Packaging Your Future

What should you know? Will it be an opportunity or a challenge?

In one year, new packaging policies and regulations will be defined, potentially altering the current ecosystem. Do you understand the key measures and how they might impact or create opportunities for your product?
Let's move on!



The European Packaging Directive 94/62/EC has regulated the placing on the market, take-back and recycling of packaging in the European Union for almost 30 years.
In Germany, it is currently implemented by the Packaging Act (VerpackG). On 27 February 2023, the European Commission published the Proposal for a new packaging regulation at EU level. This is intended to replace the outdated and recently heavily criticised Packaging Directive. In contrast to the traditional setting Directive > national laws, the new Regulation is to apply immediately in all EU Member States at each stage of entry into force. It therefore no longer requires prior transposition into local laws and regulations of the countries, which has led to numerous problems in the past. The new EU Packaging Regulation is part of the European Green Deal and the new EU action plan for the circular economy and updates the EU legal framework for packaging and packaging waste. This is intended to promote the growth strategy for a resource-efficient and clean economy.

Criteria for recycling-orientated design - Article 6 Recyclable packaging

Packaging is considered recyclable if it fulfils certain criteria and these are in line with the requirements for large-scale recyclability. Packaging is considered recyclable if it:

  • - is designed with recycling in mind;
  • - is effectively and efficiently collected separately;
  • - is sorted into specified waste streams without compromising the recyclability of other waste streams;
  • - can be recycled in such a way that the quality of the resulting secondary raw materials is sufficient to replace the primary raw materials;
  • - can be recycled on a large scale (Article 6(2)(a-e)).

→ Global Impact.
The upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), effective in 2025, is crucial for the packaging industry. It mandates recycling labels on packaging and promotes a circular approach for recycling or reusing materials. From 2030, plastic packaging must meet specific recycled material quotas.

→ Adopted at first reading.
Following years of assessments, discussions, stakeholder meetings and intense trilogue consultations, on April 24, 2024, the European Parliament adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) at first reading.

→ PPWR key measures.
> Ensure recyclability by 2030, with "at scale" recycling by 2035.
> Promote recycled material use in new plastic packaging by 2030 and 2040.
> Require some packaging to be reusable or refillable by 2030 and 2040.
> Ban specific packaging to reduce waste.
> 15% per capita reduction in packaging waste by 2040 compared to 2018.

→ Key takeaways for businesses.
The new PPWR will significantly impact the European packaging and logistics sector, affecting e-commerce, retailers, and new players like fulfillment service providers. Established Pros and authorized representatives will offer new services. Manufacturers and distributors must thoroughly understand their packaging to avoid sales bans and fines, as packaging will no longer be judged solely on price and logistics.

→ Packaging waste reduction.
PPWR targets packaging waste reduction through bans, weight minimization, and promoting reuse/refill. The most significant impact is expected from reuse/refill initiatives, depending on targets, frequency, weight, and material substitution. PPWR aims for a 15% per capita reduction in EU packaging waste by 2040 compared to 2018.

→ Shift to recycled plastic.
PPWR aims to reduce fossil fuel-based plastic in EU packaging by gradually replacing virgin plastic with recycled content. By 2040, EU plastic packaging should contain 50-65% recycled material, surpassing virgin plastic use. This requires an effective recycling system.



Will recycling help Europe fix the PCR quality issues?

Gilles Swyngedauw - Albéa, VP CSR at Albéa Cosmetics & Fragrance said: The European Union hopes to offer a higher level of recycling output thanks to a higher recycling input linked to closed-loop recycling. If drinks manufacturers, for instance, are able to collect and recycle PET bottles in a closed loop, the food contact approval can be guaranteed,  and the quality of PET shall remain stable. It is already the case where big brands are developing their own system to secure the sourcing of food-grade recycled content.

It is unclear, how these closed loops will be defined and developed but the aim is for plastic packaging to incorporate a minimum mandatory post-consumer recycled plastic content. This minimum level of content is in discussion today.

Design For Recycling, and maybe embossing or similar types of decoration might be preferred to ensure qualitative PCR (Post Consumer Recycled).

European Commission has defined five “ Recyclability Performance Grades” from A to E to assess the recyclability of packaging items, including most components of packaging - pump, cap, body, etc - and 70% of packaging matter will need to be recyclable.



Conclusion:
The future will focus on sustainability and waste reduction. This presents both opportunities and challenges. It's up to us to leverage it effectively. Here are some curated examples I have searched for you, get inspired for your next success.
Post time: 2024-07-31 15:50:55
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