Short answer
Yes. Article 13 of the European packaging regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) requires all collection containers for packaging waste to carry, visibly, legibly and indelibly, harmonised labels for each waste fraction, by 12 August 2028 at the latest, or 30 months after the Commission's implementing act if that is later. That act, expected by 12 August 2026, had not yet been adopted in early September 2026. Sources (3)EEUR-LexRegulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), Article 13 — EUR-Lex↗pppwr-packaging.comStatus of PPWR implementing acts at 4 September 2026 (ppwr-packaging.com)↗EEPR France RepEPR France Rep — What changed in French EPR in 2026 (site by the same founder)↗
What Article 13 says
Member States shall ensure that harmonised labels enabling the separate collection of each fraction of packaging waste are affixed, printed or engraved on all collection containers for that waste. A container may carry several labels. Containers of deposit-return systems are not concerned. The container label matches the packaging label (Article 12): consumers find the same pictogram on the packaging and on the bin.
The timetable
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Implementing act setting the labels (Commission) | Due by 12 August 2026 at the latest; not adopted as of 4 September 2026 |
| Labels on all containers | 12 August 2028, or 30 months after the implementing act if later |
What it changes when buying
A station bought today will have to take the harmonised labels. Prefer models whose signage is replaceable (plates, stickers, interchangeable pictograms) rather than engraved. Our stations are delivered with a choice of replaceable pictograms.
For packaging producers
Article 13 has a counterpart for packaging (Article 12), and the PPWR has placed other obligations on producers since 12 August 2026. They are detailed on EPR France Rep, a site by the same founder dedicated to extended producer responsibility.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), Article 13 — EUR-Lex EUR-Lex
- Status of PPWR implementing acts at 4 September 2026 (ppwr-packaging.com) ppwr-packaging.com
- EPR France Rep — What changed in French EPR in 2026 (site by the same founder) EPR France Rep
Founder of PoubelleTri. Has designed and made recycling stations for businesses and local authorities since 2010: more than 16 years of B2B manufacturing experience.
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