Extended producer responsibility for packaging in Denmark: A new chapter begins!
From 1 July 2025, a new era in waste management will be ushered in in Denmark: extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging is coming. In concrete terms, this means that from this date, manufacturers will be obliged to ensure that their packaging is recycled. Denmark is the last country in the EU to implement the overarching EU Packaging Directive EU Directive 94/62/EC.
Contents of the new EPR law in Denmark
The Danish parliament has passed the EPR Directive for packaging and single-use plastic products. One major change is the redistribution of costs: what was previously borne by citizens will now be passed on to manufacturers. They will now have to bear the costs of collecting and sorting household waste and participate in programs to reduce packaging waste and promote recycling. It is estimated that around 41,000 companies will be affected by this regulation. In addition, charges will be introduced for the disposal of single-use plastic.
There is some relief for smaller manufacturers: Companies that produce less than 8 tons of packaging per year will have to provide less detailed information. This regulation will be reviewed again in 2027.
Important deadlines for companies
Companies that place packaging on the market in Denmark should take note: Registration in the manufacturer register and the quantity notification must take place between 1 April and 1 September 2024.
Implementation of producer responsibility
Manufacturers can fulfill their responsibility either individually or by participating in collective packaging systems. These systems must cover all types of packaging and operate nationally. The existing Danish system for electronic and battery waste will be extended to also monitor packaging.
The background to the new regulation
This policy decision aims to identify those in the value chain who have the greatest influence on packaging design. It is an important step towards improving waste management and recycling in Denmark and strengthening the circular economy.
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EPR systems for packaging in comparison: a country overview
In the EU, retailers and manufacturers who place products on the market are subject to certain environmental responsibilities. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a way of obliging companies to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products. This includes not only the product itself, but also all packaging and (product) components put into circulation that are disposed of by end consumers. The exact areas covered by the EPR vary from country to country. In this article, we take a look at the EPR in the area of packaging and shed light on what exactly the requirements mean, how they are implemented in practice and how the requirements differ from country to country within the EU.
When will Italy introduce the single-use plastic tax?
The introduction of the single-use plastic tax in Italy was originally planned for July 2020. It has now been postponed for the sixth time and is due to come into force on 1 July 2024. The tax aims to tax single-use packaging and plastic products. In this article, we explain what legal changes retailers can expect for their shipments to Italy as a result of the introduction of the tax.
EPR obligations in Poland: volume threshold and registration obligation
Since 13 June 2013, the handling of packaging waste in Poland has been regulated by the Act on Packaging and Packaging Waste Management (Journal of Laws 2019.542). Among other things, it sets out requirements for packaging, the handling of packaging waste and regulations regarding recycling fees. This means that companies in Poland are subject to extended producer responsibility (EPR). The EPR regulations are intended to ensure that companies take responsibility for the disposal of their packaging and thus contribute to the promotion of the circular economy. The EPR entails obligations regarding the handling of a company’s own products and packaging. In the following article, we shed light on what you need to consider as a retailer on the Polish market.