Four countries, one system for packaging rules

Making packaging more sustainable and making things easier for businesses, that’s the goal behind a new agreement signed by six producer responsibility organisations from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Luxembourg. Their shared focus: less hassle, more clarity, and packaging that truly supports a circular economy.

Aligning the rules

Verpact, Fost Plus, Valipac, Citeo, Citeo PRO and Valorlux each manage the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in their respective countries. They organise packaging collection, track recycling data, and support companies in switching to reusable solutions.

Many businesses operate across several countries. And that quickly gets complex — different rules, different reporting requirements. By joining forces, the six organisations aim to simplify the process: one clear declaration procedure, better-aligned requirements. In short: more efficient packaging management.

The collaboration ties in with the EU’s new Packaging & Waste Regulation (PPWR). A major regulatory shift that will directly impact companies. Solid support is essential.

“The obligations coming at everyone in the packaging chain are no joke,” says Hester Klein Lankhorst, CEO of Verpact. “To make compliance more manageable and to further improve our services, we’re joining forces in a cluster of Dutch- and French-speaking EPR organisations.”

Three shared priorities

First: streamlining packaging declarations. By making smart use of barcode data, the partners are creating a shared data source. This doesn’t just ease the administrative burden — it also gives consumers clearer insight into how sustainable packaging really is.

Second: circular solutions. The six organisations are combining their knowledge on recyclable design, reuse, reducing packaging volumes, and using recycled materials.

And third, a key point of focus: commercial packaging. These require full traceability. Where do they end up, how are they processed, and how can companies prove it? With the PPWR on the horizon, transparency throughout the recycling chain is more important than ever. This partnership aims to lay the groundwork for just that.

Verpact.nl