The world of industrial packaging is at a turning point. Starting in 2026, France will impose strict regulations on the storage of flammable liquids – with far-reaching consequences: plastic packaging such as IBCs, drums, or canisters may then only be used with extensive and costly fire-protection measures. At the same time, the EU is tightening requirements on materials, recyclability, and producer responsibility through the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Companies that act now will not only ensure compliance – but also gain decisive competitive advantages.

What Exactly Is Changing in France?

The trigger was a devastating major fire at a chemical company in Rouen in 2019. In response, France introduced new rules prohibiting the storage of flammable liquids – particularly H224 and H225 substances – in plastic containers above certain volumes.

From 2026, many of these substances may no longer be stored in plastic IBCs – unless placed in costly fire-protected containers. Particularly affected are industries such as chemicals, cosmetics, paints and coatings, and industrial cleaning.

And What Will the PPWR Mean for Industry?

With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the EU is pursuing ambitious goals: less packaging waste, more recycling, binding reuse quotas, and uniform requirements for all packaging – including in the B2B sector. In the future, companies must demonstrate more clearly how sustainable their packaging systems are, how recyclable they are – and how often they circulate in the market.

Packaging is therefore not just a compliance issue – but a strategic lever.

Act Now – Don’t Wait

The new regulations are catching many companies unprepared – especially those that have so far relied heavily on plastic packaging. Yet an early switch to safe, durable, and compliant solutions pays off in multiple ways:

• Avoidance of costly fire-protection retrofits or construction measures
• Reduction of insurance risks and premiums
• Stronger positioning with authorities and customers
• Long-term cost efficiency through durable packaging systems

In our whitepaper “Safety Is No Accident. What Needs to Be Done Now – and How Obligation Turns into Advantage” you will learn:

• The background to this turning point in industrial packaging – and why it affects everyone
• The specific regulations that will apply in France from 2026 – and which industries are most affected
• Why packaging must be approached strategically today – with safety, compliance, and cost efficiency in focus

What to expect in the next phase of the whitepaper – from material comparisons to smart and digital solutions and concrete tools

More about the whitepaper and the option to download can be found here.