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New Packaging Regulation (PPWR)
On February 11, 2025, REGULATION (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 19, 2024, known as PPWR, concerning packaging and packaging waste, came into force. The PPWR aims to reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging, promote reuse and recycling, and decrease the use of virgin raw materials. Its scope is broad, covering all packaging (regardless of material or sector), related waste, and all European Union member states, addressing the entire life cycle of packaging, from design to end-of-life management. By 2030, the introduced measures [...]
BLOG – Environmental labeling and Extended Producer Responsibility 2
The series of in-depth analyses on the Waste Framework Directive (Dir. 2008/98/EC, amended by Dir. 2018/851) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (Dir. 94/62/EC amended by Dir. 2018/852) continues. These two directives create a stringent regulatory framework that manufacturers and distributors must comply with in order to operate in the European market. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging in Europe is a legal system that transfers the burden of end-of-life packaging management to producers, importers, and distributors. This is not just an economic obligation, but a real environmental [...]
Environmental Labeling and Extended Producer Responsibility 1
The protection of the environment and the sustainable management of resources have now become essential pillars of European policies. To address challenges such as increasing waste, material waste, and the impacts associated with the use of packaging, the European Union has developed over time a coherent regulatory framework aimed at promoting the transition to a circular economy. In this context, two directives play a central role: the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC, amended by 2018/851) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC amended by Directive (EU) 2018/852). The former [...]
BATTERY REGULATION
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and battery waste entered into force on August 17, 2023, following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on July 28, 2023. Most of the provisions apply from February 18, 2024, with some exceptions for specific items that will come into force at different times, affecting the battery supply chain in the coming years. From August 18, 2025, portable batteries may only be placed on the market or put into service if they meet the following requirements: Battery recycling symbol All [...]
NEW ZEALAND: FROM 17 JUNE 2025, BAN ON DISPOSABLE VAPING DEVICES
In New Zealand, attention towards the vaping industry is growing, particularly with regard to protecting young people. Starting June 17, 2025, new rules under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 come into force, introducing significant restrictions on the sale and promotion of vaping products. One of the most notable changes is the complete ban on disposable vaping devices. These products—long scrutinized by health authorities for their environmental impact and strong appeal to minors—will no longer be allowed to be sold or distributed in the country. In addition, [...]
FRANCE: OBLIGATIONS FOR PRODUCERS – EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY
Extended Producer Responsibility (REP) is an environmental principle recognised by the European Waste Framework Directive, (EU Directive 2018/851) which gives producers financial and/or organisational responsibility for the prevention and management of waste from their end-of-life products. In France, this principle translates into a system where producers must finance or organise the collection, treatment and recycling of the products they place on the market. The system is regulated at national level by the French AGEC (anti-waste) law of 2020. SOGGETTI COINVOLTI: manufacturers online retailers (either directly through their own site or [...]