The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Navigating the world of sustainability regulation

Understanding and managing new complex regulations is never an easy task: With the rise in packaging use and low reuse and recycling rates, efforts to create a low-carbon circular economy are threatened. Additionally, consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions is on the rise. Time to act is now.

Global legislation is responding by driving regulations towards a more sustainable future. This presents challenges, requiring the industry to adapt and meet new compliance standards.

We are here to assist you through these changes with our expertise and resources: Read on to gain insight into the world of sustainability regulations and to understand them on both product and corporate level. One by one, we guide you through different regulations, their impact on the industries you operate in and the steps you can take to comply and drive meaningful change.

How will PPWR contribute to more sustainable packaging?

Use of packaging is rising, while reuse and recycling rates stay low, undermining efforts to create a low-carbon circular economy. In response to this, the EU has introduced the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) as part of the European Green Deal1 and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

This regulation covers the entire packaging life cycle and sets ambitious waste reduction targets:

  1. Reducing packaging volume and weight: By lowering the amount of packaging introduced to the market
  2. Preventing packaging waste: By minimizing unnecessary packaging
  3. Promoting reusability and recycling: By increasing the reuse of packaging materials and ensuring they can be easy recycled

Legislation is already in process: The final version is expected in 2024. Implementation could begin as early as 2026.

Source: EUR-Lex - 52022PC0677 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)


1
The European Green Deal serves to create a climate-neutral Europe and to protect the natural habitat. The aim is to promote the efficient use of resources through the transition to a circular economy, reverse the loss of biodiversity, reduce pollution, and stop climate change.

Improving recycling starts with better design packaging and materials choices.

By January 1, 2028, new criteria will define recycling-friendly design and recycling performance grades. These include:

  • Separability of materials
  • Identification of substances that negatively impact reuse and recycling
  • Information provided for recycling assessment

Particular attention is paid to:

  • Packaging materials: Additives, closures, adhesives, inks and varnishes that could interfere with sorting or degrade recycled material
  • Packaging composition: Prioritizing mono-materials over multi-layer or multi-material designs, to facilitate sorting and recycling processes

Moreover, by 2030, plastic parts of packaging must contain a minimum percentage of recycled material specified for the respective type of packaging.

At ACTEGA, we know that it's important to consider the entire life cycle of packaging and its suitability for the recycling stream. That's why we are already active in these four areas:

  • Investing in recyclability testing: We’re investing in new facilities at our Cinnaminson/USA site to test the recyclability of paper packaging. Our goal is to support you in identifying risks in your packaging designs that could have a negative impact on recyclability.
  • Leading the way in design for recycling: As part of the initiative 4evergreen, we contribute to developing guidelines on recycling-friendly design of paper/fibre-based packaging.
  • Advancing metal packaging recycling: The EU has an advantageous recycling system for metal and glass packaging: recycling rates above 75% are already achieved today. By improving energy-intensive processes, we reduce the carbon footprint of our own products - and yours.
  • Innovating flexible packaging: At ACTEGA, we develop solutions that enable mono-material designs and use methods for better recyclate quality: Our special coating solutions work as and therefore replace multi-materials, simplifying packaging and lowering EPR fees.

You need support? Feel free to contact us today: Let's walk your journey towards sustainability together.

EXCURSUS:

5 important abbreviations to know:

PPWRPackaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
CSRD Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
NFRDNon-Financial Reporting Directive
ESRSEuropean Sustainability Reporting Standards
PSAPortfolio Sustainability Assessment

Feel free to contact us today to discover how we can support your journey towards sustainability.

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