OPRL, the UK-wide On-Pack Recycling Label scheme, has confirmed it does not anticipate a long delay after the European Commission missed a deadline to implement Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations’ (PPWR) labelling rules.
However, the voluntary labelling organisation, which is used by 800 member companies and charities, has warned that any hold up ‘leaves brands with a slightly longer period of uncertainty’.
Packaging producers will have 24 months to apply the harmonised labels onto their packaging once clarity is provided around what is required, ‘so the timeline will be very tight’, OPRL claimed.
The caution comes days after it emerged that the target date of 12 August to implement acts formalising labelling requirements under the PPWR had not been met.
Full details of the PPWR labelling requirements will be confirmed in the delayed EU Implementing Act, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The new rules on packaging and packaging waste are designed to address the large quantities of packaging waste that end up in landfill, as well as the chemicals used in packaging that are considered harmful.
Reuse requirements
The PPWR sets requirements for the manufacturing and composition of all packaging placed on the EU market and also requires packaging to be reusable or recoverable.
OPRL anticipates that the labels will follow the Joint Research Council proposal, which employs a standardised pictogram-based label to represent material composition.
Waste receptacles are also expected to be mandated to carry matching pictogram-based labels, to help consumers sort out their waste correctly.
“While any delay to the start of implementation leaves brands with a slightly longer period of uncertainty, the timeline – once the act is announced – still allows two years’ implementation time,” said Jude Allan, OPRL managing director.
“Once the EU’s plans are clear, the UK can also move forward with plans for its own mandatory label under pEPR.”
Allan said the final outcome might look simple, but OPRL’s experience over the last 17 years shows ‘how complicated and nuanced the process can be’.
Language issues
In the case of PPWR, legislators have had to consider areas like sorting capability across multiple member states, and how to address language issues, Allan said.
“Whatever the process, the bottom line is that if we don’t communicate with consumers around recycling, we cannot expect them to do the right thing,” she noted.
“Recent OPRL research demonstrates the importance of clear communication with consumers to achieve the necessary levels of recycling.
“So, we are pleased to see that brands are still likely to be able to include instructions next to the PPWR label.”
According to OPRL’s latest research, consumers respond positively to calls to action.
“In our recent survey, 78 per cent of respondents said they would be likely to rinse packaging that included a call to action, compared with 51 per cent where no action was recommended,” added Allan.
“Positive actions all make a difference to the quality of the material being recycled, which is what we are all working to achieve.”
Last month, Eco-plastics in Packaging published a comprehensive guide to help converters, packaging manufacturers, suppliers and brand owners prepare for the PPWR.
