OPRL has welcomed European Commission confirmation that work on the labelling is ongoing with plans to include a public consultation prior to implementation.
Originally intended to be published on 12 August 2026, the Implementing Act has now been pushed back to allow time for a consultation and is anticipated to be adopted in the second quarter of 2027.
Jude Allan, MD at OPRL, said: “With PPWR now underway, we are obviously keen to advise our members on new labelling requirements. However, the priority is to implement the most effective system, so we also appreciate the need to go to consultation on how the labelling proposal will work. Once the details are finalised, we will update our dedicated labelling tool to help OPRL members navigate the new requirements.”
The EU’s PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) labelling rules will introduce EU-wide waste-sorting labels. The aim is to help consumers sort waste effectively, to identify reusable packaging and items included in deposit return systems, and to indicate recycled and bio-based content.
Once the implementation act for labelling is in place, packaging producers will have two years to ensure that all products are correctly labelled. These changes will take place in conjunction with a phased shift to recyclable formats and recycled-content requirements.
Allan said: “The two-year window for changing label designs will be extremely challenging, especially for those producers with extensive product ranges. We do not yet know whether the deadline refers to packaging on-shelf or in production, but OPRL is advising members to start preparing as soon as possible.
“The first step is to ensure that you understand the composition of packaging – not just basic materials, but other factors that may also affect recyclability. Secondly, clarify which countries you are trading in, in order to be prepared for any country specific requirements.”
Challenges for UK businesses trading in the EU are expected to include the expansion of labelling to all packaging, including secondary and tertiary. Similarly, under the terms of the Windsor Framework – established to manage the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland – any business trading in Northern Ireland is expected to apply the PPWR labels.
Allan said: “Once the EU has finalised its labelling system, the UK will follow to define its own labelling system. It is anticipated the UK’s pEPR labels will align with the EU, so those that trade in Northern Ireland may find themselves ahead of the game despite challenges in the interim.”
She added: “While changes to labelling bring many complexities for producers, it is important to remember that this also represents a big adjustment for consumers. OPRL is currently working on consumer research to identify trends and areas of confusion, but the whole supply chain needs to work together to achieve the desired results.”
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