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The Impact of Regulations and Legislation on the Packaging Market to 2031

Global packaging regulation is evolving fast. This report is the definitive regulatory deep dive: it analyses major legislation region by region, assessing compliance costs, material substitution triggers, and strategic responses to help brand owners and suppliers protect market access worldwide. 

Regulation has become the single biggest force reshaping how packaging is designed, made and sold worldwide. From tightening restrictions on harmful chemicals to the EU’s push for recycled content sourced within its own borders, the rules are multiplying fast and reshaping what brands can put on shelves.

  • Targets are becoming more ambitious worldwide, and continuous improvement is essential to keep pace with evolving regulation and legislation
  • Tighter restrictions on harmful chemicals such as PFAS – whether intentionally or unintentionally added – are driving the search for functional alternatives
  • Legislation is also placing growing emphasis on excessive packaging, with restrictions on empty space and similar measures; luxury goods are not exempt.

The definitive regulatory deep dive for brand owners and packaging suppliers, this report delivers a dedicated, region-by-region breakdown of every major legislative shift shaping the packaging industry, analysed by substrate, end-use and geography. Detailed scenarios assess compliance costs, material substitution triggers, and strategic responses, covering everything from state-versus-federal divergence in the USA to the risk of recyclate shortages driving up fraud and cost. With consolidation, simplification, and stricter enforcement all on the horizon, this report gives you the clarity to plan ahead and protect market access worldwide.

Key Questions

  • As the EU continues to lead the way on packaging legislation, how are its requirements shaping regulatory approaches in other regions?
  • Which countries across Asia are setting dedicated reduction, reuse, and recycled content targets, and how do these compare to the regulations seen elsewhere?
  • What will supply chains have to do to adapt to changing regulations?
  • What are the likely compliance costs for different substrates as recycled content targets, chemical bans, and packaging restrictions come into force across different territories?

Meet the experts

Margaret Bates is an experienced manager with a strong background in higher education, business, policy, and resource sectors. Her expertise spans sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, sustainable business, circular economy, resource management, and policy, with a proven record of advising businesses, governments, trade associations, and NGOs.

Robert Fell is a packaging and sustainability expert with a demonstrated history of working across the metal packaging industry, focusing on aluminium packaging formats. With roles including Director and Chief Executive of the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association and positions at global market leaders in metal packaging, Robert brings strong professional experience in sustainability, regulatory and policy outlook, R&D, and packaging value chain management.

Rob Outram is Consulting Project Director at Smithers, bringing a strong technical grounding in chemical science and extensive experience leading major projects across the packaging and materials sectors. He helps major brands navigate regulatory compliance with EPR, PPWR and other sustainability legislation, while supporting clients in developing growth strategies and new products.

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Bill Allen

Bill Allen

Head of Sales – Europe and Middle East, Smithers Information Division

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Sean Walsh

Sean Walsh

Business Development Manager, Smithers Information Division

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