In July 2025, over 60 European associations have called against the provisional guidelines for EU harmonised waste sorting labels suggested by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). Among the signatories of the position paper, there are associations from the industries of toys, packaging, cosmetics, medical devices, detergents, home appliances, furniture, food, and sporting goods.
Concerns over use of text and colour for waste-sorting labels
The European associations expressed concerns over the suggested guidelines of the JRC. In particular, the associations are calling against the use of text and colour for waste sorting labels on packaging, as proposed by the drafted JRC guidelines.
According to the joint statement, the proposed recycling instructions would lead to national barriers to the free movement of packaged goods in the Union and consequently obstacle the Single Market. In addition, the proposed guidelines would also go against what the new EU Packaging Regulation is aiming to achieve: harmonisation. Harmonisation across the EU is essential to ensuring a functioning Single Market and improve recycling. Notably, absence of imposed colours and text would also remove unnecessary burden for industry, such as the need to translate the text associated with the recycling instructions and adapt the colours to each country.
What associations are asking for
Different colours and text result into different packaging labelling rules across Member States, resulting into operational inefficiencies, higher costs, and consumer confusion. The signatories of the joint statement are asking the Commission to reconsider the direction of the JRC guidelines and ensure that the EU labelling system aligns with the goal of reaching harmonisation.
Current rules on recycling symbols
Currently, national laws regulate recycling symbols in the EU. While in some countries displaying recycling information is mandatory (such as France, Italy, or Spain), some countries regulate it as optional.
Harmonisation should come with the new EU Packaging Regulation. Nonetheless, the European Commission has to adopt implementing acts to determine such symbols.
For any guidance or support in affixing recycling symbols to your packaging, contact us here or at prodlaw@obelis.net.
References:
TIE (2025). Joint Industry Statement on Harmonised Waste Sorting Instructions for Packaging. Retrieved on 07/07/2025.
Leave a Reply