Proving compliance becomes the new regulatory challenge

As major E.U. legislation moves from adoption towards implementation, the adhesive tape industry's challenge is shifting from understanding new requirements to demonstrating compliance through robust technical evidence, documentation and supply-chain collaboration. That transition shaped discussions at Afera's latest Regulatory Affairs Working Group (RAWG) follow-up Meeting on 17 July and continues to influence companies across the European adhesive tape value chain. Members can read the full, detailed version in Afera's Members-only section. 

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) remained the Meeting's principal focus. Rather than revisiting the legislation itself, discussions centred on its practical application, including the respective roles of manufacturers, producers and suppliers, the growing importance of technical documentation supporting the Declaration of Conformity and the implications of evolving guidance on transport packaging. Together, these developments reinforce that demonstrating compliance will increasingly depend on reliable technical information and effective co-ordination across the supply chain. 

The same theme extended well beyond packaging. Members reviewed developments under the E.U. Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the U.K. Plastic Packaging Tax, where traceability, substantiation and supporting documentation are becoming increasingly important. The RAWG also considered progress on key chemicals legislation, including the REACH microplastics restriction, n-hexane, rosin acids and PFAS, together with wider policy initiatives that could influence the industry's longer-term operating environment. 

As implementation accelerates across Europe, Afera's RAWG continues to help Members interpret emerging legislation, exchange practical experience and prepare for increasingly evidence-based compliance throughout the European adhesive tape value chain. The complete, Members-only Quarterly Update explores these developments in greater detail, including the Working Group's discussions, practical implications and the issues Members should continue to monitor as implementation progresses. 

Further information

• Proving compliance becomes the new regulatory challenge: Quarterly update of Afera's Regulatory Affairs Working Group Meeting part 2 (Members only)
• Afera Regulatory Affairs