An unprecedented coalition of 70 European associations, representing the entire packaging value chain – from production to distribution and recycling – has issued a formal appeal to the European Commission to revise the draft guidelines currently being developed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) on packaging waste sorting labels.
At the heart of the concern is the current proposal, which suggests the use of text- and colour-based sorting instructions printed directly on packaging. According to the coalition, this approach risks fragmenting the EU Single Market, confusing consumers, and imposing additional operational burdens on businesses.
“Only a truly unified labelling system can deliver clarity for consumers, efficiency for businesses, and real environmental impact,” stated Francesca Siciliano Stevens, Secretary General of EUROPEN, one of the leading voices behind the initiative.
The coalition argues that the proposed guidelines conflict with the objectives of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the EU Single Market Strategy, which identifies diverging packaging labels as one of the top ten barriers to intra-EU trade.
Under Article 12 of the PPWR, the Commission is tasked with developing a standardised EU-wide system for sorting instructions. However, the JRC’s current direction, which may require multiple language translations and complex national requirements, could undermine the very harmonisation the regulation seeks to achieve.
Towards a Simple and Truly Harmonised System
The signatories call for a clear, interoperable and harmonised labelling framework that promotes recyclability, reduces compliance costs, and functions across all EU Member States.
This position reflects a growing consensus within the industry: only practical, coordinated solutions can support the green transition while safeguarding economic efficiency and the free movement of goods across the internal market.
