Non-urban packaging: new regulatory requirement

4 February 2025

The Portuguese Integrated Waste Management System, which includes packaging waste, is evolving to meet the increasing demand for effective and responsible waste management solutions.

Among the various waste streams, non-urban packaging – also known as industrial and commercial packaging – remains one of the most overlooked and presents unique challenges that require specialist attention.

Non-urban packaging refers to packaging that is used in industrial and commercial settings and falls outside the scope of conventional urban waste collection systems. It often involves larger volumes, contributing to large-scale recycling.

New regulatory requirement: transferring responsibility to a PRO

A significant change in Portuguese waste regulation requires producers of non-urban packaging to transfer their responsibility to a producer responsibility organisation (PRO) from 1 January 2025.

The principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR), as outlined in Portugal’s waste legislation, obliges businesses producing packaging waste to ensure the proper disposal and recycling of these materials.

Historically, Portugal’s integrated waste management system, was primarily focused on urban packaging. Now, with the extension of these requirements to non-urban packaging, the system is becoming more comprehensive.

As a result, companies must register with a PRO to ensure that the recycling and environmentally responsible disposal of their non-urban packaging complies with the regulations.

Novo Verde can help

Part of Landbell Group, Novo Verde is a PRO in Portugal and has been licensed to oversee the management of non-urban packaging waste since 1 January 2025.

With extensive expertise in the management of packaging waste, Novo Verde is a reliable partner for businesses required to comply with the new regulatory framework.

Novo Verde assumes responsibility for the collection and recycling of non-urban packaging, ensuring full compliance with government regulations and compliance with environmental best practices.

Effective management of non-urban packaging delivers numerous advantages for both businesses and the environment:

  1. Legal Compliance: By transferring responsibility to Novo Verde, companies ensure full compliance with Portuguese environmental regulations, avoiding penalties
  2. Reduced Environmental Impact: Recycling and reusing packaging materials significantly decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, while reducing demand for new natural resources
  3. Circular Economy Integration: Incorporating non-urban packaging waste into a circular economy model enables the reuse of materials in the production process, reducing the need for virgin materials and fostering sustainable practices, and
  4. Enhanced Corporate Image: Companies that embrace responsible environmental practices strengthen their reputation with consumers, investors and the public, meeting the growing demand for sustainability-driven business operations

This new regulatory requirement marks a significant advance in waste management in Portugal. To adapt to this shift, businesses can prepare by partnering with Novo Verde, ensuring seamless compliance with the new obligations.

Find out more here.