We are taking major steps toward switching to recyclable packaging materials. The language used is that of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
What is the PPRW? Officially known as “Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste,” this law aims to minimize the environmental impact of packaging and increase recycling rates.
At the end of April 2024, the EU Parliament adopted the current version of the EU Packaging Regulation by a large majority. The vote in the Council of the European Union is expected to take place in the fall, after the European elections. According to interseroh+, it will likely take another 18 months before the regulation is published and becomes effective.
The current version focuses in particular on making the recyclability of all packaging mandatory from 2030. It also sets quotas for the use of recycled materials in plastic packaging for 2030 and 2040. Another important aspect is the extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations, which require manufacturers and distributors of packaging to contribute to the costs of disposal and recycling.
Who does the EU Packaging Regulation apply to?
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPRW) applies to all member states of the European Union. It regulates the packaging and labeling of products as well as the responsibility of manufacturers and distributors for the disposal and recycling of packaging materials.
Depending on the role of an economic operator—manufacturer, supplier, importer, distributor, etc.—different obligations must be met under the planned regulation. It does not matter which industry you operate in, although some industries are likely to see significantly more changes than others.
Packaging manufacturers face challenges in switching to more environmentally friendly materials and designs in order to meet the requirements of the new regulation. This has been a matter of course for us for a long time. We have been offering sustainable packaging solutions for years that also guarantee the functionality and safety of the packaged products. We monitor developments in the market and are constantly adding new sustainable packaging options to our range.
For example, are you familiar with our stand-up pouches made from a single material? These are suitable for various products (e.g., pet food, cosmetics, or food) and are 100% recyclable. Find out more here: About single-material packaging.
Our PCR films are also a sustainable packaging solution for a wide range of applications (logistics packaging, protective packaging, or sales packaging). PCR stands for post-consumer recycled. This means that PCR films are made from a proportion of recycled plastic from discarded materials. By reusing plastic that has already been used, PCR plastics and films are not only more cost-effective, but also reduce waste. In addition, we require less water, energy, and fossil fuelsto process the used plastic. Find out more here: About PCR recycled films
PPWR – Important information
Objectives: The regulation aims to reduce the amount of packaging waste, promote the reuse and recycling of packaging materials, and ensure that packaging is designed in a more environmentally friendly way.
Definition of packaging: The regulation defines packaging as any product made of any material intended to contain, protect, handle, deliver, or present goods.
Producer responsibility: The regulation places the responsibility for the correct disposal of packaging waste on the manufacturers or importers of packaging. They must comply with recycling and reuse targets.
Minimum recycling rates: The regulation sets minimum recycling rates for various materials, such as paper, glass, plastic, and metal.
Labeling requirements: Manufacturers must label their packaging to facilitate recycling. This can be done using symbols that indicate whether the material is recyclable and information on how to dispose of it correctly.
Ban on hazardous substances: The regulation prohibits the use of certain hazardous substances in packaging in order to minimize environmental and health risks.
Reporting requirements: Member States must submit regular reports on their progress in implementing the regulation.
Penalties for non-compliance: Penalties may be imposed on manufacturers who violate the provisions of the regulation.
It is important that companies that use packaging understand and comply with the provisions of the EU Packaging Regulation in order to meet environmental standards and avoid penalties.
We will, of course, advise you on this when selecting packaging materials for your product.
The Packaging Act regulates recyclability, for example. Here is a brief overview:
Packaging must be manufactured in such a way that the presence of harmful substances is reduced to a minimum.
From 2030: all packaging must be recyclable.
Recyclability is to be defined in three classes (packaging that is less than 70% recyclable is not considered recyclable).
From 2038, only packaging in classes A and B may be placed on the market.
Packaging should be considered as a whole. Only components that must be separated from each other will be considered separately.
Yes, there will be exceptions, for example for primary packaging and touch-sensitive packaging for medical devices, infant food, and in vitro diagnostic devices. In addition, different provisions apply to packaging for the transport of dangerous goods and to sales packaging made of light wood, cork, textiles, rubber, ceramics, porcelain, or wax.
The PPWR Commission is also reviewing the state of technological development and the environmental compatibility of bio-based plastic packaging.
The Packaging Act stipulates that
packaging must be labeled (based on pictograms and easily understandable) with information on the material composition to make sorting easier for consumers (exception: transport packaging or packaging that is part of a deposit and return system and is not e-commerce packaging).
Reusable packaging must be labeled as such; additional information on reusability must be provided via a QR code or other digital data carrier.
Further requirements and specifications must be observed, e.g., regarding the indication of the recycled content, the type and design of the labels, deposit packaging, misleading or confusing labels, exceptions, transition periods, etc.
The Commission will establish harmonized labels and specifications for labeling requirements and a methodology for identifying the material composition of packaging.
The following is planned by 2030:
At least 40% reuse for transport packaging (including e-commerce): pallets, plastic crates, foldable plastic boxes, buckets, and drums for product transport [...] including shrink film and strapping bands.
100% reuse for transport packaging or sales packaging for the delivery of products to another economic operator within the same Member State & within the EU.
10% collective packaging in the form of cartons, excluding cardboard, outside sales packaging, to group a certain number of products into a storage or distribution unit (pooling possible; take-back obligation from 100m²).
Producers must register in an appropriate register by submitting an application in each Member State in which they place packaging on the market. The Packaging Act stipulates that producers may not place packaging on the market in a Member State unless they are registered in that Member State.
Comprehensive information on the EU Packaging Regulation
We have summarized this information for you from a webinar by interseroh+ and the packaging journal (as of April 24, 2024). Would you like more detailed information? Click here for the free webinar: Facts & questions about the EU Packaging Regulation
Further sources:
https://alliance.interzero.de/mitgestalten/eu-verpackungsverordnung-ppwr/
https://www.neue-verpackung.de/nachhaltige-verpackungen/worum-geht-es-bei-der-ppwr-und-welche-auswirkungen-hat-sie-auf-die-verpackungsindustrie-510.html
https://deutsche-recycling.de/blog/eu-verpackungsverordnung/
We would be happy to advise you on sustainable packaging solutions for your product. Send us an email.
Together for a greener future – Your Home of Packaging Team
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