Essential EU Packaging Marks and Our Commitment

In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses must adhere to various regulations and standards, especially when it comes to packaging. In the European Union (EU), there are several important packaging marks that companies need to be aware of. Here’s a summary of the key packaging marks to know about:

CE Mark: Ensuring Compliance
The CE mark indicates that a product meets all EU regulatory requirements related to safety, health, energy efficiency, or environmental concerns, allowing it to be marketed within the European Economic Area. It ensures compliance with EU legislation and enables free movement of products within the European market. The CE marking is mandatory for products covered by the New Approach Directives, even if manufactured outside the EEA.

Cosmetic Packaging Requirements
Regulation (EC) N° 1223/2009 on cosmetic products requires specific information to be provided on the label or packaging, including:

• Company name and address
• Ingredients list
• Nominal net content
• Safety warnings
• Date of minimum durability or period after opening
• Product identification
• Reference/batch number
• Country of origin (if imported into the EU)

Food and Beverage Labeling
For prepackaged food sold in the EU, the following information must be provided:

• Name of the food
• Ingredient list and allergen information
• Quantity of certain ingredients
• Date marking (best before/use by)
• Country of origin
• Name and address of the food business operator or importer
• Net quantity
• Special storage conditions or conditions of use
• Instructions for use if necessary
• Alcohol content (if over 1.2%)
• Nutrition declaration

Energy Efficiency Labels
Energy labels rank appliances from A to G based on energy consumption. Class A (green) appliances consume the least energy, while class G (red) appliances consume the most. These labels help consumers make energy-efficient choices and encourage companies to design energy-saving products. The rules apply to certain energy-related products but not to second-hand goods or the transport of goods.

Textile Fiber Content Labeling
Under Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, textile products must carry a durable, legible, visible, and accessible fibre content label. Finished textile products made from two or more fibres should list each fibre’s content percentage. Distinct textile components must be labelled separately.

WEEE Label for Electronic Waste
The WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive requires products to display a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol, indicating that the item should not be discarded with household waste. This label should be on the packaging if it cannot be placed on the product itself.

Footwear Labeling Standards
Footwear sold in the EU must comply with specific labelling requirements. Manufacturers or the first importers into the EU market are responsible for supplying accurate labels.

The Green Dot: Funding Recycling
The Green Dot symbol indicates that a fee has been paid to fund the recycling of the packaging. It is managed by Pro Europe, which coordinates the collection, sorting, and recovery of used packaging.

Ecolabel: Recognising Environmental Excellence
The EU Ecolabel, or ‘Flower logo,’ is awarded to products with the lowest environmental impact within their category. This voluntary mark helps consumers identify environmentally friendly products. Over 37,000 products on the EU market currently carry the label.

Additional Marks
Additional packaging marks may be required or recommended depending on the product category. These include hazard symbols for chemicals or electronics and e-marking for batteries.

Compliance and Sustainability in EU Packaging

All packaging marketed in the EU must comply with general requirements aimed at protecting the environment and consumer health. Directive 94/62/EC specifies essential requirements, including:

• Minimising packaging waste by reducing weight and volume
• Limiting noxious or hazardous substances
• Ensuring packaging can be reused, recycled, composted, or recovered

Packaging must also have appropriate markings indicating the materials used.

How Our Packaging Website Fits In

At Magellan, we are committed to helping businesses navigate and comply with EU packaging regulations. Our packaging solutions are designed to meet these stringent requirements while promoting sustainability and efficiency.

Why Choose Us?

• Regulatory Compliance: Our packaging solutions are compliant with all necessary EU regulations, ensuring your products meet the highest standards.
• Sustainable Practices: We prioritise eco-friendly materials and designs to help reduce environmental impact and support your sustainability goals.
• Expert Guidance: Our team of experts provides detailed advice and support to help you understand and adhere to all relevant packaging marks and regulations.
• Innovative Solutions: We continuously innovate to offer cutting-edge packaging that meets regulatory demands and enhances product appeal.

Supporting Your Business with Comprehensive Solutions

By choosing Magellan, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of packaging compliance. Our solutions help you:

• Ensure compliance with CE, WEEE, Green Dot, and other essential marks.
• Implement sustainable practices that align with Ecolabel standards.
• Navigate the detailed requirements for cosmetics, food and beverages, textiles, and more.

Conclusion
For businesses operating in the EU, compliance with packaging regulations and labelling is essential. Conducting an audit of your packaging materials can help identify areas for improvement, such as enhancing recyclability, reducing material usage, and ensuring compliance with all required packaging marks. By adhering to these standards and investing in sustainable packaging solutions, you can meet EU requirements and contribute to a greener future.