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Green Competitiveness: Survival guide to the new packaging rules – avoid sales bans and fines in 2026

On August 12, 2026, a wave of new EU requirements will roll in for anyone who packages, ships or sells goods. The Packaging Directive will bring new rules for doing business in Europe.

If the documentation is missing when the inspection arrives, the consequences are clear:

  • Immediate sales stop
    Authorities may close your sale and demand your goods be removed from the shelves with immediate effect
  • Fines
    The sanctions are designed to be “deterrent” – it should never pay to not do so
  • Market ban throughout the EU
    A documentation error could close access to 450 million consumers
  • The Badwill Trap
    An injunction for illegal packaging never looks good in the annual report or to your green customers.

We have designed a morning that gives you exactly what you need to navigate the EU directive on packaging and packaging waste.

This event is relevant to all companies that bring packaging to market for both private consumers and business customers:

  • Manufacturers and brand manufacturers
    Companies that have products produced with their own logo or name on the packaging
  • Importers
    Everyone who brings goods into Denmark from abroad (both EU and non-EU countries). This includes responsibility for the goods across the border.
  • Webshops and distributors
    If you pack items in shipping boxes, use padding or tape to ship them to the customer
  • Fillers
    Companies that buy empty packaging and fill their products themselves (e.g. construction or a bakery)

Trivial limit: Companies with less than 10 tons of packaging annually receive a simplified reporting model, unless they work with single-use plastic.

Micro-enterprises: There are exemptions for companies with fewer than 10 employees and a turnover of less than approximately DKK 15 million, unless they work with single-use plastics.

Programme

8:30 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.: Welcome: Why are we here?
A short and concise introduction to the EU Packaging Directive (Regulation (EU) 2025/40), and we explain why it is important and how it can be a competitive advantage to be at the forefront now.

8:40 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Rules, requirements and all the fine print
We translate the legal jargon into easy-to-understand language and review the new rules of the game:

  • Material selection: What will the box actually be made of in the future?
  • Recycling: How do you ensure that your packaging doesn't end up as a problem, but as a resource?
  • Who is responsible?: you, your supplier or your customer? (Dutch Environmental Agency)
  • Waste prevention: The art of packing safely without sending mountains of waste.

10:30 – 11:30: Panic-free zone: Documentation and dialogue
August 12, 2026, when the Packaging Directive becomes a legal requirement, is just around the corner.
We help you land softly:

  • Systematicity rather than chaos: This is how you build documentation that can be handled in a busy everyday life.
  • What about my products? We open up a dialogue about your specific challenges and specific product types.
  • The timetable: We'll make a plan so you can leave here with peace of mind.

Who is your presenter?

We have allied with Hülya Ucar, PhD specialist in circular economy and materials, from the consulting company Reccura.

Hülya Ucar works with sustainable solutions for plastics and recycling. She has extensive experience in developing technologies for recycling materials, and she has a particular focus on the circular economy and thinking through the life cycle of plastics from the very beginning.

Reccura is a consulting company with a dedicated team of professionals who help companies and organizations on their sustainability journey.

What is Green Competitiveness?

Green Competitiveness is a professional forum that strengthens companies' knowledge and provides sparring in thinking green and sustainable.

These are inspirational meetings for companies regardless of industry or size – both for those who have already started on the "green journey" and for those who are considering the options.

It is FREE for all companies in Billund Municipality to participate in Green Competitiveness events, and you are not obligated to participate in future meetings.

Regarding photography

Please note that we will be taking photos at the event. If you do not wish to appear in the photos, please contact an employee from Billund Erhverv.

Green transition

Practical informations

Date:
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time:
At 08:30 - 11:30
Place:
Billund Business, Kløvermarken 35, 7190 Billund
Price:
Free
Registration deadline:
29. April 2026

Josefine Gren Runge

Student assistant

Josefine is currently studying to become a Service and Experience Economist with a specialization in event management, where she will start a top-up in Innovation and Entrepreneurship this summer.

She primarily helps with communication tasks, including SoMe, updating the website and digital marketing. She also helps where she can, within her areas of expertise.

Josefine has extensive experience in the service and tourism industry, where she has acquired several experience-based skills - including how to best communicate to different target groups, as well as the ability to get a team to lift together. She has recently worked with PR, where she has created content for press releases, SoMe and much more.

Julie Josefine Schou Lauesen

Communication and marketing

Julie manages our communications and marketing.

She has experience in external communication, building websites and digital marketing via newsletters, social media and web content.

Julie is structured, efficient and has a sharp overview. She creates content that engages the target audience – from press releases and newsletters to social media posts, website content and telling a good story.

Marianne K. Thomsen

Business coordinator & Newcomer Service

Marianne has extensive knowledge of workforce needs, recruitment, and retention. She maintains close dialogue with our companies on connecting with students and leads our local HR network for member companies.

Marianne has daily contact with potential and new immigrants looking to settle in Billund Municipality for work. With many years of experience in both the private and public sectors, she specializes in recruitment, training, and upskilling of employees.

Marianne is available to assist companies with international recruitment, helping to convey what may not always be captured on a website or in writing to potential recruits from around the world.

Marianne Hestbech Witte

Business developer

Marianne is our strong local expert in sales, marketing, and business development within retail, tourism, and entrepreneurship. 

She brings a solid background with over 25 years of experience as a freelancer and at various agencies, where she has worked on outreach sales, retail concept development, tourism, and business development. 

You will meet Marianne daily in our startup environment and business office at Kløvermarken, where she provides guidance and support to entrepreneurs across Billund Municipality. Marianne engages with you on a personal level, quickly identifying challenges and offering clear, actionable solutions. With a sharp focus on online and graphic communication, her goal is to ensure sustainable business practices.

Paul-Erik Hensgen

Business developer

Paul-Erik holds a Master of Science in International Marketing and has many years of experience as a marketing manager in large B2B and B2C companies, including manufacturing and the tourism industry. This has provided him with strong commercial expertise. Additionally, Paul-Erik has spent 10 years as an independent consultant for SMEs.

His focus areas at Billund Business include business development, entrepreneurship, and mentor and investor networks.

Lars Gadgaard

Business developer

Lars brings a strong background in business development and a deep understanding of the business promotion system. With his commercial expertise, you can expect strategic sparring on development and growth.

He has 11 years of experience as an owner-manager and has held director-level positions in several companies.

Lars' areas of focus include business development, green and sustainable transition, digitalisation, competence development, and strategy. He is certified in various business development tools, including The Growth Wheel®.

If you need advice on developing your business, Lars is just a call away.

Marie Skov Lillelund

Director

Marie holds the leadership position in the association, setting the direction in collaboration with the board of directors, and is closely involved in the association’s daily operations and development.

She is responsible for developing the association's strategic initiatives, prioritizing dialogue and networking with members and other key partners who contribute to growth and development in Billund Municipality.

Marie has extensive experience in organizational and business development, change management, sales, strategic communication, as well as network development and facilitation.

Difference between A and B members

You become an A-member with the right to vote if your company is located in Billund Municipality.

You become a B-member without the right to vote if your company is outside Billund Municipality, but you get the same opportunities for exposure and participation in network activities and events.

Guest

Are you unsure whether a membership with Billund Business is right for you? Attend one of our upcoming events as a guest and see for yourself.

Contact us on info@billunderhverv.dk, then you can come along as a guest to an optional event if there is room.

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