July in review: EU PPWR approaches, California’s SB 54 challenged, China enforces delivery pack rules

This month, the packaging industry, including the pharmaceutical packaging sector, prepared for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) deadline coming up on August 12, when its core obligations come into effect. 

Meanwhile, in the US, a California agriculture coalition called for the repeal of SB 54, arguing that the EPR law was “unworkable” and would increase costs. CalRecycle defended the legislation, saying it encourages producers to align packaging design with recycling infrastructure. 

Packaging Insights also explored the new delivery packaging regulation in China, the push for reusable F&B packaging in South Korea, and the UK’s decision to delay flexible plastic collections in England. 

We look back at the biggest stories of the month.

EU updates PPWR reporting methodology as plastic use rises

The EU’s Joint Research Center updated its PPWR reporting methodology to help member states estimate the mass of packaging materials for F&B, home care, beauty and personal care, and pet food. The developed methodology will be used to support EU member states in the mandatory reporting of packaging waste quantities, and will be used to benchmark the quantities reported.

Pharma packaging under PPWR: Safety and validation demands challenge compliance

Despite certain exemptions for pharmaceutical packaging under the EU’s PPWR, as the August 12 deadline approaches, manufacturers must begin testing recyclable, high-barrier materials now while balancing circularity goals with patient safety and regulatory compliance, according to industry experts. We spoke to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations about the upcoming regulatory requirements, and to pharmaceutical packaging providers ACG World and Plastic Ingenuity, about their evolving strategy to service clients in the EU.

EU sets chemical recycling calculation rules for PET bottles

James Cropper on how color shapes packaging storiesThe European Commission (EC) adopted a new Implementing Decision on the calculation, verification, and reporting of data on chemically recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles for compliance with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. The EC says that with the rules, it aims to ensure transparency in the calculation of chemically recycled PET, to “level the playing field,” and secure the plastic recycling sector.

California agriculture coalition calls for SB 54 repeal

A coalition of agriculture industry representatives in California, US, called the state’s SB 54 “unworkable as written” and argued for its repeal. The Californians for Affordable Packaging (CAP) said that the EPR legislation will raise costs for farmers, food producers, and businesses. CAP told us food packaging for the agricultural sector prevents spoilage and keeps products affordable, which the organization argues SB 54 will affect. 

CalRecycle defends SB 54 amid opposing legal challenges

California’s SB 54 is swiftly becoming a battleground for industry and environmental stakeholders, who are at odds with the legislation, though for contrasting reasons. CalRecycle, the state agency responsible for SB 54’s implementation, told us that the reforms recognize producers’ unique ability to align their product design and packaging choices with available infrastructure and targeted investments.

China enforces express delivery packaging rules to reduce waste

China’s first mandatory national standard targeting excessive packaging in express delivery, the Requirements for Restricting Excessive Packaging in Express Delivery, came into effect on July 1. The new national standard sets key indicators for the size and suitability of express packaging boxes, the number of packaging layers, and the amount of sealing tape used, defining the baseline requirements for limiting excessive packaging in express delivery, including e-commerce parcels.

QR codes on packaging spark consumer privacy debate

Invented to track vehicle parts more efficiently during manufacturing, QR codes are now a common feature on packaging. Yet, as the black and white square becomes second nature for consumers, some voices highlighted that the technology could undermine digital privacy rights. We spoke to Appetite Creative, Polytag, and NGO Digital Rights Watch to better understand the tracking technology behind QR codes, uncovering it as more than a packaging design feature, but an analytical marketing tool.

Ecosurety questions Defra’s delay to flexible plastic collections in England

Yangi founder: Economic and regulatory uncertainty slow fiber packaging adoptionThe UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced it intends to delay the local authorities’ mandatory collection of plastic films and flexible packaging from households and businesses in England from March 2027, as set out in the Simpler Recycling guidance, to April 1, 2030, according to multiple sources. While the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee, representing local government recycling authorities, welcomed the postponement, Ecosurety, the UK’s packaging EPR compliance scheme, expressed concern over the consequences of the delay.

Packaging industry turns to data and technology for EPR compliance

EPRs targeting the packaging industry are taking shape globally and pushing companies to adopt a more data-oriented approach toward the environmental aspects of their business, according to experts across the industry. We interviewed Recyda, a provider of software solutions for packaging regulation compliance, Constantia Flexibles, and ink provider Flint Group, to explore the technological solutions packagers are turning to in order to ensure EPR compliance.

California standardizes food date labels to mitigate confusion and food waste

California also banned the use of “sell by” labels on food packaging. Under the regulation, manufacturers are now required to transition to standardized date labels designed to clear up consumer confusion and reduce food waste. The law, Assembly Bill 660, requires food products to use standardized quality labels, “Best if Used By” or “Best if Frozen By,” or safety labels, “Use By” or “Use or Freeze By.”

Canadians embrace single-use plastic bans as reusable bag use climbs

A poll from Research Co, a Canadian public opinion firm, indicated that most Canadians support the federal government’s decision to ban the manufacture, import, and sale of single-use plastic ítems, including packaging. The Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations gradually came into force in 2022. The regulations prohibit the manufacture, import, and sale of six categories of single-use plastics, namely checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, ring carriers, stirring sticks, and straws.

South Korea mobilizes major F&B chains in reusable packaging push

The South Korean government joined forces with companies in the coffee, fast-food, and bakery sectors to reduce single-use packaging, amid the nation’s efforts to build a plastic-free society. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment signed an agreement with global giants like Starbucks, Burger King, KFC, and McDonald’s, alongside domestic brands and 150 independent cafés.