Packaging and Packaging Waste

UK EPR Packaging Guidance Updated on Recycling Obligations and 2025–2027 Targets

In April 2026, the UK government updated its extended producer responsibility (EPR) packaging guidance to clarify the combined recycling obligation for paper, board and fibre-based composite material and to restate 2025–2027 material-specific recycling targets. Large producers and compliance schemes should ensure PRN/PERN purchasing and reporting reflect the combined paper/fibre category, the stated 2025–2027 recycling percentages, and the 31 January deadline for meeting each year’s obligations.

10 Apr 2026, 13:05gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Massachusetts House Discharges Study Order H.5323 on Utilities, Electric Vehicles and Bottle Bill Expansion to House Rules Committee

Massachusetts has adopted **Study Order H.5323**, directing its Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee to investigate a large package of bills on utilities, electric vehicles and potential bottle bill expansion following 06 April 2026 committee action. For companies in utilities, transport and beverage packaging, this signals sustained legislative interest but also that any concrete changes to bottle deposits or utility/EV regulation remain at an early, non-binding study stage.

10 Apr 2026, 10:56malegislature.govUnited States

Netherlands ILT Reports Poor Compliance With Single-Use Plastic Cup Ban at Events

Dutch authorities reported widespread non-compliance with the 2024 single-use plastic ban at events, with most organizers failing to meet high-quality recycling targets required for exemptions. Businesses must shift from outreach-based compliance to strict operational adherence as the ILT signals a transition toward active enforcement and rising collection targets.

9 Apr 2026, 14:48ilent.nlNetherlands

England Opens 2025–2026 Carrier Bag Charge Reporting Period for Large Retailers

Defra has opened the 2025–2026 reporting cycle for carrier bag charges in England, requiring large retailers to track and report single-use bag sales. Businesses must maintain robust data collection for the current period to meet the May 2026 submission deadline and mitigate the risk of significant non-compliance penalties.

9 Apr 2026, 14:45gov.ukUnited Kingdom

India Notifies Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026

India has implemented the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026, mandating minimum recycled-content targets for packaging and new labeling standards effective immediately. Businesses must now operationalize recycled-content tracking and certificate trading while ensuring packaging remains compliant with food-contact safety and labeling requirements.

9 Apr 2026, 07:35egazette.gov.inIndia

Italy Proposes Compostability Requirement for Certain Single-Use Plastic Packaging From 2030

Italy proposes mandatory compostability for several single-use plastic packaging categories starting in 2030, aligning with broader EU circular economy goals. Businesses must accelerate the transition to certified biodegradable materials to avoid significant administrative penalties and maintain market access for food and cosmetic packaging.

5 Apr 2026, 18:48members.wto.orgItaly

UK: Environment Agency Updates Waste Export Standards for Indonesia and Malaysia After Malaysian WEEE Import Ban

The UK has updated waste export requirements for Southeast Asia, highlighting a total ban on electronic waste (WEEE) imports into Malaysia starting February 2026. Companies must urgently audit disposal chains to reroute WEEE and ensure Indonesian plastic exports meet tightened licensing and 2% contamination thresholds to maintain producer responsibility compliance.

5 Apr 2026, 05:51gov.ukUnited KingdomIndonesiaMalaysia

EU Council Prepares Not To Object To PPWR Delegated Decision On Pallet Wrappings Reuse Exemption

The EU Council is set to approve a delegated act exempting specific pallet wrappings and straps from the 100% reuse requirements under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This move provides essential regulatory clarity and operational relief for logistics sectors by defining the scope of transport packaging exemptions.

4 Apr 2026, 11:53data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Swedish Competition Authority Opposes Proposals For Implementing EU Packaging And Packaging Waste Regulation

The Swedish Competition Authority has formally opposed several proposed national implementation measures for the EU PPWR, citing risks of anti-competitive monopolies and barriers to market entry for Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs). Businesses should monitor potential shifts in Swedish EPR compliance options, as the final rules may allow for more individual compliance flexibility and competitive fee structures than initially proposed.

3 Apr 2026, 18:30konkurrensverket.seSwedenEuropean Union

UK DEFRA Publishes EPR Packaging Waste Reporting Guidance for Reprocessors and Exporters

UK DEFRA has finalized reporting requirements for packaging waste reprocessors and exporters under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, effective from early 2026. Affected businesses must establish rigorous data collection and audit trails to meet accelerated monthly or quarterly reporting cycles and mitigate regulatory risk across the UK.

2 Apr 2026, 17:44gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Norway Announces Exemption From EU Packaging Reuse Requirement To Preserve Deposit System

Norway confirms implementation of the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) but will exempt beverage packaging from reuse targets until 2035 to maintain its national deposit-return system. While beverage producers gain temporary relief from reuse mandates, businesses must still prepare for 2028 take-away reuse requirements and 2030 empty-space limits for e-commerce and retail.

2 Apr 2026, 08:50regjeringen.noNorwayEuropean Union

Simpler Household Recycling Rules Come Into Force Across England

England’s "Simpler Recycling" framework is now in effect, mandating consistent four-stream household waste collection across most local authorities as of March 2026. This standardisation provides the necessary infrastructure to support the UK’s packaging EPR and 2027 Deposit Return Scheme, streamlining compliance for producers and waste operators.

1 Apr 2026, 19:12gov.ukUnited Kingdom

European Commission Publishes Facts Page On New Packaging And Packaging Waste Regulation And PFAS Limits

The European Commission has detailed implementation requirements for the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), mandating 100% recyclability and banning specific single-use formats by 2030. Businesses must accelerate transitions to circular packaging designs and phase out PFAS in food-contact materials to ensure market access and meet upcoming collection and recycled content targets.

1 Apr 2026, 18:51environment.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Japan Amends Packaging Recycling Ratios Under Containers and Packaging Recycling Act

Japan has updated the mandatory recycling ratios for containers and packaging under the Containers and Packaging Recycling Act, effective April 1, 2026. Affected producers and importers must adjust their compliance calculations and financial provisions to reflect these revised ministerial targets.

1 Apr 2026, 18:32kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan Publishes Joint Ministerial Ordinance on Plastic Containers and Packaging Under Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources

Japan finalized a joint ministerial ordinance on March 30, 2026, establishing detailed implementing rules for plastic containers and packaging under the Resource Use Promotion Act. Companies must evaluate packaging designs and supply chains to ensure compliance with these clarified resource-efficiency and recycling obligations for the Japanese market.

1 Apr 2026, 18:20kanpo.go.jpJapan

Türkiye Opens Consultation On Draft Single-Use Plastics Regulation Aligned With EU Directive

Türkiye has proposed a Single-Use Plastics Regulation aligned with EU standards, with a consultation closing April 3, 2026, and expected enforcement by year-end. Businesses must prepare for imminent bans, mandatory design changes like tethered caps, and new labeling requirements for packaging, wet wipes, and tobacco products.

1 Apr 2026, 18:18cygm.csb.gov.trTürkiye

Colorado Bill SB26-146 Would Restrict Single-Use Food Serviceware Distribution

Colorado introduced SB26-146 to mandate an "ask-first" policy for single-use food serviceware and condiments starting January 1, 2027. Affected businesses and delivery platforms must redesign digital interfaces and operational workflows to eliminate default distribution, prioritizing waste reduction through consumer choice.

1 Apr 2026, 14:24leg.colorado.govUnited States

Scottish Government Publishes Response On Duty of Care Code of Practice for Managing Controlled Waste

The Scottish Government has confirmed an updated Duty of Care Code of Practice, mandating that businesses separate and collect plastic film for recycling by March 31, 2027. Companies operating in Scotland must review waste management contracts and segregation infrastructure to align with UK-wide packaging EPR reforms and statutory waste duties.

31 Mar 2026, 21:27gov.scotUnited Kingdom

Environment Agency Arrests Man Over £2 Million Packaging Producer Responsibility Fraud

UK Environment Agency intensifies enforcement against packaging waste fraud with a multi-million pound arrest linked to the Producer Responsibility regime. Businesses must ensure rigorous due diligence in packaging credit procurement as regulators deploy enhanced intelligence tools to target market manipulation and non-compliance.

31 Mar 2026, 19:47gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Belgium: Wallonia Adopts REP-SUP Decree On Producer Responsibility For Litter

Wallonia has adopted the REP-SUP decree, formalizing a national inter-regional agreement that extends producer responsibility (EPR) to litter cleanup for single-use plastics and other high-litter items. Impacted producers must prepare for significant new financial obligations covering public waste management and awareness campaigns, signaling a shift toward full-cost recovery for environmental externalities in the Belgian market.

31 Mar 2026, 19:31environnement.wallonie.beBelgium