On February 11, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that it will assume new responsibilities under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which entered into force on the same day (FPF reported).
As part of its mandate, ECHA will prepare a study for the European Commission identifying chemicals of concern in packaging and related components. This study will assess the impact of these chemicals on packaging safety, reuse, and recycling. The report is expected to be submitted by September 2026.
Based on ECHA’s findings, the European Commission will evaluate potential follow-up measures, which may include restrictions on certain substances used in packaging materials if they pose risks to human health or the environment. Any such restrictions will be implemented through the existing REACH restriction process.
Peter van der Zandt, ECHA’s Director of Risk Management, stated in the press release: “ECHA’s scientific expertise on chemicals will play a key role in making packaging materials safer for the environment and people and enhance their reuse and recyclability. We are looking forward to collaborating with the European Commission and other partners in this new role.”
Reference
ECHA (February 11, 2025) “ECHA takes on new role to improve safety of packaging materials.”
