The DROM-COM are affected by the entry into force of extended producer responsibility (REP) professional packaging on July 1, 2026. Goal : increase reduction rates, recycling and reuse of packaging. The essential elements to remember.
We do not yet know the eco-organization(s) which will be approved by the administration for the organization of this new REP. The decision is expected in May. On the other hand, uncertainty still surrounds its operational conditions of implementation. An intermediate period of adaptation will undoubtedly be granted, time to have an operational roadmap. The REP of professional packaging is intended to cover all packaging of products marketed on French territory intended for professionals, with the exception of those in the construction and chemical sectors which are already covered by an REP sector. The former catering packaging sector, in place since 2024, integrates the new REP. As part of the REP of professional packaging, a company will have to identify what types of packaging it uses for what purpose, and if this use makes it the producer responsible for placing the packaging on the market.
Identification of professional packaging
To help with this identification, five packaging categories have been defined. A packaging will thus belong, or to a specific list, or to one of the following four categories. Transport packaging (palettes, wedges, dividers, films…, except packaging from e-commerce to households). Consolidation packaging (crates, cardboard boxes, etc.), hors multipacks. Professional sales packaging (barrels, cans, crates, pots, cardboard bags, etc.). Glass packaging for the medical and veterinary fields. The packaging of many products located on the border between household and professional, a ministerial decree* established a list and set volume thresholds, weight or power to distinguish for each type of product. for example, for hair care products, packaging of more than 5 L is considered professional ; less than 5 L as household. If it is more than 18 cm long, a packaging of toilet paper rolls is professional ; less than 18cm, household…
The producer responsible for professional packaging
The producer is the one who puts the packaging on the market. In the case of transport packaging, this will be the packaging manufacturer (and not the industrialist who will use this packaging to ship his products). For sales and consolidation packaging, this will be the manufacturer of the packaged product, because it is he who then puts the packaging on the market. Under this principle, a company that has its branded packaging manufactured will be the producer of its packaging (not the manufacturer).
Eco-design of professional packaging
The EPR of professional packaging is in line with the new European packaging regulations, Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), applicable, she, from next August. The aim is to put the French reduction rates, recycling (recycled material rate) and reuse of packaging, in line with the objectives of the PPWR. Among these objectives, we can cite, by 2030, a recyclability rate greater than or equal to 70% of packaging, or rates of 10% to 100% reusable packaging (100% applies to the transport of goods within the company). Operationally, the new REP will strengthen the existing cardboard collection and processing sectors, plastics, metals, etc. Producers will pay an eco-contribution to one of the future eco-organizations which will be approved, as some already do for household packaging. The scale of eco-contributions is not yet known, nor the eco-modulations which will apply to this scale to encourage good practices and eco-design of packaging.
* Order of December 2, 2025 relating to the packaging of products used by households and/or professionals and falling under 4° and 5° of III of Article R. 543-43 of the environmental code.
The Réunion Packaging Committee will organize an information webinar on the EPR of professional packaging when the full terms of its operation are known.
