Stimo, co-organiser of the seminar: From circular ambitions to circular business practices

The European packaging industry stands on the brink of a major transformation. With the introduction of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the focus is shifting towards a circular packaging value chain in which collaboration across the entire chain is essential. Our client STIMO, The Dutch foundation for Metal organisations plays an active role in this by bringing stakeholders together and stimulating knowledge sharing, including as co-organiser of a recently well-attended seminar on circular business practices.

From directive to regulation

The year 2026 will largely be defined for the European packaging industry by the entry into force of the European Packaging Regulation, formally known as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Following a long period of fragmented national laws and regulations under its predecessor, the European Packaging Directive, the PPWR will come into effect on 12 August as one of the flagship initiatives of the European Green Deal. Its aim is to create a level European playing field for a circular packaging value chain. A key concept within the PPWR is the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Under this principle, the party placing packaged products on the market is responsible for covering the costs of keeping packaging materials within the value chain for as long as possible. At national level, EPR systems and their associated fee structures are managed by so-called Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).

The Dutch role

The Netherlands has long been one of the frontrunners in the circular economy in Europe. The Dutch EPR organisation Verpact is therefore regarded as a leading player at European level. Verpact works closely with various stakeholders across the value chain. An important role is also played by STIMO, a collaborative platform in which the five main material streams plastics (NRK, Dutch Packaging association), Paper and Board (PRN, Dutch assocaition), Glass (Dutch foundation for Sustainable Glass Packaging), metals (Dutch Metal packaging association) and wood (Dutch Foundation Kringloop Wood) have joined forces to collectively address circular challenges and represent shared interests.

Ongoing uncertainty

With four months to go until 12 August, there is still considerable uncertainty about what the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will mean in practice for the sector. The European Commission is behind schedule in providing the expected clarifications. Many of the so-called Delegated Acts, or secondary legislation, are still under preparation. There is also a lack of knowledge, expertise and mutual alignment among implementing bodies and enforcement authorities, which makes consistent application of the regulatory framework challenging at this stage.

Seminar in The Netherlands (Ede)

On 9 April, Verpact and STIMO organised a one-day seminar to deepen knowledge collectively. Nearly 150 participants from the packaging industry, trade associations, knowledge institutes, the recycling sector, brand owners, retail, logistics and government gathered at the former Mauritskazerne. During plenary sessions and eight breakout sessions, insights were shared across a range of key themes.

Insights and the role of Lejeune

Keynote speaker Steven van Eijck, Special Government Representative for the Circular Economy, introduced the terms ‘subsurface and surface resources’ to distinguish between primary and secondary raw materials. As a hub for various trade associations in both the packaging and recycling sectors, Lejeune Association Management was represented by several colleagues. They attended both as co-organiser and participant, contributing knowledge and identifying gaps on behalf of their organisations and members.

Outlook

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will continue to shape the landscape of the circular packaging economy over the next ten to fifteen years. It presents a valuable opportunity to remain actively involved in further developing this transition alongside our experts.

Read the Verpact report and the STIMO seminar report, written by Luc Lejeune. Both in Dutch