EU policy discussions impacting Steel for Packaging

02 Jun 2025

EU policy discussions impacting Steel for Packaging

by Metka Cavka Luciani, Head of EU Affairs

As Europe advances its green and industrial agenda, several major initiatives are poised to reshape the landscape for steel packaging:

Circular Economy Act: A new framework for EPR and Waste

A cornerstone of the EU’s Green Deal implementation, the forthcoming Circular Economy Act aims to harmonise and digitalise Extended producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes across Member States. These reforms promise to make the EPR costs more transparent and ensure a fairer cost allocation amongst producers. It will also set standards for waste shipments and reduce landfilling of waste. A public consultation for stakeholders is expected to begin at the end of June.

European Single Market Strategy and Packaging: Tackling fragmentation

To address the growing patchwork of national rules on packaging, labelling and waste management, the European Commission published the European Single Market Strategy. The strategy includes measures targeting regulatory fragmentation, which currently burdens manufacturers. The initiative could pave the way for harmonised labelling requirements and streamlined compliance processes, and reducing barriers to trade.

Strengthened Trade Measures to replace the Safeguard

In a move to protect industrial resilience, the EU is preparing to introduce a highly effective trade measure. This new policy is designed to shield key sectors such as steel from market disrupting imports. For steel for packaging, which competes globally but operates under EU sustainability requirements, such trade defence instruments are essential to maintain a level playing field.

EU Green Week: Circular Solutions for Competitiveness

The European Commission’s Green Week 2025 is aimed at reinforcing the link between industrial competitiveness and environmental policy. The event will bring together policymakers, businesses and civil society to showcase how circular practices – like recycling in multiple and open material loops – can drive circularity.

These EU initiatives will shape the recyclability, fair market conditions and a level playing field for the steel for packaging industry. The evolving regulatory landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. Staying engaged in this policy development will be essential to leverage steel’s environmental strengths and maintain competitiveness.

Full name	Hugo Loudon
Current position	President IFRA (International Fragrance Association)
The reason for nomination	Alexander led the association for 5 years, contributed to increasing understanding of the concept of permanent materials and implemented first digital and social media initiatives.
What is the greatest myth about steel packaging that the industry needs to debunk?	Steel is sometimes perceived as a basic and modest packaging material. However, steel packaging is more than that. Steel packaging is a highly sophisticated and modern material. It a permanent material -endlessly recyclable, which makes is the perfect material for the future.

Full name	Alexander Mohr
Current position	President IFRA (International Fragrance Association)
The reason for nomination	Alexander led the association for 5 years, contributed to increasing understanding of the concept of permanent materials and implemented first digital and social media initiatives.
What is the greatest myth about steel packaging that the industry needs to debunk?	Steel is sometimes perceived as a basic and modest packaging material. However, steel packaging is more than that. Steel packaging is a highly sophisticated and modern material. It a permanent material -endlessly recyclable, which makes is the perfect material for the future.