PPWR Series: Sorting Label
A New Era for Packaging Labelling: The EU Harmonised Waste Sorting Label
The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces a harmonised waste sorting label designed to make recycling simpler, clearer, and more consistent for consumers across the EU.
With the regulation coming into force on 12 August 2026, the European Commission is tasked with developing the technical details of the labelling system through implementing acts. These will define how the label should appear, how it should be used, and when exactly businesses must begin applying it to packaging. The current expected deadline for compliance is 12 August 2028.
In addition, by 12 February 2029, reusable packaging will need to display specific labelling information informing consumers that the packaging is designed to be reused.
A New Sorting Label for Europe
Several EU Member States, including France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, currently require waste sorting instructions on the packaging of consumer goods. However, these national systems differ in format and visual design which results in challenges for businesses, especially those supplying small products, such as the cosmetics industry.
The new harmonised label will standardise packaging disposal information across all Member States, requiring that packaging indicates:
the material(s) used
the disposal route (e.g. plastic recycling bin)
Importantly, existing national and regional sorting labels will need to be removed.
Iconography
The system is being developed around a colour-coded and icon-based design.
According to the draft guideline issued by the European Commission, packaging will carry the harmonised label, and public and household waste bins will be required to use matching symbols.
This means consumers will be able to match the symbol on the packaging with the symbol on the bin.
Co-Designing the Label
Earlier this year, the European Commission launched a targeted consultation to gather feedback from consumers, industry stakeholders, and local authorities on the design of the harmonised label. The draft guidelines shared as part of this consultation offered explanation of the label as well as addressing some of the common issues we see at Bloom when supporting clients for France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. These include:
Small products
Monochrome printing
Multi-component packaging
Multi-material packaging
Translation burdens
Regional differences in collection systems
How to Comply
While the core principles of the label are becoming clearer, companies should monitor closely for the final implementing acts as these will provide the full specifications needed for compliance, including:
Visual standards (e.g. colours, icons, positioning)
Size and placement rules
How to label complex or composite packaging
Requirements or options for digital tools or QR codes (if any)
In the meantime, we would like to remind brands that it remains necessary to comply with the local requirements already in place across the EU. At Bloom we are able to assist you with the preparation of your sorting information for France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Please get in touch if you would like to know more about these services.
Amanda Isom