We analyze the impact of the new labeling and packaging regulations in 2025, and the challenges and solutions they pose for the food, cosmetics and chemical industries.
The year 2025 has brought with it regulatory changes that will have a major impact on the food, cosmetics and chemical industries. The new labeling and packaging requirements not only seek to improve safety and sustainability, but also to reinforce transparency for the consumer.
For companies, this means reviewing their production processes, adapting their packaging and modernizing their production lines. In this article, we analyze the most relevant regulatory changes and propose practical solutions for your company to stay competitive and comply with current legislation.
Major regulatory changes in 2025
Mandatory environmental labeling
From January 2025, all packaging in Spain must indicate the corresponding recycling container and reflect whether it is reusable. In addition, the European Union prohibits the use of ambiguous terms such as “environmentally friendly” to avoid greenwashing.
Impact: The labeling lines must be able to print clear, durable symbols and with the possibility of including QR codes to extend the information to the consumer.
European Packaging and Waste Regulation (PPWR)
In force since 2025, this regulation replaces Directive 94/62/EC and establishes that all packaging must be recyclable, encourage reuse and, in some cases, be integrated into deposit, return and refund systems (DRS).
Impact: Packaging design and materials must be adapted to recyclability criteria. This requires flexible packaging machinery capable of working with new materials, including bioplastics or certified recycled plastics.
BPA ban and traceability of recycled plastics
European regulations prohibit the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials from 2025. In addition, recycled plastics for packaging must demonstrate traceability and safety through certified systems.
Impact: Production lines must guarantee compatibility with BPA-free packaging and systems that ensure traceability throughout the packaging process.
Changes in the cosmetics industry
European cosmetics regulations introduce restrictions on nanomaterials, UV filters and preservatives. In addition, a new list of ingredients will be mandatory as of July 2026, although companies can already anticipate this in 2025.
Impact: Cosmetic labeling must be updated and filling/capping lines must be adapted to more sensitive formulas and smaller volumes, requiring high precision and flexible machinery.
International Food Safety Requirements (FSMA 2025)
To export to the U.S., FSMA regulations require greater control over packaging, handling and transportation, with a focus on safety and traceability.
Impact: Exporting companies need machinery capable of documenting each lot accurately and in an automated manner.
Challenges for the industry
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Redesign packaging and labels to comply with new standards.
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Invest in machinery that allows working with alternative and recycled materials.
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Ensure full traceability in the packaging and capping processes.
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Adapt to increasingly rapid regulatory cycles in regulated sectors.
Practical solutions with MarCoPack
At MarCoPack we accompany the food, cosmetics and chemical industries in this transition with solutions for:
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Advanced labeling: machinery capable of integrating recycling symbols, QR codes and anti-fraud systems.
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Sustainable packaging: equipment adapted to work with bioplastics, recycled materials and reusable packaging.
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Precision capping: solutions that guarantee safety, hygiene and compatibility with sensitive formulas.
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Digital traceability: integration with MES and SCADA systems to comply with FSMA, HACCP, GMP and REACH.
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Modular flexibility: scalable machinery that adapts to new materials, regulations and formats.
2025 marks a turning point in the way the industry must design, package, label and cap its products. Complying with the new regulations is not optional, and companies that adapt quickly will have a clear competitive advantage.
At MarCoPack, we offer customized, flexible and regulatory machinery solutions, ready to accompany your business in this new regulatory scenario.
Request a no-obligation solution and ensure that your production line is ready for the challenges of 2025 and beyond.
Alejandro Serrano Romero
Export Executive MARCOPACK
