What is Packaging Compliance?

Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), packaging compliance regulations hold producers accountable for the environmental impact of their packaging materials. These regulations require companies to manage the collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging waste, often by financing or overseeing recycling systems. While EPR laws differ by country, their overall goal is to reduce packaging waste and enhance recycling efforts.

What are Packaging compliance schemes?

Packaging compliance schemes, also known as Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), are organizations that assist companies in fulfilling their packaging waste obligations under EPR regulations. They oversee the collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging waste on behalf of producers, ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

Who are the obligated stakeholders?

Producers are the key entities introducing packaging into the market, and their obligations depend on where the products are sold, including e-commerce. These requirements vary across countries, which can make compliance challenging. 

Obligations under WEEE regulations generally apply to:

  • Manufacturers 
  • Importers and Distributors 
  • Retailers and Distant Sellers
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Overview of RLG’s Packaging Compliance Service

In-depth Obligation Assessment
Registration with PRO/ Compliance Schemes
Data Collection and Validation
Report Submission by Country
Ongoing Regulatory Support

A packaging compliance consultant you can trust

Compliance made Simple
Full transparency
Regulatory know-how
Global expertise

Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation's

At RLG we operate Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) across the UK, Germany, Hungary, Poland, India, and Canada. This global presence places us at the forefront of compliance, allowing us to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies. This engagement provides us with a thorough understanding of regulations and compliance. PRO’s offer direct communication with customers which ensures more efficient and timely updates to meet your compliance needs.

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FAQ's - Packaging Compliance

Packaging compliance refers to following the legal requirements for packaging waste management, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations. Staying compliant ensures your business meets regulatory standards, avoids fines, and supports environmental sustainability. 

Responsibility can vary depending on the country, as each jurisdiction transposes EU or global packaging laws into local legislation. Typically, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers may all have obligations depending on who first makes available (places) packaging on the market. 

PROs help businesses meet EPR obligations by operating collection systems, reporting, and collecting financial contributions for packaging waste. Requirements vary by country, so working with a PRO helps businesses comply with local regulations.

RLG provides end-to-end support, including ongoing regulatory advice, registration with compliance schemes, data validation, and ongoing reporting. Our country experts help you navigate different national rules, track packaging data accurately, and maintain compliance across multiple countries. 

Many countries worldwide require businesses to meet packaging compliance obligations. The way these laws are applied can differ, as each country transposes the regulations into local law. This can affect responsibilities, data tracking, reporting frequency, financial obligations and penalties or enforcement measures for non-compliance. 

Achieving compliance typically involves: 

  • Registering with relevant authorities and/or PROs in each country 
  • Tracking and reporting packaging data according to local rules 
  • Paying required fees or contributions 
  • Maintaining records for audits and ongoing regulatory changes 

Working with experts like RLG helps streamline processes, reduce errors, and optimize reporting across different countries. Automated systems and accurate, country-specific data tracking lower both administrative and financial burdens. 

Data requirements vary per country but generally include packaging types, weight, materials, and quantities placed on the market. Accurate tracking ensures compliance with local regulations and simplifies reporting to PROs and/or authorities. 

Regulations frequently evolve to improve recycling targets, sustainability goals, and alignment with EU or global policies. Local implementations may also differ as laws are updated in each country. RLG keeps companies informed and ensures ongoing compliance with the latest requirements. 

Complying with packaging regulations supports the circular economy by improving recycling and waste reduction. Regulations like PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) will further strengthen sustainability and compliance obligations for businesses.