ECHA will control harmful chemicals in packaging (New Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation)

Harmful chemicals in packaging. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is stepping up to tackle a critical issue: the presence of harmful chemicals in our everyday packaging. Under the newly implemented Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) ECHA will assume a new role. The Agency will now identify and, when necessary, push for restrictions on these dangerous substances. This marks a significant move towards ensuring the safety of what surrounds our food and consumer products.

Initial Tasks carried out by ECHA

ECHA’s initial task is a focused study, due by the end of September 2026, to pinpoint chemicals of concern in packaging materials. This isn’t just a surface-level scan; it’s a deep dive into how these chemicals impact safety, reuse, and recycling. The goal is to provide the European Commission with solid data to inform future regulations.

Next steps to control harmful chemicals in packaging

Based on ECHA’s findings, the Commission will consider implementing restrictions, utilizing the established REACH process, on substances that pose health or environmental risks. This means that if a chemical is deemed too dangerous, its use in packaging could be banned or severely limited.

Peter van der Zandt, ECHA’s Director of Risk Management, underscores the agency’s vital role in this process. He states that ECHA’s scientific expertise will be instrumental in making packaging materials safer for both people and the environment. This effort also aims to boost the reuse and recyclability of packaging, contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy.

Background

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is designed to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly packaging solutions. It aims to shift the industry towards resource efficiency and the development of sustainable materials. ECHA’s work will focus on the chemical safety aspects, while the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment will manage the broader implementation of the regulation.

This new role for ECHA is a clear signal that the EU is taking the safety of packaging seriously. By directly addressing the issue of toxic chemicals, the agency is working to protect consumers and the environment, ensuring that the packaging we use daily is safe and sustainable.

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Source: ECHA