Packaging Compliance FAQ’s

Packaging Compliance FAQ’s

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Packaging compliance is essential for any business operating across multiple countries. Regulations vary, as each country transposes EU or international laws into its own legislation. Understanding your obligations and tracking the right data to ensure compliance, reduce risk, and support sustainability. 

1. What is packaging compliance?

Following laws for packaging waste, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations, to meet legal standards and support environmental goals. 

2. Who is responsible?

Responsibilities depend on the country. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers may all have obligations as Producers depending on who makes available packaging on the market. 

3. What are PROs?

Producer Responsibility Organizations manage registration, reporting, and financial contributions for packaging waste, ensuring businesses meet local obligations. 

4. How can RLG help?

RLG provides advice, registration, data validation, and reporting support, helping producers efficiently comply across multiple countries. 

5. Which countries have packaging compliance laws?

Even outside the EU, many countries worldwide require compliance. Local rules differ in responsibilities, reporting, and fees, making expert guidance essential. 

6. What steps are needed to comply?

  • Register with relevant authorities or PROs 
  • Track and report packaging data 
  • Pay required EPR contributions 
  • Maintain records for audits  

7. How can compliance be simpler and more cost-effective?

Using specialists and automated systems reduces errors, administrative effort, and the potential for overpayment across different countries. 

8. What packaging data should be tracked?

This will depend on the country, but generally material types, weight, and quantities placed on the market. Accuracy ensures compliance and easier reporting. 

9. How often do rules change?

Regulations evolve frequently. Local implementations may vary. Staying informed is key to ongoing compliance. 

10. How does packaging compliance relate to sustainability?

Compliance supports recycling and waste reduction. Regulations like PPWR will further enhance sustainability requirements.

Conclusion:

Understanding packaging compliance and working with experts such as RLG allows businesses to stay ahead of regulations, simplify reporting, and meet sustainability commitments. Keeping track of country-specific rules and planning for upcoming laws, such as PPWR, ensures smooth operations across multiple markets. 

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Les Griffith - Speakers

Business Development Director
RLGA

Les Griffith is currently the Business Development Director at RLGA and is tasked with expanding the company’s data management offerings for packaging EPR in the Americas. Les has over 30 years of industry experience in Environmental Services, Extended Producer Responsibility and Reverse Distribution. Les has spent these last 30 years working with organizations to develop progressively more sustainable solutions to the management of end-of-life materials. Prior to joining RLG, Les spent eleven years at Covanta most recently serving as the Business Development Director for the Healthcare Solutions division. His group covered North and Central America and specialized in providing a suite of services to healthcare PROs, take-back services to retail pharmacy and law enforcement and environmental services to the healthcare sector and reverse distributors. Prior to Covanta Les spent 10 years at Waste Management Inc. as an Area Manager for their Healthcare Solutions group.

Andriana Kontovrakis - Speakers

Director of Compliance Services
RLG

Andriana Kontovrakis is the Director of Compliance Services for Reverse Logistics Group’s US team.  She manages a team responsible for ensuring manufacturer and retailer customer compliance with EPR laws for electronics, batteries, packaging, household hazardous wastes, and other consumer products across the US. Along with RLG partner the Household and Commercial Products Association, she is spearheading the development of the Household Product Stewardship Alliance, a stewardship organization forming under the guidelines of Vermont’s HHW EPR law.  Prior to working with RLG, she was a Policy Analyst with the global electronics recycler Sims Lifecycle Solutions where she managed programmatic implementation and customer and supplier accounts for the US EPR compliance unit and the Deputy Director for Waste Prevention for the NYC Department of Sanitation.

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