News and updates.

Eurostat: 42% of waste treated in the EU was recycled

EU customs: handling fee and product identifiers apply from 1 November

Germany: main provisions of the Ecodesign Act take effect

Recycled food-contact plastics: Italy publishes Legislative Decree 199/2026

Published on 30 October, the decree updates Italy’s rules for recycled plastic materials and articles intended to contact food.

DPP Registry: EU publishes new guides for APIs, data and authentication

On 30 October 2026, the European Commission published technical documentation for DPP Registry integration. Practical guidance for businesses and software providers: publication of the guides does not introduce a general DPP obligation.

Plastic packaging: Eurostat reports on recycling in the European Union

Textiles: JRC proposes EU criteria for recovered waste materials

Battery passport: EU consultation on access to restricted data

On 19 October 2026 the Commission opened feedback on draft rules defining legitimate-interest access to restricted battery passport information. Responses close on 16 November; the draft is not yet binding.

Compostable packaging in Italy: what Law 173/2026 changes

Italian Law 173/2026 sets conditions for specified single-use plastic packaging, including accredited EN 13432 certification, exemptions and penalties from 2030. How it relates to the EU PPWR, without a blanket DPP obligation.

PFAS in firefighting foams: REACH deadlines on 23 October 2026

New labelling and operating conditions apply to certain PFAS-containing firefighting foams, while a portable-extinguisher derogation reaches its deadline. Specific exemptions and transition periods remain essential.

PPWR: EU consultation on bio-based plastics in packaging open until 13 January 2027

The European Commission invites evidence on bio-based feedstock in plastic packaging from 21 October 2026 to 13 January 2027. This is a consultation, not a new mandatory quota or a Digital Product Passport requirement.