13
Jul 2026
ECHA PFAS Consultation Receives Over 3,500 Comments
On 13 , Jul 2026 | In | By Joana Benecke-Mugisha
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has reported 3,511 comments from more than 3,200 organisations and around 250 individuals during its public consultation on the draft socio-economic opinion (SEAC) for the proposed EU PFAS restriction. The consultation, which closed on 25 May 2026, is part of the ongoing evaluation of one of the most ...
10
Jul 2026
The 2030 Refurbishment Wave: Why millions of solar panels will soon be replaced– and what opportunities this presents
On 10 , Jul 2026 | In | By Mona-Fee Kienle
The energy transition is often associated with the expansion of new photovoltaic systems. However, a less widely discussed development is becoming increasingly significant: the first major generation of solar installations is reaching the end of its technical and economic lifespan. Between 2005 and 2012, millions of photovoltaic modules were ...
07
Jul 2026
The operative launch of commercial packaging in France is postponed once again
On 07 , Jul 2026 | In | By Tatjana Möllmann
At the end of June, the scheduled launch of the new French EPR scheme for industrial and commercial packaging on 1 July 2026 seemed to be on track. The accreditations for the two producer responsibility organizations, Citeo and Leko, were even published in the French Official Journal on 24 June ahead of the official launch. However, just two days ...
30
Jun 2026
EPR under the PPWR: When You Need an Authorised Representative
On 30 , Jun 2026 | In | By Júlio Junqueira
In our previous articles, we have explored the different economic operators defined under the PPWR, as well as the producer definition, which may apply to three of these operators: the manufacturer, the importer, and the distributor. However, another important actor deserves special attention: the Authorised Representative (AR). Both producers and ...
29
Jun 2026
Germany Adopts Action Plan to Implement National Circular Economy Strategy
On 29 , Jun 2026 | In | By Ute Binder
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On June 3, 2026, the Federal Government adopted the Action Plan to implement the National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS). The plan aims to introduce twelve priority measures by the end of 2027 to strengthen the circular economy in Germany, secure the supply of raw materials, and increase the competitiveness of the economy. Key measures include ...
23
Jun 2026
Launch of new EPR scheme for industrial and commercial packaging in France on July 1
On 23 , Jun 2026 | In | By Tatjana Möllmann
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We announced in our February blog, that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for industrial and commercial packaging in France would apply as of July 1, 2026. However, at the beginning of the year, several operational questions remained open such as which producer responsibility organizations would receive official authorization for this sector. ...
15
Jun 2026
Who Is Considered Producer Under the PPWR? 5 Practical Examples
On 15 , Jun 2026 | In | By Júlio Junqueira
As we have seen in the last article, establishing who are the economic actors in the PPWR is decisive to reach compliance with this legislation. It is crucial to understand that the terms “Producer” and “Manufacturer” carry two different concepts in light of the PPWR: While “Manufacturer” is one of the economic actors, “Producer” can be considered ...
10
Jun 2026
Oeko-Institut Launches New RoHS Project (Pack 29) – May 2026
On 10 , Jun 2026 | In | By Monika Srubarova
Oeko-Institut has announced the commencement of a new RoHS exemption review project, referred to as “Pack 29,” under Directive 2011/65/EU. The project will assess ten exemption renewal requests under Annex III concerning the use of mercury in special-purpose gas discharge lamps, alongside several exemption revocation requests under Annex IV ...
09
Jun 2026
WEEE-compliant return logistics: Why reverse logistics is much more than just recycling
On 09 , Jun 2026 | In | By Alisa Maier
At first glance, WEEE-compliant return logistics sounds like a purely recycling-related issue. In practice, however, the real work begins much earlier – namely as soon as devices are returned, collected or exchanged as part of a trade-in scheme. From this moment, a reverse logistics chain begins that must be organised, documented, and managed in a ...
02
Jun 2026
Who are the economic operators under the PPWR?
On 02 , Jun 2026 | In | By Júlio Junqueira
The PPWR introduces new requirements for companies that manufacture, import, distribute, make available or unpack packaging within the European Union. A central starting point for understanding these obligations is one key question: Which role does a company play within the supply chain? Article 3(12) of the PPWR defines the relevant economic ...