Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

The regulation repeals the existing packaging directive in the long term, which has existed since the 1990s. The shift from a directive to a regulation means a harmonisation of the packaging area across the EU. A significant aim is to reduce barriers to the free movement of goods among the 27 EU countries. The existing directive is currently managed differently in each country.

The main purposes of the regulation include:

• reducing the quantity of packaging waste in the EU, which has only increased in recent years
• promoting high-quality reuse and recycling
• establishing harmonised rules

The extended producer responsibility for packaging is also part of the new regulation. The Danish emballagebekendtgørelse has closely followed the development of the new packaging regulation and has ensured harmonisation where possible. This applies, for example, to the producer definition, which defines when a company is subject to the rules for extended producer responsibility.

Parts of the regulation are implemented through delegated acts that will specify the requirements. This is expected to lead to adjustments of the emballagebekendtgørelse over the coming years.

Find the regulation under relevant legislation here