There is a significant increase in European and national regulations concerning packaging, particularly focused on sustainability, transparency, and producer responsibility. Below is a clear explanation of the three key regulations that are crucial for decision-making: Verpact, PPWR, and CSRD.

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Verpact - (formerly Afvalfonds Verpakkingen)

– Netherlands-specific

What is it?

Verpact is the Dutch organization responsible for collecting the packaging tax and coordinating extended producer responsibility. Any company placing packaged products on the Dutch market must report and pay accordingly.

Important for companies:

• Mandatory reporting of quantity, type, and weight of packaging used.

• Annual levies based on volume and material type.

• Responsible for collection and recycling of this packaging.

• Design impact: less plastic and more recyclable materials = lower costs.

PPWR – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU)

What is it?

The PPWR is the upcoming European regulation replacing current packaging directives. It focuses on waste prevention, reuse, and circularity. As a regulation, it will apply directly in all EU member states.

Important for companies:

• Ban on unnecessary packaging (e.g., double packaging or excessive empty space).

• Reusable packaging will be mandatory in certain sectors by 2030 (e.g., foodservice, e-commerce).

• Design for recycling becomes mandatory – materials must be easy to separate and recycle.

• Mandatory recycled content in plastic packaging.

• Labeling requirements for consumers (e.g., separation pictograms).

• Large companies must provide reuse plans and transparent data on packaging flows.

CSRD – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU)

What is it?

The CSRD expands the existing EU directive on non-financial reporting. Large companies are required to report sustainability data with the same weight as financial reporting.

Important for companies (from 2024):

• Mandatory reporting on environmental impact, human rights, and circular economy.

• Packaging is included under Scope 3 CO₂ emissions, waste streams, and material usage.

• Data must be verifiable/audit-proof – a well-structured system is essential.

• Major influence on procurement and packaging decisions (e.g., FSC, recycled materials, CO₂ footprint).

Conclusion

These regulations increasingly steer companies toward:

• Sustainable material choices

• Chain transparency

• Direct collaboration with producers and consultants

• Use of data and dashboards

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4. EUDR – European Union Deforestation Regulation

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a new EU law that requires companies to prove their products do not contribute to deforestation. This directly affects all packaging made of wood, paper, or cardboard that is bought or sold within the EU.

What is the goal?

To prevent deforestation and promote sustainable sourcing across supply chains.

What do packaging users or buyers need to do?

Starting end of 2024, companies must:

• Provide precise origin data (GPS coordinates) of the forest source.

• Prove that the forest has not been deforested after December 31, 2020.

• Submit a due diligence statement confirming the packaging is deforestation-free.

FSC Certification

An FSC label is good, but under EUDR it’s not enough. You must precisely prove the origin of the material. This requires full supply chain transparency, data verification, and working with compliant producers.

What does this mean in practice?

• Sourcing from local or EU-based producers becomes more attractive (greater control).

• Data and traceability are key – think dashboards, QR codes, audits.

• Brands and retailers will tighten supplier requirements.

When does it come into effect?

• December 30, 2024 for large companies.

• Possible delay until June 2025 for smaller businesses.

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