AGEC Law, the French 3R Decree, PPWR, REACH: regulatory developments are pushing the packaging sector to accelerate the shift toward reuse systems, eliminate single-use plastics, and address microplastic emissions.
Beyond regulatory compliance, manufacturers, including printers and converters, have a strong business interest in seizing emerging opportunities around sustainable packaging solutions.
A Market Driven by Regulation
PPWR
The new European Regulation (EU) 2025/40, known as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), was adopted on 19 December 2024. Unlike previous directives, it applies directly and uniformly across all EU Member States.
Built around the 3R strategy : Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, the PPWR introduces major changes for the packaging industry.
Here are the main objectives with associated deadlines:
| Waste reduction |
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| Reuse and Refill |
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| Recyclability and Recycling |
Remark: From 2032, similar targets may apply to glass and aluminium. |
| Substances and pollution |
Remark: Although no specific microplastic target currently applies to packaging, the PPWR clearly aims at avoiding microplastic residues, particularly in composting processes. |
Main deadlines of the PPWR
In France, in collaboration with CITEO and CITEO Pro, brands, retailers and local authorities are already structuring reuse ecosystems:
- ReUse / R-Cœur initiative for reusable glass bottles and jars
- “Rapportez-moi pour réemploi” deposit-return system for reusable plastic containers
- Go! Réemploi, supporting collection, sorting, washing and redistribution in pilot regions
- “Encore plus de réemploi 2025”, funding support for local authorities
- Partnership with GS1 France to establish open standards and ensure traceability of reusable packaging
Microplastics Regulation: A Growing Concern
In France, Article 82 of the AGEC Law prohibits the placing on the market of products containing intentionally added microplastics ≥0.01% by mass.
Although packaging is not directly targeted by this measure, the broader regulatory trend is clearly moving toward eliminating microplastic emissions, regardless of their origin.
At EU level, Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 also introduces restrictions on intentionally added microplastics in various product categories.
How to Prevent Microplastic Pollution?
Plastic-based packaging and labels can release microplastic particles as they degrade under UV exposure, abrasion, heat or mechanical stress.
Once particles become too small to be filtered, they escape control systems and contaminate soils, oceans and groundwater, and may be ingested by wildlife and humans.
While reusable packaging significantly reduces waste generation, one challenge remains critical: traceability and labelling compatibility with reuse systems.
To be compatible with reuse, a label must:
- Be easily removable without leaving residues
- Not release toxic or polluting substances during washing
- Provide temporary yet sufficiently durable marking
Biodegradable Water-Soluble Labels and Films
Conventional plastic labels generate non-recyclable waste and are typically recovered only through energy recovery.
Using water-soluble adhesive labels is an effective solution. When the label (substrate + adhesive) dissolves entirely during industrial dishwashing, it reduces reject rates, simplifies operations and saves time in food service and food processing environments.
However, water-soluble does not automatically mean biodegradable. Indeed, a material can be water-soluble (for example PVA – polyvinyl alcohol) without necessarily biodegrading in a natural environment; in such cases, it may become a source of microplastics.
Printers and converters therefore have a strategic interest in selecting truly biodegradable, bio-based water-soluble films, both for regulatory compliance and CSR commitments.
| No Restriction for Natural and Biodegradable Polymers such as CareTips® !
CareTips® is a natural polymer within the meaning of REACH legislation. It is not considered plastic under regulatory definitions and therefore does not fall within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 on microplastics. |
Eco-Designed Adhesives and Inks
Water-soluble, biodegradable adhesives that contain no toxic substances and do not release microplastics can also be used. Bio-based adhesives made from starch (dextrin) or casein (milk protein) have in fact been used for decades for labelling returnable glass bottles.
In addition, printers have already widely adopted vegetable oil-based inks, which are largely biodegradable, and some are also experimenting with compostable inks certified “OK Compost”. Several of these innovations have now moved beyond the laboratory stage, paving the way for more eco-designed labelling solutions.
