The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission has presented a technical proposal for EU-wide harmonised waste separation labels for packaging. The study is intended to support the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and enable standardised, material-based sorting information for consumers in all member states.
The proposal developed by the Joint Research Centre aims to harmonise existing national labelling systems for packaging waste and thus reduce market fragmentation and uncertainties in waste separation. It is based on a material-based approach that is orientated towards the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Ordinance and focuses on the labelling of packaging materials instead of collection targets.
Focus on material labelling and consumer understanding
According to the Joint Research Centre, the proposed system combines pictograms, colour coding and brief text information to enable packaging to be assigned to waste fractions as intuitively as possible. Digital information carriers such as QR codes can also be used, but these are not intended to replace physical labelling. The aim is to provide consumers with clear and action-orientated information on correct disposal.
Challenges with composite and multi-component packaging
A central topic of the report is the labelling of composite and multi-component packaging. The Joint Research Centre has found that packaging made of several separable or non-separable materials in particular often leads to mislabelling. While packaging manufacturers often prefer reduced labelling for reasons of space and design, many citizens are in favour of component-specific labelling or explanatory pictograms.
The study recommends giving manufacturers a certain degree of flexibility in implementation as long as the visual logic of the harmonised system is maintained. Where technically possible, solutions that clearly assign materials to individual packaging components should be chosen, especially for multi-component packaging.
Basis for future implementing acts
The Joint Research Centre's technical proposal is to be incorporated into the drafting of the implementing acts to be adopted by August 2026 in accordance with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Among other things, these legal acts will define the final design, technical specifications and digital supplements to the harmonised labelling. At the same time, the report points to conversion costs for companies and municipalities, which should be offset by long-term benefits such as higher sorting quality and more efficient recycling processes.
Source: Joint Research Centre
