ECHA has shared a draft list of substances of concern identified in packaging and packaging waste as part of its ongoing work under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Following initial stakeholder feedback, ECHA has extended the deadline for comments to 24 August 2026.

The draft list attached contains approximately 700 substances identified as substances of concern, selected from around 2,500 substances found in packaging or packaging waste. The assessment covers both:

• intentionally added substances, including adhesives, coatings, inks, pigments, colourants, antioxidants, photo-initiators and other additives; and
• non-intentionally added substances formed during the production, use or recycling of packaging materials.

ECHA is seeking practical industry feedback on the attached list, in particular regarding:

• whether the substances are currently used in the packaging materials, types and formats identified;
• whether they are intentionally added substances or non-intentionally added substances;
• whether the technical functions attributed to the substances are accurate; and
• any corrections or additional information concerning their use in packaging.

If this is a major concern, members are invited to review the attached Excel spreadsheet and provide any relevant input to Katy.stevens@europeanoutdoorgroup.com by 14th August. Alternatively, we plan on letting packaging associations lead the way.

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Please provide comments directly in the attached spreadsheet wherever possible. Where information is confidential, companies may also submit it directly to ECHA, clearly indicating its confidential nature.

The updated ECHA cover letter is also attached for further details.