Navigating EU CLP changes with Loftware and SAP

The EU’s updated CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulation has officially arrived, and businesses across the chemical supply chain are feeling the pressure to adapt. In Loftware’s recent webinar, leaders from Loftware and SAP broke down the changes, timelines, and how companies can turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

Here are five key takeaways from the session:

1. The CLP update is live – and the clock is ticking

In April 2024, the European Parliament adopted significant updates to the CLP regulation. These changes align with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and introduce stricter rules on how chemical labels are formatted and presented,

including font size, spacing, and pictogram standards.

Compliance deadlines are staggered: 

Failing to meet these deadlines could mean not being able to ship products in or out of the EU.

2. Labeling compliance is now a business-critical function

This isn’t just about updating a label; it’s about rethinking how your business handles compliance. New formatting rules may require complete label redesigns, especially for multilingual content. Fold-out labels and expanded layouts are now necessary to meet visibility and readability requirements.

If your labels aren’t compliant, your products won’t move. That makes labeling a supply chain risk as well as an opportunity.

3. Efficient labeling supports more than compliance

According to Dr. Marco Lange, Global Head of Chemicals at SAP SE, labeling should be seen as a strategic lever. It plays a critical role in: 

It’s clear that labeling isn’t just an operational step anymore but plays a key role in staying competitive.

4. Digitalization is key to staying ahead

Manual processes won’t cut it. Companies must embrace digital and innovative labeling solutions that allow for real-time updates, automation, and centralized control. Embedding label design and printing within enterprise systems helps reduce risk, save costs, and meet growing stakeholder demands.

The growing complexity of supply chains, combined with a shrinking skilled workforce, makes automation a vital strategy for success.

5. SAP + Loftware: a powerful compliance solution

SAP and Loftware are co-innovating to deliver cloud-based and integrated labeling capabilities that support EU CLP compliance and beyond. This allows businesses to: 

The result? A scalable and future-ready labeling solution that adapts with your business.

As Dr. Marco Lange put it: “it’s really a collaboration where we combine SAP’s data and process strengths with Loftware’s expertise in label management and printing.”

Is your organization prepared?

Ready to see how seamless compliance and smarter labeling come together? Watch the on-demand webinar now and learn firsthand from SAP and Loftware experts about driving efficiency and innovation across your chemical supply chain.