Europe Is Collecting Information On Substances Of Concern in The New Packaging Regulation PPWR

Recently, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a call for evidence to support the preparation of a study report under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The call for evidence covers substances used in packaging, packaging and packaging waste, waste management, and packaging-related recycling technologies. This call for evidence will remain open until October 28, European time. Purpose of the CallThe Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will come into effect on February 11, 2025, replacing the previous Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. The regulation aims to minimize the use of packaging and the generation of packaging waste, while reducing the use of raw materials and promoting the transition to a circular, sustainable, and competitive economy. According to the PPWR, the European Commission must prepare a study report with the assistance of the European Chemicals Agency to identify substances of concern in packaging. The report will also consider appropriate follow-up actions, such as restricting substances of concern in packaging.This call for evidence aims to collect information from relevant stakeholders to support the preparation of the study report and assist ECHA in identifying substances of concern in packaging. The required information includes packaging materials and their uses, tonnage, substances used in packaging, production and downstream processing/recycling of packaging, as well as waste management and the recycling technologies employed.Target GroupsThis call for evidence is aimed at stakeholders such as companies (or industry associations) across the packaging supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, formulators, downstream users of packaging and its components, as well as waste management practitioners and recyclers. Other stakeholders (e.g., research institutions, NGOs, competent authorities of Member States, and international organizations) are also encouraged to participate by uploading any written materials or documents containing relevant information. Information submitted will be treated confidentially and handled appropriately by all contracting parties.The call for evidence mainly targets stakeholders from the EU/European Economic Area, as the study focuses on packaging (and substances therein) and related practices within the European Single Market. However, authorities also encourage non-EU stakeholders with relevant information to participate, such as manufacturers or suppliers of EU/EEA packaging and/or researchers, NGOs, and international organizations willing to contribute data, information, or reports within the scope of the study.Survey ContentThe survey consists of five sections:Section A: Participant InformationSection B: Packaging and Packaging Components in the EUSection C: Chemical Substances Used in EU PackagingSection D: Packaging Disposal and Waste Management in the EUSection E: Final Questions (Additional Information)Based on the stakeholder type indicated in Section A, users will be automatically guided to the sections most relevant to them.