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Sustainability-oriented regulations and carbon neutrality targets are reshaping the packaging industry. Sustainability is becoming a necessity, not a choice.

Legislative Looks Packing
and Packaging Waste

What Happening in the World

EU-Wide Regulations and Directives

Grinove Materials and our Sustainability Team are here to keep you informed about compostable packaging solutions, as well as to keep you up to date with innovations and updates in packaging regulations in Europe.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (Regulation 2023/956)

The CBAM mechanism requires imported products to comply with carbon-neutral manufacturing objectives and levies additional fees on goods based on their carbon emissions.

EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR - 2023/1115)

The goal of demanding traceability of forest-derived raw materials is to reduce the risk of deforestation and allow producers to document the sources of their raw materials.

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

Producers and importers who place packaging on the market must pay for EPR programs to contribute to waste management systems. It aims to reduce the impact of packaging waste and use sustainable packaging solutions.

Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904)

Its goal is to limit the manufacture and use of single-use plastics. Reducing plastic pollution by banning various single-use products and encouraging the use of nature-friendly alternatives.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU 2022/2464)

Companies are required to submit a sustainability report in addition to their financial reports. Carbon emissions, environmental impacts, social rights, and governance policies (ESG) must be disclosed in detail.

ETS - Emissions Trading System Directive (2003/87/EC)

Companies subject to the ETS are assigned carbon limits (EUA—European Union Allowance) for a certain amount of carbon release. Companies that exceed their carbon limits must purchase carbon emissions.

How Grinove Materials Supports Sustainability Regulations

At Grinove Materials, we develop compostable packaging with low carbon emissions, eliminating the risk of additional costs for importers. Our supply chain prevents the risk of deforestation as our raw materials are based on agricultural byproducts. We contribute to waste management systems with our compostable packaging solutions that do not require recycling and are naturally decomposable. By reducing the use of plastic, we offer nature-friendly alternatives and support businesses in achieving their sustainability goals. Our paper-based biomaterials comply with environmental, social, and governance criteria. In addition, with our low-carbon production technology, we support businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and minimize their environmental impact.

Country-Specific Packaging Laws and Compliance with EU Directives

Germany : The Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz)

The Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz) in Germany, which came into effect on January 1, 2019, is designed to reduce packaging waste and promote waste management. Under the law, companies must join a dual system for the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of packaging waste. This system ensures that packaging is managed in an environmentally responsible way. Companies are also obligated to financially contribute to the waste management process based on the type and amount of packaging they place on the market. This is part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle, which holds companies accountable for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, from production to disposal. 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)

France’s Anti-Waste Law (Loi Anti-Gaspillage), enacted in 2020, focuses on reducing packaging waste, increasing waste management, and promoting sustainable practices. The law makes compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandatory, requiring businesses to manage the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal, and contribute financially to recycling efforts. To align with EU directives, France bans specific single-use plastics—such as straws, cutlery, plates, stirrers, expanded polystyrene food containers, and cotton buds—with the aim of disposing of 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 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. 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)

Spain’s Waste Law 22/2011 establishes a comprehensive framework for waste management, aligning with EU directives to promote sustainability and circular economy principles. The law enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers to finance the collection and recycling of packaging waste they place on the market. It also emphasizes the separate collection of bio-waste to improve recycling rates and reduce landfill dependency. Additionally, the law includes measures to limit the use of single-use plastics and promote recyclable alternatives, supporting Spain’s transition towards a more sustainable waste management system. 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 the United Kingdom govern the management of packaging waste, requiring businesses to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of the packaging they place on the market. Under the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), producers must contribute financially to recycling and waste management programs and ensure that their packaging is recyclable. The law also encourages reducing packaging waste, particularly by minimizing plastic usage. Additionally, it supports the ban on single-use plastics and includes penalties and market access restrictions for non-compliant products. These regulations aim to increase recycling rates, reduce waste, and help the UK meet its environmental goals, contributing to a circular economy. 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

Finland’s Waste Act (646/2011) regulates waste management with a strong emphasis on circular economy 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.