Manufacture packaging so that the presence and concentration of substances of concern is minimised, including in emissions and in waste-management outputs such as secondary raw materials and ashes.
Manufacturers of packaging must comply, and this is law in force.
Why it matters
This is law in force, not a proposal.
- It is Art. 5(1), in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. as of 2026-08-18
- The act gives its timing as: From 12 August 2026 (Art. 71). as of 2026-08-18
- It names 2 industries by name: Plastics converting and Chemicals. as of 2026-08-18
- Compliance is checked by self-assessment, continuous. as of 2026-08-18
What changes
All packaging manufacturers. 'Substances of concern' takes the ESPR definition via Art. 3(1); what counts is therefore set outside this act.
The rule
manufacturing packaging placed on the market
Manufacture packaging so that the presence and concentration of substances of concern is minimised, including in emissions and in waste-management outputs such as secondary raw materials and ashes.
Who is affected
Burden drivers
No size threshold.
Source text
Packaging placed on the market shall be so manufactured that the presence and concentration of substances of concern as constituents of the packaging material or of any of the packaging components is minimised, including with regard to their presence in emissions and any outcomes of waste management, such as secondary raw materials, ashes or other material for final disposal, and to the adverse impact on the environment due to microplastics.
View source →Settled later in secondary legislation. Art. 5(2) requires a Commission report by 31 December 2026, assisted by ECHA, which may list the substances of concern actually caught. Until it lands, 'minimised' has no operative list behind it.