ECHA takes on new role to improve safety of packaging materials

ECHA takes on new role to improve safety of packaging materialsECHA/NR/25/04The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will identify harmful chemicals in packaging and, when requested, propose restrictions on their use. These responsibilities come from the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which enters into force today. Helsinki, 11 February 2025 – The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation introduces new tasks for ECHA. The first task for ECHA is to support the European Commission by preparing a study identifying chemicals of concern in packaging and related components assessing how these chemicals affect their safety, reuse and recycling. ECHA is to provide its input to the Commission by end of September 2026.Based on this report, the Commission will then consider appropriate follow-up measures, including possible restrictions on the use of substances in packaging materials that pose health or environmental risks. These restrictions will follow the existing REACH restriction process.Through this work, ECHA will contribute to better protection of people and the environment from harmful chemicals in packaging and promote safe reuse and sustainable recycling.Peter van der Zandt, ECHA’s Director of Risk Management, said: “ECHA’s scientific expertise on chemicals will play a key role in making packaging materials safer for the environment and people and enhance their reuse and recyclability. We are looking forward to collaborating with the European Commission and...