The packaging sector is facing a wave of overlapping and rapidly evolving EU regulatory requirements that affect businesses across the entire supply chain - from manufacturers and importers through to distributors and online platforms. This webinar will provide practical guidance on the key obligations and deadlines that companies need to prepare for now, with a particular focus on the chemicals sector.

Key topics to be covered:

• The PPWR at a glance:
  an overview and key milestones on the compliance timeline.
• Who bears responsibility:
  defining the various types of economic operators within the supply chain manufacturer, importer, distributor, fulfilment provider - and understanding the distinction.
• PFAS restrictions in packaging:
  from 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging must not be placed on the market where PFAS are present at or above specified concentration thresholds, with a broader universal PFAS restriction under REACH currently under SEAC/RAC evaluation, with a draft opinion consultation planned for spring 2026.
• REACH and PPWR - a dual compliance framework:
  the PPWR recognises that substances in packaging and packaging components are primarily addressed under REACH, yet Article 5 PPWR adds a parallel, independent obligation binding from 12 August 2026, requiring that the presence and concentration of substances of concern in packaging be minimised.
• Microplastics - where REACH Entry 78 and the PPWR interact:
  Entry 78 of Annex XVII REACH (introduced by Regulation (EU) 2023/2055) restricts Synthetic Polymer Microparticles (SPM) – how does this interact with PPWR.
• EPR obligations and enforcement:
  Member States have until 12 February 2027 to adopt penalties, with no specific enforcement guidance yet issued.
• Practical next steps for companies:
  Product reformulation, supply chain due diligence and supplier compliance verification, contractual safeguards, and monitoring the Commission's forthcoming delegated acts.

Speakers:

• Claudio Mereu, Partner, Bird & Bird (Brussels)
• Natalie Konings, Partner, Bird & Bird (Brussels)