Question 1

Q: How does Norse handle EPR for their customers?

Accepted Answer

Norse Packaging (NP)can support you with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), but you – or your brand/legal entity in the destination country – remain the “producer” and hold the formal EPR obligations. NP provides the technical data and packaging choices that make your EPR reporting easier and more future‑proof, while the legal responsibility and payments stay with you as the producer.

How does Norse handle EPR for their customers?
Norse Packaging is a sourcing and logistics partner, not an EPR scheme operator. This means we do not register your company in national EPR schemes or pay your packaging fees for you. Instead, we help you meet your EPR obligations by:
Supplying detailed packaging specifications (materials, weights, components) so you can correctly report your packaging to national EPR systems.
Prioritising recyclable and mono‑material solutions that are easier to classify and typically more cost‑efficient under EPR and PPWR‑aligned design‑for‑recycling criteria.
Supporting you with documentation and data needed for your own reporting, such as material breakdowns per component, to simplify your internal compliance work.

You (or your local legal entity) remain responsible for:
Registering with the relevant EPR organisation(s) in each country where you place products on the market.
Reporting packaging volumes and compositions, and paying any applicable EPR fees, taxes or contributions.

Question 2

Q: What are the key PPWR requirements for cosmetic packaging

Accepted Answer

For skincare, beauty, and personal care brands, the regulation introduces new requirements for recyclability, recycled content, waste reduction, and packaging design. Once finalized, the regulation will apply directly across the European Union, meaning cosmetic brands must ensure compliance before placing packaging on the EU market. The key requirements are:

1. Recyclable Packaging by Design
Under PPWR, packaging sold in the EU must be designed for recycling.
This means:
Avoid unnecessary multi-material components
Design packaging compatible with EU recycling systems
Improve disassembly of pumps and closures

2. Minimum Recycled Content in Plastic Packaging
PPWR proposes minimum levels of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in packaging.
For cosmetic brands, this means many plastic packaging components may require PCR materials to meet compliance targets.
Typical packaging components affected include:
Bottles
Caps
Pump housings
Jars

3. Reduction of Unnecessary Packaging
The regulation will push brands to minimize packaging weight and empty space.
For cosmetics, this may affect:
Secondary packaging (boxes)
Decorative packaging layers
Overly thick plastic components

4. Improved Packaging Labelling
PPWR will introduce clearer labeling requirements to help consumers understand how to recycle packaging correctly.
This will likely include:
Material identification
Recycling instructions
Harmonized EU labeling standards

Question 3

Q: What is the EU PPWR?

Accepted Answer

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a EU regulation designed to reduce packaging waste and increase circularity across all industries.
Unlike the previous EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), the new PPWR will apply directly across all EU member states without needing national implementation.

PPWR is expected to roll out gradually during the coming years.
For skincare, beauty, and personal care brands, the regulation introduces new requirements for recyclability, recycled content, waste reduction, and packaging design. Once finalized, the regulation will apply directly across the European Union, meaning cosmetic brands must ensure compliance before placing packaging on the EU market.

Key Goals
Reduce packaging waste in the EU
Increase recycling rates
Require recyclable packaging designs
Increase use of recycled materials
Encourage reusable packaging systems
For cosmetic brands selling in the EU, this means packaging design will become a compliance issue,  not just a marketing choice.

Find more information on our website.

Question 4

Q: Will PPWR affect cosmetic packaging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cosmetic packaging made from plastic, glass, aluminum, and composite materials will all be affected by recyclability and sustainability requirements. Airless pumps and containers must also meet recyclability and material requirements. 
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is expected to roll out gradually during the coming years.
Once finalized, the regulation will apply directly across the European Union, meaning cosmetic brands must ensure compliance before placing packaging on the EU market.
Because packaging development cycles often take 12–24 months, brands should begin preparation early.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does Norse handle EPR for their customers?

Q: What are the key PPWR requirements for cosmetic packaging

Q: What is the EU PPWR?

Q: Will PPWR affect cosmetic packaging?

info@norsepackaging.com

Tel. +47 905 51 226
Norway

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