Local Manufacturers in Central Asia Are Not Ready for the New Packaging Standards — What Should Be Done Now?

When sustainable packaging is discussed in our region, many still see it as a distant-future topic for conferences rather than something that belongs in a current production plan. But the situation has changed. There are now specific deadlines, and one of them comes into force within just a few weeks.

Two deadlines that are still being overlooked by many

On August 12, 2026, the European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, or PPWR, becomes applicable. Regardless of where the packaging is manufactured, any packaging placed on the European market must comply with these rules.

What does this mean for a Central Asian brand that wants to sell products in Europe? From that date, packaging composition, volume and the amount of material used must meet stricter requirements. Certain PFAS substances will be prohibited in food-contact packaging. In addition, the manufacturer or its authorised representative will have to register under the Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, system in every EU country where the product is placed on the market.

At almost the same time, from August 1, 2026, Uzbekistan will also begin the phased introduction of its own system of extended obligations. These requirements will apply to manufacturers and importers of packaging materials and products that may cause environmental harm after they lose their consumer properties. The framework was established by Presidential Resolution No. PQ-171 adopted in 2023.

Even stricter measures are currently being discussed. These include a possible ban on the production and sale of plastic bags from 2027, as well as gradually increasing mandatory recycling targets for plastic packaging used by beverage manufacturers.

Although these measures are still under discussion, the direction of state policy towards a green economy is already clear.

The fact that these two deadlines fall within almost the same period is not accidental. Both in Europe and Uzbekistan, they are part of a broader global shift in packaging regulation.

However, when Uzbek printing companies and packaging manufacturers describe their services today, environmental sustainability is rarely mentioned as a key project parameter. Print run, embossing and accurate Pantone colour reproduction are still seen as important specifications, while the environmental impact of packaging often remains secondary.

Why are local manufacturers still not ready?

The issue is not a lack of willingness. The main reasons are real gaps in infrastructure and practical experience.

There is no fully developed separate waste collection system.
This remains one of the key barriers in Uzbekistan. Because waste is not consistently collected separately, even existing recycling facilities cannot operate at full capacity. Materials that could technically be recycled often never reach sorting and recycling facilities.

Plastic represents a significant share of household waste, and packaging is one of its largest categories.
According to available estimates, more than 10 million tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated in the country every year. Around one tenth of this volume is plastic, with packaging accounting for one of the largest shares within that category. This is not an isolated issue but a systemic one.

Sustainable materials are still not a standard option.
Recycled cardboard or FSC-certified board is not yet part of the standard offering of many local printing companies. Such materials usually have to be ordered separately rather than selected from a regular price list.

Sustainability is still treated as a message rather than as part of the packaging structure.
In practice, this often means placing the word “eco” on the label or using green colours without actually changing the material, construction or recyclability of the packaging. Yet the new regulatory approach focuses precisely on materials and packaging structure, not on environmental claims printed on the front of the pack.

Why should companies start now instead of waiting?

The deadlines are no longer hypothetical.
The European regulation and Uzbekistan’s new requirements are not distant legislative proposals. They are concrete rules entering into force almost simultaneously.

A company that plans to begin discussing exports to Europe six months from now may already be late in preparing its packaging for the new requirements.

Changing packaging is not a quick process.
A complete packaging redesign cycle, from strategy to final print production, usually takes several months. This does not include the additional time required to change material suppliers or approve a new packaging structure with production partners.

Starting this process only after the rules have entered into force means losing an export opportunity rather than preparing for it in advance.

Both systems follow a similar financial logic.
The more difficult packaging is to recycle, the higher the financial burden on the producer is likely to become.

This means postponing the decision is not free. The cost does not disappear; it is simply moved into the future, where it may become significantly higher.

The competitive window is still open.
Before sustainable packaging becomes the regional norm, brands that act earlier have an opportunity to turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

This is especially important in export markets, where sustainable packaging is increasingly becoming a standard expectation among buyers and retailers.

What can companies start doing today?

There is no need to wait until the local recycling infrastructure is completely rebuilt before taking the first steps.

Move to mono-material packaging wherever possible.
Packaging made from a single type of polymer or cardboard is significantly easier to recycle than multi-layer laminated structures. Recyclability assessment under European regulation is also strongly influenced by this factor.

Reduce packaging volume and the number of material layers.
Material minimisation is one of the key principles of modern packaging regulation. In many cases, it can also reduce packaging costs.

Use materials that already have a strong local production base.
Uzbekistan has a developed glass packaging industry. Glass is also one of the most recyclable packaging materials.

For product categories where glass can realistically be used, sustainability and local production do not conflict with each other. Instead, they reinforce one another.

Eliminate PFAS from food-contact packaging.
This should not be treated merely as an environmental initiative, but as a new baseline requirement for packaging intended for the European market after August 2026.

Start discussions with packaging manufacturers in advance.
Ask printing companies and material suppliers what options are already available to improve packaging recyclability before the buyer, retailer or regulator asks the same question.

This conversation should begin before the order is placed, not afterwards.

Main conclusion

Packaging standards in Central Asia are no longer a topic for the distant future. New requirements have already been adopted, and important deadlines are approaching.

Waiting for the regional infrastructure to become fully ready is not a strategy. Packaging changes take months, while regulatory consequences apply to those who are late.

Brands that start preparing today will not only comply with new rules but will also have a chance to stay one step ahead of their competitors.