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In Case You Missed It | News Recap (July-September)

Written by Cohesion Labels | Sep 23, 2026, 12:00:00 AM

This quarter has seen significant developments, both domestically and internationally, across the labelling and packaging landscape. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) became applicable, the Australian Federal Government shelved mandatory national packaging standards, and the Australian recycling landscape suffered a blow when Recycling Plastics Australia (RPA) entered voluntary administration.

Here is a snapshot of some of the developments shaping the industry and what they could mean going forward. 

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 

From 12 August 2026, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation has applied across the European Union. The goal is to reduce packaging waste, increase recycling, and lower compliance costs for businesses. Packaging containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above the strict thresholds can no longer be placed on the EU market.

  • 25 ppb (parts per billion): The maximum limit for any individual non-polymeric PFAS substance, measured via targeted analysis. 
  • 250 ppb (parts per billion): The maximum limit for the sum of non-polymeric PFAS detected through targeted analysis.
  • 50 ppm (parts per million): The maximum limit for total PFAS (including polymeric PFAS), measured as total fluorine.

The PFAS restrictions aim to reduce exposure to these 'forever chemicals', which can accumulate in the environment and in the human body. The PPWR also replaces fragmented national requirements with one common framework, reducing complexity for businesses that trade across borders and supporting the transition to a more circular economy. Learn more about the changes here. 

Australian Packaging Reform Shelved

The Australian Federal Government shelved plans for new mandatory national packaging regulations during its current term, citing cost-of-living and economic pressures. Proposed reforms had been under development since 2023 and would have introduced stronger recycled-content requirements and uniform national packaging standards.

For now, the existing packaging framework remains in place, with the government working with states and territories to harmonise existing policies instead. The decision has blindsided many in the recycling and sustainability industries, raising concerns about regulatory uncertainty, inconsistent requirements between states, and reduced demand for Australian recycled materials. 

Recycling Plastics Australia (RPA)

The Australian recycling landscape has suffered a significant blow after Recycling Plastics Australia (RPA) entered voluntary administration on 31 August 2026. RPA is a major local processor of recycled plastics (20,000 tonnes of plastic annually) and received $20 million in Federal funding in 2024 to help expand recycling capacity.

Despite this, Australian recycling plants are reported to be operating at about half their available capacity on average. Local recyclers are struggling to compete with cheaper imported virgin and recycled plastics. Approximately 60 jobs are affected, and RPA's administration has intensified concerns about whether Australia's recycling industry is commercial viable. 

Australasian Recycling Label Under Review

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is reviewing the rules and evidence that sit behind the Australian Recycling Label (ARL). The review is considering if current recycling claims match what can actually be collected, sorted, and reprocessed in practice. If adjustments are deemed necessary, we could expect to see changes to the rules determining which ARL appears on-pack and the way these ARL icons are presented.

APCO has not yet made any decisions and has confirmed that no immediate action is required. However, businesses should be mindful of future updates, as they may eventually need to replace recycling labels and packaging artwork.  

FSANZ Proposes Annual Label Change Date

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is looking at introducing an annual common commencement date for future FSANZ-initiated food labelling changes. Regulatory label changes could take effect on one set date each year, rather than at different points throughout the year, making it easier for manufacturers to coordinate artwork changes, whilst potentially reducing redesign costs, obsolete packaging and production disruption.

At this stage, FSANZ has proposed May 30 as the target common commencement date, which was identified as being the least disruptive for standard production cycles. However, no decisions have been made and all information is under review. 

Summary

The packaging landscape is moving in different directions, with tighter requirements emerging overseas while Australia takes a more cautious approach to reform. Keeping across these changes and staying flexible will be important as businesses navigate evolving labelling requirements. 

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