On 12 August 2026, the PPWR will mark the start of an important new chapter for the packaging industry. At Empack, Fost Plus will provide an insight into the path ahead. Lieven Capon offers some initial clarification.
With the introduction of the European ‘Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’ (PPWR), a great deal is set to change for companies that place packaged products on the market. At Empack, Fost Plus aims to make these complex regulations easier to understand and to encourage businesses to start thinking today about tomorrow’s deadlines.
PPWR: 2030 starts today
After a great deal of preparation, the European regulation will finally come into force this summer. As a result, new obligations, requirements and targets will be introduced systematically over the coming years. This year, companies will already have to deal with, amongst other things, registration obligations and restrictions on certain chemical substances.
“Many companies are now aware that the PPWR is on its way,” says Lieven Capon of Fost Plus, “but there is still a great deal of uncertainty. Europe has established the framework, whilst various provisions are being clarified step by step. Our role is to convey that information as clearly as possible. Empack is an important platform for this because we reach a diverse audience there.”
That is why Fost Plus is once again organising an afternoon conference on the changing regulatory framework on the first day of the trade fair. Fevia will outline the general framework, Fost Plus will delve deeper into the recyclability requirements, and Valipac will discuss the impact on industrial and transport packaging. In addition, a retailer and a brand owner will engage in a discussion about the practical implementation within their business operations. “It’s set to be a truly unmissable afternoon for anyone wondering about the practical implementation and approach to the new rules.”
Never too early
“Most of the provisions won’t come into force until 2030, but you can’t adapt packaging overnight,” explains Lieven. “Companies need to take stock of their portfolio, assess recyclability and, above all, start in good time. There’s a tendency to focus mainly on what’s mandatory today. We want to ensure our members don’t miss future deadlines.”
New regulations are also leading to a sharp increase in the number of companies coming into contact with Fost Plus. Empack therefore offers an excellent opportunity to answer questions directly. “Traditional communication doesn’t always reach everyone. Here, we can engage with companies, share knowledge and provide them with targeted guidance. That’s precisely why it’s so important to be present,” says Lieven.
The role of Fost Plus
Fost Plus is a non-profit organisation that fulfils the extended producer responsibility for household packaging on behalf of its members. Member companies – ranging from brand owners to retailers – pay a contribution based on the packaging they place on the market. Fost Plus then works with (among others) inter-municipal organisations and private operators to process packaging waste sustainably and cost-effectively into new raw materials.
“It would be an impossible task for companies to meet their recycling obligations individually,” they say. “We pool that responsibility and help ensure that packaging can be turned back into a valuable raw material at the end of its life.”
Why should you attend?
Empack plays a key role within this ecosystem: the trade fair brings the entire supply chain together. Packaging manufacturers, machinery manufacturers and companies that market packaged products will not only find new solutions and innovations there, but also answers regarding the processing and recycling of packaging. “Visitors can discover the full story here: from concept and choice of materials to the final processing stage. We’re happy to assist them with our specialist expertise,” concludes Lieven.
Empack 2026 will take place on 22 and 23 September at Flanders Expo in Ghent. Registration is free and can be done here.
With the introduction of the European ‘Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’ (PPWR), a great deal is set to change for companies that place packaged products on the market. At Empack, Fost Plus aims to make these complex regulations easier to understand and to encourage businesses to start thinking today about tomorrow’s deadlines.
PPWR: 2030 starts today
After a great deal of preparation, the European regulation will finally come into force this summer. As a result, new obligations, requirements and targets will be introduced systematically over the coming years. This year, companies will already have to deal with, amongst other things, registration obligations and restrictions on certain chemical substances.
“Many companies are now aware that the PPWR is on its way,” says Lieven Capon of Fost Plus, “but there is still a great deal of uncertainty. Europe has established the framework, whilst various provisions are being clarified step by step. Our role is to convey that information as clearly as possible. Empack is an important platform for this because we reach a diverse audience there.”
That is why Fost Plus is once again organising an afternoon conference on the changing regulatory framework on the first day of the trade fair. Fevia will outline the general framework, Fost Plus will delve deeper into the recyclability requirements, and Valipac will discuss the impact on industrial and transport packaging. In addition, a retailer and a brand owner will engage in a discussion about the practical implementation within their business operations. “It’s set to be a truly unmissable afternoon for anyone wondering about the practical implementation and approach to the new rules.”
Never too early
“Most of the provisions won’t come into force until 2030, but you can’t adapt packaging overnight,” explains Lieven. “Companies need to take stock of their portfolio, assess recyclability and, above all, start in good time. There’s a tendency to focus mainly on what’s mandatory today. We want to ensure our members don’t miss future deadlines.”
New regulations are also leading to a sharp increase in the number of companies coming into contact with Fost Plus. Empack therefore offers an excellent opportunity to answer questions directly. “Traditional communication doesn’t always reach everyone. Here, we can engage with companies, share knowledge and provide them with targeted guidance. That’s precisely why it’s so important to be present,” says Lieven.
The role of Fost Plus
Fost Plus is a non-profit organisation that fulfils the extended producer responsibility for household packaging on behalf of its members. Member companies – ranging from brand owners to retailers – pay a contribution based on the packaging they place on the market. Fost Plus then works with (among others) inter-municipal organisations and private operators to process packaging waste sustainably and cost-effectively into new raw materials.
“It would be an impossible task for companies to meet their recycling obligations individually,” they say. “We pool that responsibility and help ensure that packaging can be turned back into a valuable raw material at the end of its life.”
Why should you attend?
Empack plays a key role within this ecosystem: the trade fair brings the entire supply chain together. Packaging manufacturers, machinery manufacturers and companies that market packaged products will not only find new solutions and innovations there, but also answers regarding the processing and recycling of packaging. “Visitors can discover the full story here: from concept and choice of materials to the final processing stage. We’re happy to assist them with our specialist expertise,” concludes Lieven.
Empack 2026 will take place on 22 and 23 September at Flanders Expo in Ghent. Registration is free and can be done here.
