Kerry Stares, Rory Partridge, and Lyla Gilbert write in Packaging Europe about landmark reforms on packaging sustainability regulations in the UK and Europe

Significant changes to packaging regulation are reshaping the compliance landscape for businesses operating across the UK and EU. New regimes on both sides of the Channel are designed to increase producer responsibility for packaging waste, encourage more sustainable packaging design and drive improvements in recyclability.

While the UK's Producer Responsibility Obligations regime and the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation share similar policy objectives, important differences remain. Both frameworks apply broadly across packaging supply chains and place responsibility on producers for the costs associated with packaging waste. However, the EU regime goes further by introducing requirements that address packaging sustainability, recyclability and labelling across the entire packaging lifecycle.

The reforms have far-reaching implications for manufacturers, retailers, importers and brand owners. Businesses supplying products into multiple markets will need to navigate different compliance obligations, reporting requirements and implementation timelines, while ensuring packaging strategies align with evolving sustainability standards.

Particular attention will be required for packaging components that may not immediately be recognised as regulated packaging, as both regimes adopt a wide-ranging definition that extends beyond traditional packaging materials.

Kerry Stares, Partner and ESG Advisory Lead, Rory Partridge, Associate, and Lyla Gilbert, Solicitor Apprentice, in our Dispute Resolution team, write in Packaging Europe:

While principal responsibility for compliance with packaging sustainability and labelling requirements falls on manufacturers, other economic operators in the supply chain – importers, distributors and fulfilment service providers - have important subsidiary obligations and should take advice.

Businesses in the supply chain of packaging or packaged goods entering the EU and/or UK markets must consider their exposure under these regulations as a priority. Keep in mind the very broad definition of packaging under both regimes and take advice if you are unsure.

Read the full article in Packaging Europe here.