Publication of the Revised Construction Products Regulation in the Official Journal

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Written by: Ingrid

Category: News - Smart Insulation

Published: 18 December 2024

Hits: 624

• Advocacy
• Building Europe
• Standardisation for European Buildings
• Advocating for EPS Buildings

• Links:
  • Link title: CRP - Official Journal, Link URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3110/oj

The European construction sector has reached a milestone with the publication of the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) in the Official Journal. Officially titled Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024, the legislation establishes harmonised rules for the marketing of construction products across the EU, replacing Regulation (EU) No 305/2011. The regulation, published in the EU Official Journal on 18 December 2024, marks a pivotal step toward a sustainable, efficient, and harmonised construction industry in Europe.

 

Key Objectives of the Revised CPR

The Construction Products Regulation serves as the backbone of the European construction sector’s regulatory framework. By setting rigorous standards for the performance, safety, and environmental impact of construction products, the CPR fosters harmonisation across Member States while enabling a seamless single market for these products.

With the revised CPR, the European Union aims to:

1. Strengthen Standardisation Processes: Addressing bottlenecks in the creation of harmonised standards to simplify compliance across the single market.
2. Enhance Sustainability: Integrating environmental considerations into performance declarations, advancing the EU’s climate-neutral objectives.
3. Promote Digital Transformation: Leveraging digital tools to improve transparency and efficiency in product assessments.
4. Facilitate Free Movement of Goods: Ensuring uniform rules that eliminate the need for redundant testing across Member States.

For the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) industry, the revised CPR opens new opportunities to showcase the material’s efficiency, versatility, and alignment with circular economy principles.

 

Insights from EUMEPS: Industry Perspectives

EUMEPS EU Technical Affairs Manager, Jakub Stefaniak, highlighted the significance of the revised CPR for the EPS sector. “This regulation represents a shift towards making environmental performance a core component of product evaluation,” he stated. The EPS industry, with its focus on recyclability, insulation efficiency, and lightweight properties, is well-positioned to meet these evolving requirements.

Jakub Stefaniak also noted the potential for improved standardisation processes through the introduction of the CPR Acquis Process, which fosters better collaboration between stakeholders, Member States, and the European Commission. This approach is expected to resolve longstanding bottlenecks, enabling faster development and adoption of harmonised standards.

 

Implications for the European Construction Industry

The adoption and publication of the new CPR mark the beginning of a transformative era for the European construction industry. Key implications include:

• Accelerated Sustainability Efforts: By including LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) as part of performance and conformity, the CPR reinforces the importance of sustainability in construction materials.
• Boost to Digital Integration: Digital tools will streamline product performance assessments and foster innovation in product design.
• Harmonisation of Rules: Uniform standards across Member States will reduce trade barriers and encourage a competitive, efficient market for construction products.
• Enhanced Role for EPS: The material’s attributes, including resource efficiency, recyclability, and high performance, align with the CPR’s sustainability goals.

 

A Future-Focused Vision

The revised CPR not only strengthens the regulatory framework but also sets a bold vision for the construction sector’s contribution to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient Europe. The EPS industry is uniquely positioned to thrive in this new landscape, driving forward innovation in sustainable construction solutions.

 

Conclusion

The publication of the revised CPR shows EU’s commitment to harmonisation, sustainability, and innovation in the construction sector. As the regulation enters into force, stakeholders across the industry must adapt to the new framework while seizing the opportunities it presents.

EUMEPS remains dedicated to supporting its members through this transition, ensuring the EPS sector is equipped to lead in aligning with the CPR’s objectives. By leveraging the regulation’s framework, the industry can make significant strides in advancing sustainability and contributing to the EU’s environmental and economic goals. Together, we move closer to a future where construction practices are efficient, sustainable, and in harmony with Europe’s vision for climate neutrality.

Update on French Styrenic Packaging Regulations: Extension to 2030 and Legislative Developments

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Written by: Ingrid

Category: News - Smart Packaging

Published: 05 November 2024

Hits: 752

• Advocacy
• Circularity of EPS Packaging
• Advocating for EPS Packaging
• Applications in Packaging

• Links:
  • Link title: ELIPSO, Link URL: https://www.elipso.org/
  • Link title: Créa-Styr, our initiative for EPS packaging in France, Link URL: https://eumeps.eu/eumeps-newsroom-packaging/news/eumeps-and-elipso-launch-crea-styr-in-france
  • Link title: Loi Climat et Résilience, Link URL: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/actualites/loi-climat-resilience-bilan-2-ans#:~:text=La%20loi%20climat%20et%20r%C3%A9silience,un%20esprit%20de%20justice%20sociale.
  • Link title: EU rules on packaging and packaging waste, Link URL: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste_en

The recent publication of a a decree in the Journal Officiel in France has confirmed an extension on the use of styrenic packaging materials, including expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). Initially slated for a 2025 prohibition under the "Climate and Resilience" law, these materials can now be marketed until at least January 1, 2030. This extension aligns with the upcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and reflects a more gradual approach to enforcing recyclability requirements within the industry. Below, we break down the key developments and implications of this regulatory update.

 

Extension of Styrenic Packaging Use to 2030

The French "Climate and Resilience" law, enacted to advance environmental goals, originally included a ban on styrenic polymers and copolymers by 2025. However, a recent notice published in the Journal Officiel on 28 September 2024 formally postpones this prohibition to 2030, provided that the packaging complies with existing European regulations under the PPWR. This extension grants packaging producers and operators additional time to align with recyclability standards that will become effective in 2030 and 2035.

ELIPSO, the professional association for plastic packaging in France, and an EUMEPS member, has clarified this regulatory timeline based on an in-depth legal analysis. Contrary to certain interpretations suggesting a 2028 deadline, ELIPSO emphasises that 2030 is the definitive date for recyclability requirements to take effect. Until then, compliant styrenic packaging materials will not face prohibition.

 

Legal Foundations Under the PPWR

The PPWR provides a regulatory framework that supports the use of sustainable packaging across EU member states. Article 4 of the PPWR establishes a "principle of legality" for packaging materials that meet durability and recyclability standards. Under Article 4.2, EU member states cannot impose bans on packaging that conforms to these criteria. Additionally, Article 4.3 states that any national measures on sustainability must align with the PPWR's provisions, ensuring a harmonised approach to packaging regulations within the EU.

Specifically, Article 6 of the PPWR outlines recyclability standards that will come into force from January 1, 2030. By this date, economic operators will be expected to design packaging that meets recyclability criteria, while innovation is encouraged through a five-year grace period for new, non-compliant packaging under Article 6.10. This provision underscores the EU's commitment to fostering innovation within the sector while setting realistic timelines for compliance.

 

Legislative Developments: DADDUE Bill and Senate Examination

In parallel with the PPWR, the French government has introduced a DADDUE bill (Provisions for Adapting to European Union Law in Economic and Financial Matters) in the National Assembly. Although the proposed extension for styrenic packaging is not directly stated in the DADDUE text, it holds strategic importance in securing legislative backing.

The National Assembly is expected to conduct a first reading by the end of the year, with a Senate examination anticipated for the third week of January. To further support this amendment, Elipso is coordinating with legislators, including Bernard Pillefer (Union Centriste) and Jean-François Longeot, to build consensus. ELIPSO aims to facilitate co-signatures from other senators to ensure the amendment's viability and streamline its passage.

 

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The 2030 extension offers packaging manufacturers a crucial opportunity to prepare for recyclability standards without disrupting current market practices. This decision reflects a balanced approach by EU and French lawmakers, aiming to enhance packaging sustainability without placing undue strain on the industry. With ample time to transition, stakeholders are encouraged to leverage this period to implement sustainable practices, adopt innovative recycling solutions, and align with the broader goals of a circular economy.

As the DADDUE bill progresses through legislative channels, ELIPSO’s active involvement will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape for packaging materials in France. The outcome of this legislative process will determine the future framework within which the packaging industry operates, setting the stage for enhanced compliance with EU recyclability requirements by 2030.

 

Conclusion

The extension of the styrenic packaging ban to 2030 marks a crucial regulatory shift, allowing manufacturers additional time to adapt to recyclability standards under the PPWR. As EU and French authorities work towards a sustainable packaging future, this development underscores the importance of balancing regulatory ambition with practical timelines. Through its engagement with policymakers, Elipso continues to play an instrumental role in supporting the industry’s alignment with both French and EU environmental goals.