The year 2026 will be a crucial turning point for the plastics industry, particularly in the packaging sector. New regulations are on the way, pushing companies toward a more responsible approach in how they design, produce, and manage their products. This shift involves the entire supply chain—from compound manufacturers to brands placing packaged goods on the market.
EU Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR)
Starting August 12, 2026, the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will come into force across all EU Member States, replacing Directive 94/62/EC.
Key objectives include:
- Ensuring all packaging is recyclable by 2030
- Establishing minimum recycled content requirements for certain materials (such as PET)
- Introducing design-for-recycling standards
- Reinforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The regulation will affect every stage of a package’s life cycle, including clear labeling to support proper disposal and recycling.
United States: EPR Programs Starting in 2026
Across the Atlantic, 2026 also marks the launch of new EPR obligations. In the U.S. states of California, Oregon, and Colorado, Extended Producer Responsibility programs for packaging and plastics will go into full effect.
Companies will be required to:
- Register with local authorities as “responsible producers”
- Financially contribute to post-consumer waste management
- Meet minimum recyclability and sustainable design criteria
Although the U.S. model differs from the European one, it reflects a global trend: those who design a product are increasingly accountable for its environmental impact.
Cossa Polimeri: Ready to Lead the Change
In this evolving scenario, companies like Cossa Polimeri, long committed to the development of sustainable and traceable compounds, are well-positioned to support clients in meeting (and exceeding) new regulatory demands.
With product lines like ESTAGREEN—which incorporates recycled and bio-based materials—and a strong focus on transparency, quality control, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Cossa Polimeri is ready to lead the way toward more responsible materials and processes.
Sustainability and innovation are no longer just values—they are essential to staying competitive in a rapidly changing global market.
For technical or commercial inquiries: vendite@cossapolimeri.it
