New Packaging Regulations for the EU

The European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will require retail packaging and transport packaging to be recyclable, including recycled content, and certified to be free of chemicals of concern. Some importers will require imported pallets to be capable of being reused in EU pallet pools.

While most of these requirements will become mandatory between 2028 and 2030, in August 2026 exporters must begin maintaining a formal declaration of conformity that their packaging, including transport packaging, meets certain initial PPWR requirements.

During this webinar, hear from four experts at the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS):

• Sophie Bolla, Agricultural Specialist, USDA/FAS, U.S. Mission to the EU in Brussels
  Ms. Bolla will provide an update on the status of PPWR implementation.
• Jason Ortega, Senior VP of Woodpack Global, (Formerly National Wooden Pallet & Container Association)
  Mr. Ortega will discuss the upcoming requirements for wood pallets stemming from the PPWR as importing customers manage their own compliance demands for use of reusable pallets within the EU.
• Andrew Stephens, Senior Policy Advisor, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
  Andrew Stephens will present some examples of PPWR compliance resources.
• Elizabeth Leonardi, ASCE Program Coordinator, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
  FAS’s Elizabeth Leonardi will also share the latest on the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) Packaging Innovation Program, which is supporting the development of packaging technologies options for U.S. exporters, which can help U.S. exporters meet EU and other foreign packaging requirements.

After you register, SUSTA will send you the link to the webinar; this may take several days.