entire lifecycle of their products, especially in terms of packaging waste. These regulations align with broader EU directives, even post-Brexit.

The Packaging Waste Regulations 2007 further enhance these obligations by mandating that businesses register and contribute to the packaging recovery scheme, aiming to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates. 

Sweden : Waste Ordinance (2011:927)

Establishes a comprehensive framework for waste management, implemented in 2011. This legislation emphasizes Read More

Sweden : Waste Ordinance (2011:927)

Establishes a comprehensive framework for waste management, implemented in 2011. This legislation emphasizes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), holding producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly in packaging and electronic waste. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency oversees compliance, promoting recycling and sustainability through collaboration with businesses and municipalities.

The Packaging Waste Regulations 2007 further enhance these obligations by mandating that businesses register and contribute to the packaging recovery scheme, aiming to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates. 

Finland : Act on the Waste Management of Packaging

In Finland, the Waste Act (646/2011), effective since 2011, governs waste management, promoting sustainable practices and Read More

Finland : Act on the Waste Management of Packaging

In Finland, the Waste Act (646/2011), effective since 2011, governs waste management, promoting sustainable practices and resource efficiency. This law emphasizes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers to manage the lifecycle of their products, including packaging waste. The Finnish Environment Institute oversees compliance, encouraging the recycling and recovery of materials. 

The Packaging Waste Regulations 2007 further enhance these obligations by mandating that businesses register and contribute to the packaging recovery scheme, aiming to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates.