Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) harmonised labelling and the risk of fragmentation

Question for written answer E-001543/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Massimiliano Salini (PPE) Subject: Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) harmonised labelling and the risk of fragmentation Under Article 12 of the PPWR, the Commission is set to harmonise consumer sorting instructions. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is currently working on a universal pictogrambased labelling system instead of text in order to overcome language barriers, simplify packaging design and promote single market integration. However, the JRC and the Commission appear to be considering prioritising a version of the label with text in national languages as the ‘most preferred option’. Should the Commission endorse this option, whether as a mandatory requirement or as part of the guidelines, it will contravene the PPWR’s harmonisation and recyclable at scale objectives, weakening the Commission’s efforts to protect the single market, as reaffirmed through infringement proceedings launched concerning national sorting instructions. 1. Does the Commission intend to mandate the use of text in the label prototype or as part of the guidelines? If so, how will it preserve the PPWR’s harmonisation objective? 2. Has the Commission assessed the risk that national translations could cause fragmentation and higher compliance costs for businesses and consumers? 3. In the light of recent infringements, how does the Commission justify supporting a labelling approach that may cause...