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EU flags waving in front of European Parliament building in Brus
EU flags waving in front of European Parliament building. Brussels, Belgium
From August 12, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) comes into effect. Compliance specialist Valpak by Reconomy has welcomed the move, while highlighting that many businesses still have more to do to meet their obligations.
Lucy Dolan, Operations Manager for Global Compliance at Valpak, said: “From the date of implementation in August, PPWR takes immediate effect. This means that each packaging unit produced after that date must hold a Declaration of Conformity (DOC) and technical documentation evidencing compliance with applicable sustainability requirements in order to trade legally in the European Union or Northern Ireland.
“Valpak has seen a phenomenal number of queries leading up to the deadline – over 100 each week. Many are SMEs but, whatever the size of business, the challenge is the same. Every business is looking for advice on what they need to do, and when they need to do it. We are also seeing confusion around packaging produced before 12 August, which does not fall under the new demand for a DOC.”
The legislation covers packaging all along the supply chain – from supplier to producer – and sets ambitious goals to reduce packaging waste, facilitate reuse and increase recycled content. While the long-term objectives are expected to transform the packaging landscape, Valpak customers are seeking support to ensure compliance from 12 August 2026.
Under the new rules, from 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging must comply with strict thresholds of perluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, while heavy metals must be under the thresholds outlined in the PPWR for all packaging. However, any packaging placed on the market before 12 August 2026 can still be sold.
Dolan added: “The demands are challenging – especially for those brands with multiple product lines – but not impossible. As with other areas of compliance, it is all about sourcing, managing and storing the evidence and data effectively. Valpak breaks the process into four steps that build data sets and auditable records, before structuring the Declaration of Conformity.”