The EU’s retailers and wholesalers want a 12-month “grace period” once the bloc’s new packaging rules start to take effect in August. <\/p>\n
Trade association EuroCommerce, which represents retailers and wholesalers operating in the EU, argues “key technical details” of the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) “remain unclear”. <\/p>\n
The new PPWR rules entered into force on 11 February last year but its measures will only start applying from 12 August. <\/p>\n
Businesses will have to comply with different measures by different dates. Some of the elements of PPWR, including recyclability performance requirements and reuse targets, will phase in through 2030. <\/p>\n
However, in a statement timed to coincide with a meeting of EU Environment Ministers in Luxembourg today (25 June), EuroCommerce demanded a “minimum 12-month grace period”. <\/p>\n
The move, the trade body said, would allow retailers and wholesalers to “understand and interpret new requirements, test and adapt to the new rules and address unforeseen challenges”. <\/p>\n
As an example, EuroCommerce raised a concern over the thresholds included in the new PPWR rules for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in packaging. <\/p>\n
The association said the focus during a grace period “should be on guidance and support, rather than enforcement and punitive action”. <\/p>\n
Christel Delberghe, EuroCommerce’s director general, said: “We are just weeks away from implementation, yet key questions remain unanswered. This is not sustainable. EU ministers must now provide clarity, flexibility, and a realistic transition period to avoid serious disruption across Europe’s supply chains.” <\/p>\n