{"id":12877,"date":"2026-04-21T02:04:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T06:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=12877"},"modified":"2026-04-21T02:04:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T06:04:34","slug":"globaldata-flags-major-packaging-regulatory-reset-worldwide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=12877","title":{"rendered":"GlobalData flags major packaging regulatory reset worldwide"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The changes affect the US, EU and Australia, creating a more complex compliance environment for manufacturers and exporters. \/ Credit: Valery Evlakhov via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Global packaging rules are tightening across major economies as governments introduce stricter controls on sustainability claims, packaging design and waste reduction.<\/p>\n

The shift is reshaping compliance requirements for manufacturers, retailers and logistics operators, with new frameworks emerging in the United States, European Union and Australia.<\/p>\n

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According to GlobalData<\/a>, the changes reflect a broader regulatory reset that is increasing operational complexity and forcing companies to reassess packaging strategies across supply chains and consumer markets.<\/p>\n

US claims and materials tighten<\/h2>\n

In the United States, packaging regulation is moving towards tighter control of environmental claims and materials. Proposed federal measures, including the PACK Act, aim to create a national framework for terms such as \u201crecyclable\u201d and \u201ccompostable\u201d, giving regulators clearer authority to assess green marketing language.<\/p>\n

At present, rules vary across states, creating a fragmented compliance environment. The proposed changes seek to reduce inconsistency and limit unverified sustainability claims.<\/p>\n

Alongside this, states are accelerating restrictions on specific packaging materials. Bans and phase-outs of polystyrene foam are expanding, while per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as \u201cforever chemicals\u201d, are increasingly targeted in food packaging regulations.<\/p>\n

The US Environmental Protection Agency has also confirmed that microplastics will be treated as a priority contaminant group, signalling potential future monitoring and compliance requirements.<\/p>\n

EU limits packaging waste<\/h2>\n

The European Union is introducing one of the most comprehensive packaging reforms through its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The framework is designed to reduce waste, improve recyclability and standardise rules across member states.<\/p>\n

From 2026, the regulation will apply across the EU, with e-commerce and logistics packaging subject to specific design requirements. A key measure is a limit on empty space inside packaging, intended to reduce unnecessary volume and transport emissions.<\/p>\n

The rules also address packaging design practices that may mislead consumers, including structural features such as double walls and false bottoms. Industry participants will need to adjust packaging formats to meet harmonised definitions of compliance, with detailed calculation methods expected to be standardised in the coming years.<\/p>\n

Australia targets recycling growth<\/h2>\n

Australia is focusing on strengthening recycling systems and increasing the use of recycled content in packaging. The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has highlighted a structural imbalance between recycling capacity and market demand.<\/p>\n

According to industry analysis, weak demand for recycled materials, partly driven by cheaper virgin plastic imports, has limited investment in recycling infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Planned reforms to extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes aim to address this gap by improving industry participation and creating more stable demand for recycled inputs.<\/p>\n

Global impact on supply chains<\/h2>\n

GlobalData says the combined effect of regulatory changes in the US and EU will extend well beyond domestic markets due to their role as major import regions for fast-moving consumer goods.<\/p>\n

Bokkala Parthasaradhi Reddy, lead consumer analyst at GlobalData, said companies will need to adjust strategies carefully as regulations evolve. He noted that the impact will not be limited to domestic producers, adding that changes in these markets will \u201chave a domino effect across the world\u201d.<\/p>\n

As packaging regulation becomes more closely linked to sustainability and trade policy, companies are expected to face higher compliance costs and greater pressure to align packaging design, sourcing and reporting practices across multiple jurisdictions.<\/p>\n

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