Harmonisation Is Key: A Single EU-Labelling System
Currently, consumers are confronted with a wide variety of symbols – such as the French TRIMAN label or country-specific systems in Italy and Spain – which often leads to confusion and incorrect disposal. Under Article 12 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), a standardised sorting label will be introduced for the first time across Europe. The goal is clear:
• Reduce consumer confusion
• Improve sorting accuracy
• Increase recycling rates
• Remove barriers within the internal market
What Will Change?
The proposal, developed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), introduces a system designed to create labels that are intuitive and easy to understand at the point of disposal. The European Commission will review the JRC’s technical guidance, with final requirements expected by August 2028 through a planned implementing act.
The system focuses on three key elements:
1. Standardised pictograms: Clear, intuitive icons will indicate how packaging should be disposed of.
2. Harmonised colour coding: Consistent colours will be used across both packaging and collection bins to guide users.
3. Clear instructions: Labels will include straightforward guidance to reduce ambiguity at the point of disposal.
4. Digital layer: QR codes provide localised and multilingual informations.
Importantly, accessibility is a core principle. Colour coding is intended to support – not replace – pictograms and text, ensuring usability for people with visual or cognitive impairments.
Digital Layer: Beyond Physical Labels
Recognising the limitations of physical packaging space, the proposal also introduces digital solutions such as QR codes. These can provide:
• Region-specific disposal instructions
• Multilingual guidance
• Additional sorting information
For producers, this opens up new opportunities to connect local infrastructure with EU-wide standards while still addressing regional differences.
The Technical Update As a Behavioural Challenge
While the harmonisation of labels may appear to be a technical change, it is equally a behavioural challenge. Waste sorting habits are deeply influenced by local infrastructure, cultural norms, and user understanding. A unified system will only be effective if it is widely understood and consistently applied.
The JRC proposal reflects this complexity. It is based on extensive research, including large-scale behavioural studies, stakeholder input from across the value chain, and co-creation with citizens in multiple Member States. This collaborative approach increases the likelihood that the system will work in practice, not just in theory.
Implementation Challenges
Despite its potential, implementation will require careful coordination. Aligning existing national systems with a new EU-wide framework will take time, and integrating elements such as deposit return schemes adds further complexity. There are also practical considerations around label clarity, the level of detail required, and the associated costs – particularly for smaller companies.
To address these challenges, the proposal foresees transitional periods, continued stakeholder involvement, and strong communication efforts to support user adoption.
What It Means for Producers
For producers, the new labelling system presents a clear opportunity to improve sorting quality and overall system performance. At the same time, it requires active engagement. Operators will need to adapt their communication, align with new standards, and support public understanding of the changes.
Opportunities:
• Improved sorting quality
• Reduced contamination
• More efficient recycling processes
• Better alignment across borders
Responsibilities:
• Adapting infrastructure and communication
• Aligning with new labelling standards
• Supporting public education efforts
• Collaborating with producers and policymakers
By combining standardisation with behavioural insights and digital tools, the EU is addressing a long-standing barrier to better recycling outcomes.
If you have any questions about the new labelling system, please reach out to our team at PRONEXA by submitting the QUICK OBLIGATION CHECK.