Danish companies face difficulties as the new European packaging regulation comes into effect
The EU's new packaging regulations came into effect today, presenting Danish companies with new requirements and a short preparation period. Simon Mosegaard Fibiger, CEO of Orkla Denmark, is finding it difficult to navigate the design rules and limit values for heavy metals and PFAS materials, according to DR.
Tight schedule and late guidance
The industry received a final, nearly 70-page directive on August 3, just nine days before the regulation was due to take effect. Simon Mosegaard Fibiger says this delay forces companies into a “bureaucratic race with blindfolds.”
Packaging requirements details
The new regulations require detailed documentation of the weight, source, and materials of each piece of packaging. Simon Mosegaard Fibiger cites the example of a jar wrapped in glass, film, labels, adhesive, inks, cardboard, film, pallets, and shipping labels; the company must document the type of each material, its source, and its recyclability.
Reactions from companies and organizations
The business organization Dansk Industri also confirms that not all companies have yet been able to meet the requirements. According to Emil Fannikke Kiær, the organization's commercial director and board member, he has not yet heard of any company that is ready, and he is asking the authorities not to impose fines immediately in order to allow time for adaptation.
Calls for leniency and guidance
Henrk Beha Pedersen, founder of the Plastic Change association, calls on companies to take the initiative and assume responsibility for the packaging accompanying their goods, arguing that allowing for a reduction in packaging volume will lower costs and promote sustainability.
Ministry of Climate and Energy response
According to the source, Climate and Energy Minister Samira Nawa did not respond to a request for comment on the imposition of fines from the outset, but the ministry stated that the Energy Agency Energistyrelsen would be flexible in the initial period and would provide guidance materials, host training sessions, and issue periodic bulletins.
Future application of standards
The Energy Agency (Energistyrelsen) explains that some provisions of the regulation will come into effect from August 12, 2026, while others will be implemented gradually until 2030. The agency confirms that it will focus on guiding companies and facilitating their transition to the new requirements without immediate penalties at the outset.
