Packaging Labeling Legislation in Europe: A 2026 Regulatory Update

Whitepaper Overview

The packaging legislation landscape in Europe has reached a significant turning point with the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (the PPWR).

This marks a decisive shift from the previous directive-based approach to a directly applicable regulation, ensuring increased alignment of packaging rules and labelling requirements across member states. 

Due to the increased focus on the PPWR, there has been a deceleration in the introduction of national packaging labelling legislation across Europe, as member states await the implementation of new EU-wide packaging labelling requirements under the PPWR. 

This whitepaper outlines the current situation at EU level, with particular attention to waste sorting labeling under Article 12(1) and the latest report published by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), which is expected to inform the development of the forthcoming implementing act on harmonized EU labeling under Article 12.

This Whitepaper Covers:

• Current Labeling Requirements for Packaging in the EU;
• Current Labeling Requirements for Packaging in the EEA;
• Current Labeling Requirements for Packaging in Non EU/EEA States in the Single Market;
• Current Labeling Requirements for Packaging in the Rest of Europe Outside the EU/EEA/Single Market and the EAEU; and
• Current Labeling Requirements for Packaging in the EAEU.

*This whitepaper was originally published on 21st May 2025, and was updated on 13th May 2026. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.

Authors

Rúan Doherty, Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Compliance & Risks

Rúan is a Regulatory Specialist with the Global Regulatory Compliance team at Compliance & Risks. In her role, she monitors and analyses global regulatory developments across various industry sectors. Her work is concentrated on a number of key topics including Packaging, Single-use Plastics, and ESG Reporting.

Rúan holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law.

Conor O’Donoghue, Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Compliance & Risks

Conor is a Regulatory Compliance Specialist in the Global Regulatory Compliance Team within Compliance & Risks. He supports clients with their compliance obligations in relation to Packaging, RoHS and Anti-Bribery and Corruption. 

Conor holds a Bachelors of Law and an LL.M. in Environmental and Natural Resources Law.

Freida Wüschner Gubbins, Senior Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Compliance & Risks

Freida is a Senior Global Regulatory Compliance Specialist at Compliance & Risks, with over ten years of experience in regulatory analysis within the electronics and textile industries. Since joining in 2014, she has gained extensive experience in global regulations for Packaging, Single-use plastics, and the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Freida has a MSc in Environmental, Health and Safety Management and a BA in European Studies and German.