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FINAT Labelling News Online | 30 July 2026

FINAT-Afera Position Paper on Release Liner

FINAT and AFERA have jointly published a position paper on the treatment of release liners under Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR). The paper explains why release liners used in self-adhesive products should not be considered packaging, as they perform an essential technical function and form an integral part of the product. The position paper is intended to support policymakers, national authorities and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) in the consistent implementation of the PPWR.

Printer-2-Printer Seminar 4-6 November, Milan: Now open for registration

This year's programme explores the trends shaping the future of narrow web, from the growing potential of flexible packaging and intelligent labels to the practical realities of sustainability, circularity and new European legislation. Through lively panel discussions and interactive debates, leading converters, brand owners and young professionals will also share their perspectives on what defines excellence today—and what customers will expect tomorrow. Whether you're looking for practical insights, fresh inspiration or new ways to future-proof your business, these sessions promise valuable takeaways, thought-provoking discussions and plenty of opportunities to exchange ideas with peers.

Check out the provisional programme here. Registration is now open. 

Moving forward, together. The new FINAT RADAR is here.

The latest edition of FINAT's quarterly market report is now available exclusively to FINAT members, providing the insights and intelligence our industry needs to navigate an ever-changing market.

WorldStar Awards 2027 calls for entries

The WorldStar Competition is one of the major events of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and is the main global award recognizing the best of the best in packaging innovations from across the globe. 

The competition is open to the whole of the packaging community. Entries that have won in a by WPO recognised national or regional competition (e.g. FINAT), either in 2026 or 2025 are eligible to apply. 

Applications will be accepted till the 15th of October 2026.

The awards ceremony will take place in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2027.

Fees: 

• €650 per entry for submissions received between 20 July and 20 September 2026.
• €750 per entry for submissions received from 21 September until the final deadline of 15 October 2026.

FINAT Label Competition 2026 - Interviews

In need of some inspiration? We invite you to check out the interviews with the main winners of the 2026 FINAT Label Competition. 

• Best in Show, Group A and B winner: MCC
• Group D winner: Schreiner Group

LOUPE Global News

From labels to packaging: China’s narrow web printing industry is redefining its future

Professor Xu Wencai, Chairman at The Packaging Printing and Label Association of China Packaging Federation, shares his observations and insights on the development trends of China’s label and packaging printing industry, and the interaction between LOUPE (formerly Labelexpo) and the industry.

Important Events

DON'T FORGET: Invitation to FINAT members to attend the AWA Seminar Series 2026 (co-located with LOUPE Americas 2026) – 13–14 September 2026, Chicago

AWA is organising three seminars at the Hyatt Centric Chiaco O'Hare running in parallel before the kick-off of LOUPE Americas:

• AWA Label Release Liner Seminar
• AWA & AIPIA RFID Label Seminar
• AWA Pressure-sensitive Graphic Arts Industry Seminar

FINAT members can benefit from a 20% discount on the registration fee.

For more information click on the picture or go directly to the registration link here below.

Public Affairs

ECHA moves toward stricter hazard classification for PFAS degradation product TFA

The European Chemicals Agency's Risk Assessment Committee has adopted an opinion recommending additional hazard classifications for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), including classifications associated with persistence and mobility in the environment. TFA has attracted growing regulatory attention as a degradation product linked to certain fluorinated substances. The opinion may have implications for future PFAS-related policy discussions across Europe.

Key EU bisphenol A restrictions for food-contact materials now apply

The EU's restrictions on bisphenol A (BPA) in food-contact materials have reached a significant implementation milestone on 20 July 2026. Companies involved in food-contact packaging and labels should ensure that applications falling within the scope of the restrictions comply with the applicable requirements and transition periods established under the legislation. Food contact items including packaging cannot be placed on the EU market for the first time after the deadline, but may remain in circulation for until 20 July 2027.

PPWR first deadline approaching

With key Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) obligations becoming applicable on 12 August 2026, industry attention is increasingly focused on the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). A recent Packaging Europe article reviews the structure of the DoC and highlights the information required to demonstrate compliance with applicable PPWR requirements. The issue remains particularly relevant for packaging value chains as companies clarify responsibilities for generating and supplying compliance information.

France delays industrial packaging EPR implementation until 2027

France has postponed the implementation of its extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for industrial and commercial packaging until January 2027. The delay is intended to provide additional time to clarify the scope of obligated companies and allow producer responsibility organisations to communicate the resulting financial obligations. The development will be of interest to companies placing industrial packaging on the French market

News from the Industry

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The News from the Industry section is intended to share factual, informative, and non-promotional updates relevant to our sector. Submissions should be neutral in tone, free from political or commercial content, and must not include commentary on other members or organisations. The aim is to highlight developments that contribute to the collective knowledge and progress of the industry as a whole.

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