Packaging labels

Preventing confusing packaging labels

From 1 April, new regulations on the labelling of household packaging will apply in France. The regulations are part of the new circular economy law (Loi AGEC) which was adopted in February 2020.

The new regulations are intended to prevent labels that are confusing for consumers, such as the Green Dot, and improve waste separation in the country.

A penalty payment will be due for any packaging that is marked with the Green Dot. Exceptions apply for packaging that is also put on the market in Spain and Cyprus, where the marking of the Green Dot is still mandatory. In addition, a transitional period of 18 months is provided for packaging that was already put on the market before 1 April.

In Germany and other European countries, the labelling of packaging is also leading to confusion.

Many consumers still assume that only packaging marked with a Green Dot belongs in the yellow bin or bag, whereas the German Packaging Law stipulates that all sales packaging made of plastic, metal or composite material may be disposed of in the yellow bin or bag.

German government adopts regulation on the labelling of single-use plastics

The German Government has adopted the Regulation on the Characteristics and Labelling of certain Single-use Plastic Products, which transposes parts of the European Single-use Plastics Directive into German law.

According to the regulation, certain single-use plastic items placed on the German market must bear a label (on the product itself or on the packaging) informing consumers of the plastic content of the product and the correct disposal route. This obligation affects products such as hygiene pads, tobacco products with filters, and single-use plastic beverage cups.

Once approved by the country’s Upper House, the regulation is due to enter into force on 3 July 2021.