PPWR-compliant packaging labelling - JRC to propose new segregation labels

The EU is once again moving closer to the introduction of uniform labelling on packaging to facilitate waste separation. On 13 January 2026, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) will launch a joint project on packaging labelling. Joint Research Centre, JRC) published a report JRC technical proposal for harmonised EU waste sorting labels under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which presents standardised labelling templates and colour codes for individual packaging materials.

PPWR standardises waste segregation labels

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) report proposes the following new harmonised waste separation labels throughout the EU developed based on the conclusions of research with consumer and expert groups. They have been designed in response to Article 12(1) and (6) of the PPWR, which:

• oblige manufacturers to display on all packaging labels informing about the material composition,
• require Member States to place on all containers for separate collection waste marking to facilitate segregation,
• oblige the EC to adopt implementing acts establishing harmonised segregation labels no later than 12 August 2026.

From as of 12 August 2028. a new, uniform labelling system for packaging for all EU Member States is intended to replace the local markings and symbols currently used for segregation. The aim of the EU legislator was to eliminate the information chaos caused by the parallel operation of different inconsistent labelling models and to remove barriers to the internal market. The harmonisation of separation labels is also expected to increase the quality of separate waste collection and facilitate the transition towards GOZ.

Basic principles of a PPWR-compliant packaging labelling system

The technical proposal for PPWR-compliant labelling presented in the JRC report was based on several assumptions:

• priority for material composition, and not the collection system - the label refers only to the packaging material,
• identical symbols on packaging and waste containers - make it easier to assign packaging waste to the appropriate stream, which will improve the quality of separate collection,
• EU-wide harmonisation - elimination of existing labelling systems in favour of a uniform set of symbols and colours,
• evidence-based design from the research - the final proposal for labels based on the results of the behavioural and participatory research,
• informational and visual minimalism - the label provides clear and easy-to-understand instructions for waste separation; it includes: pictograms, colour coding and a minimum amount of text,
• linguistic universality and inclusiveness - the system can be understood by audiences from different groups and with different languages,
• the basis of the physical label - the most important sorting instructions are directly on the label, and digital media, including QR codes, are only a supplement.

The assumptions made by the JRC are consistent with the guidance provided by the PPWR and its preamble, which emphasises that:

The most important guideline in the design of labels should be the need for a harmonised labelling system that is recognisable to all citizens, regardless of their situation, including their age and language skills. Such a system can be achieved by using pictograms with a minimum of linguistic elements

Read also: Ecomodulation in PPWR - how will eco-design affect packaging charges?

11 colours instead of 5 - differences between the Polish JSSO and the JRC proposal

An important element of the labels developed by the JRC is the new colour coding system for individual materials:

• blue - paper and cardboard,
• green - glass,
• yellow - plastics,
• orange - multi-material packaging,
• dark grey - metal,
• brown - compostable waste,
• magenta - textiles,
• turquoise (cyan) - ceramic,
• beige - wood, cork,
• purple - mixed waste,
• red - packaging for hazardous substances.

Some similarities and differences to the colour codes used in Poland since the introduction of JSSO can be identified here. The common points in the JRC proposal and the Polish JSSO are the colours: blue for paper and cardboard, green for glass, brown for the compostable fraction (bio) and yellow for plastics. A complete novum are the colours orange, dark grey, magenta, cyan, beige, red and purple.

For the Polish consumer, the biggest and most incomprehensible changes may be the assignment of the colour purple to mixed waste (instead of the previously used black) and a separate grey colour code for metal packaging, which under the JSSO were marked with yellow symbols. Confusion can also be caused by the red marking of containers - currently this colour is reserved for electro-waste and infectious medical and veterinary waste, and according to the JRC, in future we should only mark packaging of hazardous substances with this colour.

Importantly, the JRC proposal does not require waste to be separated into 11 fractions - The PPWR regulation allows several different markings on one bin. Waste from plastic, metal and multi-material packaging is likely to continue to be disposed of in the same bin, except that it will be colour-coded yellow, dark grey and orange, rather than just yellow as before.

Discussion and controversy surrounding the proposal to label packaging under the PPWR

The proposal to extend the packaging labelling scheme to include further colours not previously used has long been a concern for experts. They argue that the implementation of additional colour coding in a situation where Polish consumers still have problems sorting their waste into the 5 fractions may cause dissatisfaction and confusion. On the other hand, the introduction of a harmonised labelling system is a way out to meet the expectations of these same consumers. In the 2023. Interzero study Are we getting into trouble? until 60% respondents favoured the existence of a single standard packaging label, which will be mandatory for all manufacturers. Only 12% respondents had a different opinion.

The inclusion of a text message on segregation labels that would have to be translated into up to 24 official EU languages. Implementation of the JRC's proposed labelling scheme would therefore remove one barrier to intra-EU trade and introduce another in its place.

It should be stressed that the report's proposal for labels to facilitate waste sorting is not a source of legislation - it is merely a starting point for the development of a target labelling system for packaging. The Commission has until 12 August 2026 to adopt implementing acts establishing harmonised labels. By the same date, the EC should adopt acts indicating the methodology for determining the material composition of packaging.

Source: Bruns, H., Borsello, A., Dupoux, M., Hamarat, Y., Milios, L. et al, JRC technical proposal on EU harmonised waste sorting labels under the packaging and packaging waste regulation, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2026, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/8070242, JRC141706.