Short answer

• There isn’t a single EU “approved packaging suppliers” list. Companies must meet EU rules (e.g., Food Contact Materials Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation / PPWR and related standards), and you verify suppliers by asking for their declarations of compliance, test reports and relevant certifications. (eur-lex.europa.eu)

Large, reputable packaging suppliers that supply to the EU market (examples to consider and verify for your use case)

• Mondi — major paper, corrugated and flexible packaging supplier in Europe. (large European footprint and product range). (reuters.com)
• DS Smith / (now part of International Paper following EU clearance) — corrugated, recycling and design-for-recycling services across the EU. (dssmith.com)
• Smurfit Kappa (now merged/combining activity with WestRock in global deals) — European leader in corrugated and fiber-based packaging. (apnews.com)
• Stora Enso — fiber-/paper-based packaging and recyclable solutions in Europe. (eib.org)
• Huhtamaki — foodservice, fiber and flexible food-contact packaging with EU activity and statements on PPWR compliance. (huhtamaki.com)
• Amcor — global plastic, flexible and rigid packaging supplier active in the EU (verify food-contact declarations per product). (company product pages and compliance docs). (huhtamaki.com)
• Berry Global, Sealed Air, Klöckner Pentaplast and other global converters — supply a wide range of packaging types in Europe; each provides compliance documents and sustainability data on request. (eib.org)

How to confirm a supplier is “approved” for your needs (practical checklist)

1. Regulatory declarations
   • For food-contact packaging: ask for a Declaration of Compliance referencing Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and any specific EU measures that apply to the material (e.g., plastics rules for plastics/recycled content). Request migration/test reports where applicable. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
2. PPWR / recyclability & design-for-recycling
   • Ask how the packaging meets PPWR requirements (recyclability by 2030, design-for-recycling criteria, recycled content requirements, and any format bans or reuse obligations). Suppliers should state how their products align with PPWR criteria and timelines. (environment.ec.europa.eu)
3. Certifications and standards
   • Relevant certificates: ISO 9001, ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 (food safety for food packaging manufacturers), EN standards for specific materials, chain-of-custody schemes (FSC / PEFC for fiber), and third‑party sustainability ratings (e.g., EcoVadis). Ask to see current certificates. (huhtamaki.com)
4. Test reports and third‑party verification
   • Independent lab reports for migration, chemical contaminants (e.g., PFAS restrictions under PPWR), and recyclability testing. Third‑party audits (SGS, Bureau Veritas, etc.) increase confidence.
5. Technical data & traceability
   • Material composition, recyclability instructions/labeling, end-of-life pathway (recyclable, compostable, reusable), and supply‑chain traceability.
6. Commercial & legal terms
   • Liability clauses, EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) cost allocation (important under PPWR) and change-management for evolving EU rules.

Where to look for national or sector “approved” lists

• Authorities rarely publish a single supplier approval list for all packaging — instead:
  • For food-contact specifics, check national competent authorities and EFSA guidance for specific materials.
  • For public procurement or sector-specific schemes, some governments or retail chains publish preferred suppliers when they run centralized procurement.
  • For recyclability and ecolabels, look for recognized schemes and databases (e.g., industry recyclability guidance from converters like DS Smith or Smurfit Kappa). (food.ec.europa.eu)

Recommended next steps (fast practical actions)

• Decide the packaging category (food-contact, medical, e-commerce, transport/corrugated, flexible film, etc.). Requirements differ significantly by category.
• Shortlist 3–5 suppliers by capability and geography (the companies above are a starting point).
• Request from each supplier: Declaration of Compliance (EC 1935/2004), specific migration/test reports, recyclability statement (how it meets PPWR/Design-for-Recycling), ISO/FSSC or chain-of-custody certificates, and recent third‑party audit reports.
• If needed, commission an independent lab test for your product/application and get legal review of contractual terms (EPR allocation, warranty, recalls).

If you want, I can:

• produce an email template you can send to suppliers to request the exact compliance documents above; or
• create a short checklist spreadsheet you can use to evaluate and score supplier responses.

Would you like the template or a supplier evaluation checklist now?