FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – A seminar funded by the European Union has been held to discuss the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will come into effect on August 12, aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka’s food export sector.
This two-day event provided valuable insights and resources to Sri Lankan businesses and governmental bodies, including packaging producers, printing services, industry associations, certification organizations, and development partners, enabling them to prepare for the forthcoming regulatory shifts impacting exports to the EU.
“As the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation begins to take effect, proactive preparations will be vital for businesses to adapt seamlessly, ensure continued access to the EU market, and enhance their competitiveness in a global economy increasingly focused on sustainability,” stated Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation from the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka.
The PPWR, which was established in February 2025, imposes binding obligations on all packaging sold in the EU market starting from August 12. This regulation introduces new requirements regarding recyclability, recycled plastic content, reuse, standardized labeling, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and traceability, making compliance a crucial factor for businesses wishing to maintain their foothold in the European market.
The new regulations will particularly impact exporters in sectors such as tea, spices, seafood, processed foods, beverages, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), as well as local packaging manufacturers catering to these industries.
To ensure continued access to the EU market, businesses must reevaluate their packaging designs, material choices, sourcing methods, supplier traceability, certification processes, and sustainability reporting. Inability to adapt could lead to increased compliance costs, disruptions in supply chains, diminished competitiveness, and potential loss of market access.
“The shift toward sustainable packaging is no longer just an environmental goal; it has become a business necessity. Through the CIRCULAR Project, we aim to foster knowledge, innovation, and resource efficiency to help Sri Lankan industries prepare for the future while developing more sustainable and resilient value chains in the food sector,” remarked Mahmoud Gaballah, Project Manager of the CIRCULAR Project at Expertise France.
The seminar was organized with the support of the EU through the CIRCULAR – Circular Economy in the Food Sector Project, which is a collaborative effort involving Expertise France, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
International experts simplified the PPWR’s intricate legal and technical requirements into actionable business guidance. Participants were informed about the regulation’s implementation schedule and its five fundamental principles: recyclability, recycled content, reuse, standardized labeling, and waste prevention.
Key regulatory points discussed included the prohibition of Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging starting August 2026, the requirement for tea bags and certain packaging types to be industrially compostable from February 2028, and the necessity of enhancing supplier traceability and preparing technical documentation well ahead of the implementation date.
Participants examined practical strategies for compliance, such as redesigning packaging, selecting sustainable materials, conducting supplier due diligence, and maintaining certification and traceability documentation. The discussions underscored the importance of early investment in packaging innovation and fostering collaboration throughout the supply chain to stay competitive in the European market.
Attendees were urged to take proactive measures to mitigate future risks, maintain their access to the European market, and address the rising demand for more sustainable packaging solutions in global supply chains.
“For Sri Lanka’s export-focused food and packaging sectors, comprehending these intricate EU regulations is crucial. The experts at this seminar provided invaluable insights regarding the regulations, which will aid us in formulating a clear and comprehensive roadmap,” commented Nishan Perera, President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging.
The CIRCULAR Project aids Sri Lanka’s transition towards a circular economy by minimizing food loss and waste while addressing single-use plastic pollution.
