What is packaging labelling?
When it comes to packaging in Europe, labelling is more than just a design decision – it´s a legal and environmental responsibility. Across the EU and in key markets such as Germany, France, and Italy, regulations are evolving to ensure that consumers are informed about recycling and that sustainable waste management is promoted.
The basics: What must be on your packaging
European regulations require packaging to contain information that helps consumers recycle properly and understand the materials used. This typically includes:
- Brand and Product name
- Recyclability information
- Sorting instructions for end users
- Material type
The upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) goes even further. Under the new regulations, packaging must include a QR code that is clearly visible, legible, and indelible. This QR code contains information on:
- Material composition
- Reusability
- Instructions for separate collection / recycling
A brief overview of EU labelling regulations
- 1994: Introduction of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.
- 2018: Directive (EU) 2018/851 amended the regulations to reduce packaging waste.
- From 2025: The PPWR will standardize labelling throughout the EU, with full implementation taking place in the following years.
National differences and special requirements for packaging labelling in the EU
In general, responsibility for EU labelling regulations lies with the person who puts the goods on the market. Producers, importers and distributors are obliged to package the goods properly and label them in accordance with the regulations of the EU country. Retailers or third parties should ensure that the goods and packaging have already been correctly labeled by the upstream supplier.
- Germany: No general legal labelling requirement, but specific requirements apply to export packaging.
- France: Strict labelling regulations, especially for household packaging, including the Triman logo and sorting instructions.
- Italy: Since 2023, all packaging must be marked with a numerical code and sorting information.
- Spain: From 2025, household packaging must be clearly and legibly labeled.
- Portugal: From 2025, the labelling of household packaging will be mandatory.
- United Kingdom: No general obligation yet, but a new law is planned for 2027.
While Germany and many other European countries often do not have mandatory packaging labelling regulations in accordance with EU requirements, other countries have introduced strict regulations. Future EU plans to tighten and standardize regulations could bring new challenges.
The PPWR: What will change from 2025?
The PPWR will introduce harmonized EU-wide labelling requirements, the final specifications of which are expected by mid-2026 and which are to apply in full from 2029. The new system will require the following:
- Labelling of the material composition of the packaging to make it easier for consumers to sort.
- Reusability indicators and a QR code or other digital label indicating reuse options and collection points.
- Digital identification of hazardous substances (SVHCs) and their concentrations.
New challenges and goals for producers
The transition to uniform EU labelling will simplify cross-border trade in the long term, but will lead to complexity in the short term. Until full harmonization is achieved, businesses will have to adapt to a patchwork of national regulations. For online retailers selling across borders, this means they will have to meet multiple compliance requirements simultaneously.
While the aim of the PPWR is to limit differing national regulations in order to avoid trade barriers, some exceptions remain—for example, specific labelling requirements of member states to indicate participation in a national EPR system or a deposit- return-system.
Meet your packaging labelling obligations in Europe
From the French Triman logo to alphanumeric coding in Italy, the list of obligations can seem overwhelming. However, with the right expertise, compliance doesn’t have to be a burden. Our team of compliance specialists is happy to help you navigate packaging and product labelling regulations across Europe – tailored to your business and your market.
Contact us right now!