Regulatory Changes Impacting Print, Paper and Packaging

We’ve updated the Regulatory Overview: Print, Paper and Packaging insight sheet, providing a concise guide to some of the most significant environmental and sustainability regulations affecting businesses across the print, paper and paper-based packaging sectors.

As sustainability legislation continues to evolve across Europe, understanding regulatory developments is becoming increasingly important for brands, printers, publishers, packaging producers and supply chain partners. The updated insight sheet brings together key information on major EU policies, timelines and likely impacts on the industry.

Key Updates And Topics Covered Include:

Green Claims Directive (GCD) and ECGT

The resource outlines how the proposed EU Green Claims Directive and the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive are designed to tackle greenwashing and strengthen consumer protection. Businesses making environmental claims such as “eco-friendly”, “sustainable” or “carbon neutral” will increasingly need robust, science-based evidence to support them.

European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The updated sheet explains the latest developments around the EUDR, including revised timelines and scope changes affecting paper and printed products. The regulation will require companies placing relevant products on the EU market to demonstrate that materials are deforestation-free, legally sourced and traceable.

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

A major focus is the PPWR, which introduces harmonised EU-wide rules aimed at reducing packaging waste and improving recyclability. Key measures include mandatory recyclability requirements, stricter design standards and strengthened Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

The resource also highlights the growing importance of EPR schemes, which place greater responsibility on producers for the lifecycle impacts of products and packaging. Businesses can expect increased reporting obligations and modulated fees linked to recyclability and environmental performance.

Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)

The insight sheet summarises the ongoing implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive, including future collection and recycled content targets for plastic packaging and beverage containers.

Supporting Informed Conversations

The updated insight sheet is designed to help organisations navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape while supporting informed discussions around sustainability, compliance and responsible communication.

For the print, paper and paper packaging industries, these regulations also reinforce the importance of transparency, verified environmental claims, responsible sourcing and circular economy principles.

The updated Regulatory Overview: Print, Paper and Packaging insight sheet is now available to download from the Two Sides website.

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