Producer responsibility for packaging
What it means for your business
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What does producer responsibility for packaging mean for your business?
On October 1st 2025 the extended producer responsibility for packaging will enter into force in Denmark as one of the last countries in EU. As Producer (manufacturer, importer, distributor, trading company and foreign distance seller into DK) you have a range of obligations.
Did you miss the deadline? You can and must still register and become compliant and thereby remove the risk of getting fines for non-compliance. We help you in all these steps.
There are two requirements:
1. You must register with a collective scheme (e.g. ERP Denmark)
It is a requirement to be a member of a collective scheme! Press Registration on the red button above, and you will be guided through, easy and simple.
2. You must be registered in the DPA register
Once you have registered with us, we will send you the necessary material to fill out so that you can be registered with your quantities in the DPA-register. If you are a Danish company, we will ensure that you register and guide you on how to approve the registration in the DPA register with MitID Erhverv. If you are from abroad (from EU/EEA country) you must register yourself and choose ERP Denmark as your Authorised Representative in the process (requirement if your are establised in another EU or EEA country).
Of course, we will also advise you on which packaging you should/should not report.
October 1, 2025 is set as the effective date when the compliance fee per kilo starts.
New reporting will be required in January 2026. This reporting is done in your collective scheme’s reporting portal.
If you are below 8 tonnes, this reporting is simple. If you are above 8 tons, you must report per material type and whether the material is in the red/green level, depending on recyclability (environmental eco-modulation).
You are always welcome to contact us for questions and guidance.
The Purpose with the extended producer responsibility for packaging is to
Reduce the amount of packaging
Increase real reuse and recycling of packaging materials
Force companies to re-design to more circular packaging
The companies will get full responsibility for the quantity (weight) of packaging they put on the market and the handling of it in all of its life cycle. It includes:
- Administrative and legal responsibility (documentation requirements and labelling).
- Economic responsibility (companies to finance costs for logistics, sorting, recycling, registration.
- Practical/physical (sorting in material types).
We help you all the way with packaging reporting
The first part of the local legislation was issued in Q1 2024 and the second part in Q4 2024. Changes has been made several times since.
You are obliged to register your company with DPA (Danish Producer Responsibility) and report packaging quantities. In addition you must choose collective scheme.
By signing up for European Recycling Platform’s collective scheme for packaging we will ensure that you will become compliant and kept informed and prepared for upcoming reportings. We guide you and help you in all aspects of registration and reporting as well as preparing you in due time. We care about you being compliant.
Eco-modulation of packaging – how it affects your costs
With the introduction of Eco-modulated fees, the waste-management fee per kilo of packaging will be adjusted according to how recyclable and environmentally sound the packaging is. In short: the better the design for recycling, the lower the fee – and vice versa.
Each packaging component is placed in an environmental tier: Red, Yellow or Green. If the packaging does not meet the design criteria, or if you cannot document compliance, it will be placed in the Red tier and subject to a surcharge (malus) on the waste-management fee – currently up to 35% extra per kilo. If the packaging meets the criteria and documentation is available, it can be placed in the Green tier and receive a financial bonus, funded by the collected malus contributions from red-tier packaging.
Examples of criteria for eco-modulated fees (design for recycling):
- Reduced packaging volume per product (reduced material use, max. 40% empty space)
- Materials that are clean or easily separable into single fractions (design for disassembly)
- Use of materials that can be recycled within existing systems
- Use of recycled content, e.g., post-consumer recycled plastics, where applicable
- Avoidance of problematic substances, such as certain mineral-based printing inks
For businesses, eco-modulated fees mean that a circular packaging design is not only an environmental initiative but also a direct economic factor in the EPR costs (Extended Producer Responsibility). Switching to more recyclable and well-documented packaging solutions can reduce eco-modulated fees over time and thereby lower your company’s total EPR costs for packaging.
Documentation and internal control for eco-modulation
To place packaging in the Green or Yellow tier, you must provide documentation showing that the design criteria are met. If you cannot document this, the packaging must be reported in the Red tier.
Under the current rules, your company must:
- Be able to present a declaration of conformity from the supplier confirming that the material meets the design criteria
- Be able to provide technical documentation (data sheets, tests, etc.) within a reasonable timeframe during spot checks or authority inspections
- Establish an internal control procedure describing how packaging quantities are calculated and how materials and environmental tiers are allocated
ERP Denmark provides templates for the declaration of conformity and a draft internal control procedure in the reporting portal, helping your business document its eco-modulation and prepare for possible inspections.
With European Recycling Platform you are in safe hands:
- Existing collective scheme in DK within WEEE and Batteries since 2005
- Many years of experience with producer responsibility for packaging in other countries
- Largest global network of experts under one roof in producer responsibility
- One contact person across countries for all your producer responsibilities possible (WEEE, batteries, packaging, SUP, fishing gear, textiles)
- Local expertise in Nyborg, Denmark and strong and solid owner (Landbell Group) with global coverage
- Large scale, which ensures efficiency in administrative and practical waste treatment, where the recycling rate is high and as much product and packaging as possible is reused.
- Cooperation exclusively with approved partners (logistics, reuse, recycling)
Easy and simple packaging reporting
As a collective scheme, European Recycling Platform (ERP) handles producer responsibility on your behalf, so you can concentrate on your core business.
Recycling Process
- Collection
- Separation
- Decoating (if coated)
- Melting
- Casting
- Manufacture
Recycling Process
- Collection
- Treatment (including sorting, cleaning and decontamination)
- Crushing and melting
- Manufacture
Recycling Process
- Collection
- Processing (including de-inking, cleaning and screening)
- Manufacture
Recycling Process
- Collection
- Compacting
- Melting
- Casting
- Rolling
- Manufacture
Recycling Process
- Collection
- Sorting and separation
- Shredding
- Treatment
- Manufacture
Recycling Process
- Collection
- Segregation
- Decontamination
- Production
- Final products
Simplification and efficiency. We have one point of contact across EMEA. The learnings from one market can be applied to other markets. It’s a benefit to have a common approach, a centralised point of contact which brings efficiency and cost savings.
EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the EU’s new rules for packaging and packaging waste.
Unlike previous directives, PPWR applies directly in all EU countries and covers the entire product life cycle of packaging, from design and choice of materials to use, reuse and waste management.
The regulation entered into force on 12 February 2025 and will start to apply from 12 August 2026, with different deadlines depending on the individual requirements.
PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the EU’s new rules for packaging and packaging waste.
Unlike previous directives, PPWR applies directly in all EU countries and covers the entire product life cycle of packaging, from design and choice of materials to use, reuse and waste management.
The regulation entered into force on 12 February 2025 and will start to apply from 12 August 2026, with different deadlines depending on the individual requirements.
Eco-design requirements
PPWR sets common EU requirements for how packaging should be designed in the future. This means, among other things, that:
- Packaging must be manufactured in such a way that the content of substances of concern is limited as much as possible
- Packaging must be designed for effective recycling according to established EU criteria
- Packaging must be minimized in weight and volume and not contain unnecessary elements
- Companies must meet specific recycling targets for selected types of packaging
- Plastic packaging must contain a minimum proportion of recycled plastic (post-consumer recycled material)
- All packaging must be labelled with a common EU sorting label with information on material composition
The aim is to ensure more resource-efficient packaging and make sorting and recycling easier across the EU.
The PPWR also provides for common EU procedures for documenting producers’ commitments. Companies must be able to document that the packaging meets the requirements of the regulation through technical documentation and a declaration of conformity for each packaging placed on the market.
Parts of the regulation are implemented through delegated acts that will clarify the requirements. This is expected to lead to adjustments to the EPR over the coming years.
For companies, PPWR means new requirements for how packaging is designed, documented and brought to market. The regulation is closely linked to producer responsibility for packaging and will have an impact on both reporting, fees and the choice of packaging solutions in the future.
The full version of the regulation can be read here.
FAQ – often asked questions about producer responsibility for packaging
We continuously update our FAQ as local legislation and obligations are issued, decisions relevant to producer responsibility for packaging are made, and practice takes shape.
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{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Which companies are covered?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Definition of ‘Producer’:nThe producer can be both the Danish company that manufactures/makes the packaging available, as well as the company that uses/makes the packaging available in connection with product sales. The responsibility lies with the company that makes packaging available on the Danish market first time if it is:n- Danish Producer (manufacturer or filler) who brings packaging to the Danish marketn- Danish importer or distributor of packaged goods (first level distribution chain)n- Danish ‘component assembler’ of primary packaging that fills new, assembled primary packaging unitsn- Foreign distance sellers that sells directly to Danish end-users (industrial end-users as well as consumers). There is a requirement for an authorized representative for producers from other EU/EEA countries.nnAuthorities have set a threshold of 8 tons/year of packaging per year. Below this threshold, Producers can choose to report less detailed. But Producers are still obliged to register and report by the first kilo.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Which types of packaging are covered?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Sales packaging and transport packaging are covered:n- Primary (sales packaging, following the unit)n- Secondary (multi pack)n- Tertiary (transport packaging as pallets, strips etc)nnMaterial fractions that are covered are:n- Cardboardn- Papern- Plastic (is sub-divided into 4 categories in 2025: Rigid plastic, Flexible plastic, Rigid PET, Foam plastic)n- Glassn- Aluminumn- Metaln- Woodn- Food and beverage cartonsnnIn 2025 the following categories was added:n- Textilen- Porcelainn- Corkn- Ceramicn- OthernnThese 5 categories are only obliged to be reported and will not be met with any price per kilo until further notice.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Does the responsibility cover both household packaging and commercial packaging?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, producer responsibility covers household packaging as well as commercial packaging. Both types must be reported.nnHousehold packaging:n- The packaging that will probably end up in consumers waste bins in the endn- Collected at households (expensive)nnCommercial packaging (b-to-b):n- Packaging not reaching consumers and their waste binsn- Typically packaging from incoming goods”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Which legal and administrative tasks will be assigned to your company?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Companies are obliged to:n- Register at DPA (producentansvar.dk).n- Report information about specific packagings and expected volumes (weight) to be made available in Denmarkn – It includes packaging materials divided into fractions, main components, part components, weight. Have an overview of what must be reported in the following FAQ.n- Choose collective scheme (obligatory by law)nnAs a collective scheme, ERP helps with these tasks, keep you updated on legislation, do’s and don’ts, deadlines, practices and in addition financing of collection and organising/financing of recycling.nnYou can still register your company. It is a legal requirement to be compliant and you avoid the risk of fines.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Who has the reporting responsibility for generic packaging?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Generic packaging is packaging that is off-the-shelf at Danish packaging manufacturers and wholesalers. In other words, packaging without a name or logo printed on it and can therefore be bought by anyone and everyone.nnIf a DANISH Producer buys and uses generic packaging in its shipments to its customers, bought from a Danish packaging manufacturer/wholesaler, then it is the packaging manufacturer/wholesaler who bears the manufacturer’s responsibility.nnIf the packaging is purchased abroad, the responsibility lies with the Danish Producer, who in this case becomes the importer and makes the packaging available in Denmark for the first time.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “When do foreign producers have producer responsibility in Denmark?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “In short: Producers established abroad without a Danish legal entity (CVR number) only have producer responsibility when performing distance selling.nnDistance selling is sales directly to end users, both professional end users (e.g. industrial companies, hotels) and private consumers (typically via online sales).nnDistance selling is also when a foreign Producer sell to Danish distributors/dealers, if the distributor/dealer as first level in DK unpack the packaging and it becomes waste there. In this case, the distributor becomes the end user as this part of the packaging is not forwarded into the Danish market. This typically applies to transport packaging.nnForeign distance sellers from EU/EEA countries must also have an authorized representative in Denmark – a service that ERP Denmark offers.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Which data are to be reported?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “A distinction is made between total volumes in kg. over/below 8 tons/year:n- Over 8 tons in total: Detailed reporting by type obligatoryn- Below 8 tons: Companies can choose to report less detailed – in totals onlynnPlastic fractions sub-divided into 4 categories in 2025:n- Rigid plasticn- Flexible plasticn- Rigid PETn- Foam plasticnnIn addition to the subdivision of plastics the following packaging material categories are added:n- Textilen- Porcelainn- Corkn- Ceramicn- OthernnThese 5 categories are for reporting only. They will not be met with a price per kilo.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What will the costs be for companies?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The compliance fee per kilo will be published primo August 2025.nnThere is a threefold division of costs:n- General administrative fee for the DPA authorities (one-off registration fee + yearly admin fee), and a yearly admin fee for the Danish EPA on 0,025 dkk/kgn- Eco-modulated fee per material per kilo. Fee will be modulated up/down depending on the ‘recycling potential’ of the packaging. If below 8 tonnes per year and wish for simple reporting, there will be no eco-modulation.n- Annual membership fee for the Collective Scheme (for legal, administrative and practical work)”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Own control requirement”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Producers must establish a own-control procedure for how to arrive at their packaging quantities. It is important to state any assumptions that have been made to arrive at the quantities.nnThis own-control must be followed and updated when changes are made to one’s process and assumptions.nnProducers must be able to demonstrate that the own-control procedure is followed upon request.nnERP Denmark has prepared a draft of a own-control procedure that our members can download from our reporting portal.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is eco-modulated fee?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Companies are facing eco-modulation of fees to encourage circular packaging design. The contribution is in DKK per kilo per type of packaging. Depending on the recyclability of the packaging, the packaging is categorized into Green/Yellow/Red level.nnIf the packaging element does not meet the criteria, you land in the Red category and get an extra cost per kilo of 35% (malus). Also, if you cannot document that the criteria for green/yellow level is met, you will also be in Red level.nnIf the packaging element meets the criteria, and it is documented according to the law, you are in the Green category and receive a bonus. The bonus depends on the total malus paid in from the Red level packagings. This malus is distributed among those with Green level (and eventually Yellow) as a bonus.nnExamples on criteria:n- Less packaging volumen- The packaging materials are separate or easy to disassemble in various fractionsn- Use of pure and environmentally friendly materialsn- Content level of PCR plasticn- No use of hazardous chemistry (e.g. mineral based printing)”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Documentation requirements for eco-modulation level”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Classification in the level for eco-modulation in red/yellow/green requires documentation that all design criteria for the individual material have been met.nnIf you cannot document your level, then you must classify your material in the red level.nnAs the rules now stand, there are the following documentation requirements:n1) You must be able to present a declaration of conformity from your suppliers stating that they meet the design criteria for the material as specified in the legislation. ERP Denmark has created our version of a declaration of conformity, which can be used until the authorities come up with their guidelines for this. Our version can be downloaded from our packaging reporting portal.n2) By sample controlling (which is legally required of your collective scheme), or by inspection by the Danish Environmental Agency, you must be able to collect and document evidence within a ‘reasonable time’ that the packaging meets the design criteria. This is technical documentation such as data sheets, tests, etc.n3) If you cannot prove that you comply with the requirements for e.g. the green level, you may be fined and must pay retroactively if you have placed the packaging in the green level.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Does your business have to join a collective scheme?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “It is obligatory by law to be part of a collective scheme.nnThe collective schemes handle producer responsibility on behalf of the producer/company, including compliance with deadlines, administration, reporting, invoicing, overview of legislation etc., as well as advisory.nnThere is a difference in the profiles of the collective schemes. Consider which collective scheme best suits your needs (e.g. international presence, coverage of multiple producer responsibilities, experience with practice).”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I register for ERP Denmark ApS’ collective scheme?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “You can sign up for ERP Denmark ApS’ collective scheme at any time.nnTo register for producer responsibility for electronic and electrical waste and/or batteries, use the registration link on the page.nnIf you have any questions, you can always call us for further information and see contact persons on the site.”
}
}
] }