EU Packaging Compliance for Supplements: France, Spain & Italy

Environmental Labeling for Dietary Supplement Packaging in Europe: What Brands Need to Know

As Europe accelerates its shift toward a circular economy, environmental labeling requirements for dietary supplement packaging have become a critical compliance obligation. France, Spain, and Italy—three of the region’s largest supplement markets—have implemented distinct rules for packaging disposal instructions, creating a fragmented Regulatory landscape that challenges brands operating across multiple EU countries.

This blog breaks down the key recycling mandates in each market and offers practical guidance for maintaining compliance without compromising packaging consistency or brand identity.

Key Recycling Mandates for Supplement Packaging in Europe

1. France

Requirements:All household packaging must display the Triman logo along with Info-Tri sorting instructions.

Mandatory Symbols:

• Triman logo

• Info-Tri graphic instructions

EPR System:

• CITEO

Notes:France has some of the strictest packaging labeling rules in Europe.Since March 9, 2023, all household packaging must feature harmonized sorting instructions following CITEO specifications for format, color, and placement.Full enforcement is expected by March 2025, making early compliance essential for brands.

2. Spain

Requirements:Producers must register with Ecoembes, join an authorized EPR scheme, and provide clear disposal instructions.

Mandatory Symbols:

• No mandatory symbol

• Punto Verde is optional

EPR System:

• Ecoembes

Notes:Spain’s framework is governed by Royal Decree 1055/2022, currently in force.Although Spain has announced plans for future harmonized recycling symbols, no official timeline or design has been released.

3. Italy

Requirements:Packaging must display both:

• Material identification code

• Disposal instructions in Italian

Mandatory Symbols:

• No mandatory logo

• CONAI mark is optional

EPR System:

• CONAI

Notes:Environmental labeling has been compulsory in Italy since January 1, 2023, under Legislative Decree 116/2020, which implements EU Directive 2018/851.Italy requires highly specific wording and waste categorization, making localized artwork essential.

Managing Divergent National Requirements

Because France, Spain, and Italy apply their own independent environmental labeling mandates, a single EU-wide packaging label is not yet possible. As a result, supplement brands may need:

• Country-specific packaging artwork

• Multiple back-label versions

• Tailored disposal instructions per market

To ensure smooth, compliant market access, brands should:

• Verify local obligations before printing any packaging

• Maintain valid memberships with CITEO, Ecoembes, and CONAI

• Ensure accurate translations and compliant layout per national rules

• Monitor evolving legislation, as future EU harmonization efforts are underway

How Freyr Supports You

At Freyr Solutions, we help food and dietary supplement brands stay compliant across Europe’s fast-changing packaging Regulatory landscape. Our Regulatory and artwork experts collaborate to deliver packaging solutions that meet country-specific rules while protecting your brand’s visual identity.

We support you through:

• Interpretation of environmental labeling rules in France, Spain, and Italy

• Preparation of compliant packaging artwork, including disposal icons and instructions

• Ongoing monitoring of Regulatory updates, ensuring your products remain market-ready

With Freyr’s proven expertise, your brand can confidently navigate national recycling requirements while maintaining a strong and cohesive sustainability message.

Final Thoughts

As sustainability regulations tighten across Europe, packaging compliance has evolved from an operational requirement into a strategic business priority. For dietary supplement brands, staying ahead of national recycling mandates is not only essential for avoiding penalties—it is also instrumental in building consumer trust, demonstrating environmental responsibility, and maintaining market agility.

With the right Regulatory partner and a proactive packaging strategy, compliance can become a powerful competitive advantage.