Softlines & Hardlines Sustainability Regulations from August 2026
Sustainability regulations update for Softlines & Hardlines industries from August 2026, covering Extended Producer Responsibility, PPWR, PFAS and more.
First published: September 2026
This information covers the most recent publications regarding sustainability, the circular economy, and the environment (non-exhaustive).
World Trade Organization
Spain has notified the WTO of G/TBT/N/ESP/59, concerning a draft measure on the waste management of wet wipes and balloons
Spain has notified the WTO of G/TBT/N/ESP/59, concerning a draft measure on the waste management of wet wipes and balloons. The notification concerns products specifically identified as wet wipes and balloons within the area of waste management. As this is a WTO TBT notification, the procedure provides other WTO Members with advance information on draft technical regulations and allows them to assess and comment on potential effects on trade before the measure is adopted.
United States
U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a legislative hearing titled “Legislative Proposals to Strengthen Consumer Protection in a Changing Marketplace
On 22 July 2026, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a legislative hearing titled “Legislative Proposals to Strengthen Consumer Protection in a Changing Marketplace.” Among the 12 proposals considered were the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025 (H.R. 6832) and the Recycled Materials Attribution Act of 2026 (H.R. 7502), both of which address environmental marketing claims.
The PACK Act would establish federal requirements for “recyclable,” “compostable” and “reusable” claims made in relation to consumer-product packaging. Among other provisions, it would define these terms, establish qualification requirements for certain claims, require accredited third-party certification of such claims, and preempt state and local requirements that are not identical to the federal requirements established by the legislation.
The Recycled Materials Attribution Act would establish a federal framework for recycled-content claims, including statutory definitions and recognition of mass-balance accounting as an acceptable method of substantiating recycled-content claims where supported through an appropriate third-party certification system. It would also require the FTC to update its Green Guides to reflect the legislation and would preempt certain state requirements relating to its prohibition and enforcement provisions.
The hearing included discussion of the potential benefits of greater national consistency in environmental marketing requirements, as well as concerns about federal preemption of existing state laws. These two measures formed part of a broader package of 12 consumer-protection proposals considered by the Subcommittee concerning matters within the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Europe
PPWR August 2026 update: Navigating the Commission’s new FAQ guidance
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment has released the second edition of its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) in August 2026, offering critical clarifications as the regulation’s general application date of 12 August 2026 officially takes effect. This updated release delivers essential guidance on the immediate enforcement of PFAS restrictions in food-contact packaging, highlighting a recommended three-step testing protocol starting with a Total Fluorine screen of 50 mg/kg and confirming that no transitional period exists for exhausting non-compliant stocks placed on the market after the application date. Furthermore, the FAQ provides crucial distinctions for economic operators by delineating the role of the manufacturer, who is solely responsible for design conformity and technical documentation, from the producer, who handles national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registration and waste management funding. It also clarifies compliance pathways for upcoming 2030 milestones, including packaging minimisation calculations, the 50% empty space ratio for transport and e-commerce packaging, and the upcoming harmonised waste sorting labels.
EU harmonised label for commercial guarantees of durability to apply from September 2026
From 27 September 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1960 of 25 September 2025 will apply, establishing the design and content of the harmonised label for commercial guarantees of durability under Directive (EU) 2019/771. The Regulation provides for a harmonised label to be used where a producer offers a commercial guarantee of durability for a product at no additional cost, covering the entire product and lasting for more than two years. The label indicates that the product benefits from a commercial guarantee of durability and includes information on the duration of the guarantee and a QR code giving access to information on the guarantee. The Regulation applies from 27 September 2026 and is intended to provide consumers with a harmonised way of identifying products covered by such guarantees across the EU.
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) published its own-initiative opinion about nature-based biodegradable materials
On 22 July 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) published its own-initiative opinion, “A comprehensive strategy for nature-based biodegradable materials to foster circularity and resource efficiency, strengthen the agri-food sector and scale-up the EU bioeconomy” (C/2026/3540). The EESC calls for a more coherent EU approach to nature-based biodegradable materials and greater recognition of biological routes to circularity alongside technical recycling routes. It identifies regulatory and policy barriers affecting these materials, noting in particular that existing approaches are largely adapted to technical material cycles and mechanical recycling and do not systematically take lifecycle outcomes or biological disposal routes into account. The opinion calls for greater coherence across EU legislation, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the Waste Framework Directive, REACH and sector-specific product legislation, and states that current packaging recyclability requirements risk excluding materials designed for biological disposal routes.
European Commission is preparing an implementing act on national registers of producers under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
On 4 August 2026, the European Commission is preparing an implementing act on national registers of producers under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The initiative aims to establish rules on the information to be provided by producers when registering, as well as rules on the operation of national producer registers. According to the Commission, the act is intended to support the implementation of the PPWR provisions on producer registration and to ensure a consistent approach to producer registers across Member States. The Commission’s initiative page identifies this measure as an implementing act and provides for stakeholder feedback as part of the Better Regulation process. The Commission’s feedback period is open from 6 August until 10 September 2026, allowing stakeholders to submit comments on the initiative.
European Commission launched a public consultation on Packaging and packaging waste, sustainability criteria for plastic recycling technologies
On 14 August 2026, the European Commission launched a public consultation on Packaging and packaging waste, sustainability criteria for plastic recycling technologies, as part of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR). The initiative concerns the development of sustainability criteria for plastic recycling technologies and will feed into the preparation of an EU measure establishing those criteria. The Commission is seeking feedback from stakeholders through the Have Your Say portal, with the consultation open until 16 September 2026. The initiative is relevant to plastic recycling technologies and the sustainability requirements that will apply under the PPWR.
European Commission launched a call for evidence on “Packaging and packaging waste, conditions for importing recycled materials into the EU for use in packaging
On 14 August 2026, the European Commission launched a call for evidence on “Packaging and packaging waste, conditions for importing recycled materials into the EU for use in packaging”, as part of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR). The initiative concerns the conditions for importing recycled materials into the EU for use in packaging, and the Commission is seeking feedback from stakeholders on this initiative. The feedback period runs from 14 August to 16 September 2026.
French Law No. 2026-602: Regulating ultra-fast fashion industry impact
France has taken a historic step to curb the environmental footprint of the textile industry with the promulgation of Law No. 2026-602 on July 8, 2026, targeting “ultra-fast fashion” head-on. This legislation defines ultra-fast fashion as industrial and commercial practices characterized by marketing a high volume of new product references with minimal incentives for repair, which ultimately shortens the products’ usable lifespans. To dismantle this model, the law institutes a strict advertising ban starting 1 January 2027, which completely prohibits ads for these products and brands, including the promotional use of the word “free” and bans commercial influencers from promoting ultra-fast fashion, backing this up with administrative fines of up to €100,000. Online marketplaces must now prominently display the manufacturing locations of garments right next to the price tag in an equal font size, while also displaying clear, legible messages that encourage sobriety, repair, and recycling. On the financial side, ultra-fast fashion producers are stripped of certain corporate donation tax reductions and face a steep, sliding scale of EPR financial penalties per product, starting between €0.25 and €12 in 2026, and escalating to between €2 and €20 by 2030, with a portion of these contributions directly funding domestic collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure.
France approves an individual EPR system for packaging used to market products consumed or used by professional users
On 6 July 2026, France has approved an individual extended producer responsibility (EPR) system for packaging used to market products consumed or used by professional users. The Order of 6 July 2026 grants approval to the individual system for the professional packaging EPR stream, establishing the legal basis for the operator to fulfil the relevant producer responsibility obligations individually. The approval is issued under the French EPR framework for packaging and applies to packaging placed on the market for professional use.
France amends oil containers covered by the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for mineral or synthetic, lubricating or industrial oils
On 13 July 2026, France published the Order of 13 July 2026 concerning oil containers covered by the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for mineral or synthetic, lubricating or industrial oils, amending the specifications applicable to eco-organisations operating under this scheme. The Order establishes provisions applicable to containers for these oils and modifies the specifications governing the eco-organisations responsible for the relevant EPR scheme, as set out in the Order published in the Official Journal of the French Republic.
France approves an individual system under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging used to market products consumed or used by professionals
On 3 August 2026, France published the Order of 3 August 2026 amending the Order of 6 July 2026 concerning the approval of an individual system under the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging used to market products consumed or used by professionals. The Order corrects the 6 July 2026 Order by replacing the wording “as an eco-organisation” with “as an individual system” in Article 1. The underlying approval concerns International Pallet Pool BV (Pooling Partners IPP Logipal) and is valid until 31 December 2031. The measure applies to producers, including manufacturers, importers and distributors, of packaged products consumed or used by professionals. Under the EPR framework, producers must either establish an approved individual system or join an approved eco-organisation to fulfil their obligations for managing waste from the relevant packaging.
Sweden publishes national PFAS action plan and proposes 2028 consumer product ban
On 23 July 2026, the Swedish government adopted a landmark national action plan to combat the widespread environmental and health threats posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), highly persistent “forever chemicals” linked to serious conditions such as cancer and impaired immune systems. Choosing to move ahead of slower, upcoming European Union restrictions, Sweden has proposed a pioneering national ban targeting non-essential PFAS in everyday consumer products, specifically clothing, shoes, impregnation agents, kitchen utensils, cosmetics, and ski wax, which is slated to take effect on 1 January 2028. Supported by an immediate 85 million SEK budget allocation for cleanup and pilot remediation projects in 2026, the government’s multi-pronged strategy establishes six strategic focus areas to map chemical flows, enhance human and environmental monitoring, and accelerate technical development for soil and water decontamination before a scheduled national review on 1 October 2029.
Swiss Federal Council adopts measures to strengthen recycling and improve the circular use of materials in packaging and waste management
On 26 June 2026, the Swiss Federal Council adopted measures to strengthen recycling and improve the circular use of materials in packaging and waste management. The Federal Council decided to introduce new requirements for the separate collection and recycling of certain packaging and waste streams, with the measures intended to increase recycling rates and improve the recovery of valuable materials. The decision also concerns the implementation and further development of Switzerland’s waste and circular-economy framework, including measures affecting packaging placed on the Swiss market. The Federal Council’s decision forms part of Switzerland’s efforts to strengthen recycling and promote a more circular economy.
Italy establishes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles, footwear, and leather good
On 23 July 2026, the Italian Unified Conference officially expressed a favourable opinion on the draft regulation establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. This new framework brings clothing textiles, footwear, accessories, leather goods, and household textiles under strict circular economy rules. For companies operating in these sectors, the regulation introduces a profound shift by holding producers financially and operationally responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products. Specifically, businesses will be required to participate in a return system for products after consumer use and manage the subsequent waste, actively financing and organising efforts to strengthen reuse, prevention, recycling, and recovery.
Italy approves the draft regulation establishing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for textile products
On 23 July 2026, Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security announced that the Unified Conference has given its approval to the draft regulation establishing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for textile products. The regulation is intended to establish the framework for producer responsibility for textiles, covering the organisation and management of the relevant waste stream. The approval by the Unified Conference is a step in the national regulatory process; the Ministry’s announcement does not state that the regulation has entered into force.
Belgium strengthens consumer protection for the green transition
On 22 July 2026, Belgium has adopted the Law of 22 July 2026 transposing Directive (EU) 2024/825, which strengthens consumer protection for the green transition through improved information and protection against unfair commercial practices. The law, which enters into force on 27 September 2026, introduces new rules into the Belgian Code of Economic Law on environmental claims, sustainability labels, product durability and repairability. It prohibits, among other practices, the use of sustainability labels not based on a certification scheme or established by public authorities, generic environmental claims without demonstrable recognised excellent environmental performance, misleading claims about the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emission offsetting, and environmental claims relating to an entire product or business where they concern only a specific aspect. The law also introduces consumer information requirements concerning software updates, repairability, spare parts and commercial durability guarantees.
Germany introduces classification of reusable, durable carrier bags under the German Packaging Act
On 23 July 2026, the German Federal Administrative Court (Bundesverwaltungsgericht) issued Press Release No. 57/2026 concerning the classification of reusable, durable carrier bags (“Permanenttragetaschen”) under the German Packaging Act (VerpackG). The Court ruled that carrier bags offered by supermarkets for customers to transport purchased goods are considered packaging subject to participation in the German dual system, even if they are durable, reusable and made from recycled plastic. The case concerned bags with a capacity of 35 litres and a carrying capacity of 20 kg. The Court confirmed that the material, durability or potential later use of the bags does not change their classification where they are designed and intended to enable end consumers to transport purchased goods. For the packaging industry, the decision means that reusable and durable carrier bags used for this purpose fall within the system-participation requirements under the Packaging Act; their durability or potential reuse for other purposes does not remove them from these requirements.
United Kingdom
UK opens call for evidence on digital product records policy
On 27 July 2026, the UK Government published a Call for Evidence on Digital Product Records (DPRs), seeking views and evidence to inform whether and how a DPR policy could be developed in Great Britain, including views on existing approaches, potential benefits and challenges, and the implications for businesses. The call considers the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) as an existing approach, while noting that Great Britain does not currently have a determined approach to DPRs. Under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, the EU has established a legal framework for Digital Product Passports, with specific requirements to be introduced for products through relevant EU legislation. The UK Government is therefore seeking evidence on the potential design and implementation of a UK approach and its interaction with international systems, with responses due by 11:59 pm on 21 September 2026.
Scotland has adopted the Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/75)
In June 2026, Scotland has adopted the Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/75), which prohibit a person acting in the course of a business from supplying or offering to supply wet wipes containing plastic to an end user in Scotland, subject to specified exemptions. The Regulations define a wet wipe as a non-woven piece of fabric that has been pre-wetted and is not designed or intended to be reused, and define plastic by reference to the definition in the EU REACH Regulation, excluding natural polymers that have not been chemically modified. The exemptions include certain supplies by registered pharmacies, supplies for medical purposes, and supplies to businesses or local authorities. A breach of the supply prohibition constitutes an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to level 5 on the standard scale. The Regulations also establish enforcement powers for authorised local authority officers and provide for a fixed penalty of £200, reduced to £100 where paid within 14 days. The Regulations came into force on 11 August 2027.
APAC
Indonesia is preparing a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework
On 12 July 2026, Indonesia is preparing a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework that would require producers to finance the management of plastic packaging waste generated by their products. According to an official announcement by Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) on 12 July 2026, the policy is expected to be established through a Ministerial Regulation on EPR and implemented through Packaging Recovery Organizations (PROs). The Ministry stated that around 10,000 large factories using plastic would be required to allocate dedicated funding, which would be channelled to community-level waste management organisations. The central government would focus on regulation and oversight rather than managing the operational funds. The Ministry also stated that the PRO mechanism is intended to support community-based waste management activities and create green jobs. The official announcement confirms that the EPR regulation is being prepared; it does not provide a date for its adoption or entry into force.
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