Selecting the right label is pivotal in elevating the sustainability of your packaging. With the emergence of the EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), mastering the intricacies of packaging sustainability and fortifying your packaging solutions for the future has become essential. Our seasoned team of sustainability experts stands ready to accompany you throughout your labeling journey. With their guidance, your business and brand will not only adapt but thrive in this ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Join us in reshaping the packaging industry and enabling a truly circular economy.
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
Elevate your packaging sustainability with the right label to thrive in the regulatory landscape.
What is PPWR?
The European Commission is introducing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to address concerns surrounding environmental sustainability and waste management within the European Union. This regulation aims to standardize and optimize the management of packaging materials and their associated waste streams to reduce environmental impact, promote recycling, and foster a circular economy. Provisional agreement on the regulation text has been found, and the text is under review by the lawyer-linguists before the final stamp, expected before the end of 2024. Once approved it will apply throughout all EU countries, including any imported packaging.
Some of the key objectives PPWR seeks to achieve are:
By implementing measures such as promoting reusable and refillable packaging, optimizing packaging design, and discouraging excessive packaging, the PPWR aims to minimize the overall volume of packaging waste generated.
The regulation sets targets for the recycling and recovery of packaging waste, encouraging Member States to develop efficient collection, sorting, and recycling systems to divert packaging materials from landfills and incineration.
The PPWR establishes extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, where producers bear the financial and operational responsibility for managing the packaging waste generated by their products. This incentivizes producers to design packaging that is easier to recycle and encourages the use of sustainable materials.
By harmonizing packaging regulations across EU Member States, the PPWR aims to create a level playing field for businesses operating in the European market, facilitating trade and promoting innovation in sustainable packaging solutions.
The PPWR sets out targets for minimum recycled content in plastic packaging. This is expected to boost the market for secondary raw materials and reduce the need for fossil feedstock.
Enabling a circular economy is fundamental for the future of our planet
Packaging waste has increased by over 20% over the last 10 years in the EU, continuing to further increase by 19% by 2030 without proactive measures. For plastic packaging waste, the expected increase is 46%.
The C02 emissions attributable to packaging are equal to the total C02 emissions of a small to medium-sized EU nation.
Packaging pollution poses a significant threat to soil and land integrity, while also comprising nearly half of the total volume of marine litter.
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) timeline
2024
PPWR entry into force – regulations will be finalized and step into force
2030
Packaging must be designed for recycling, recycled content targets & material minimization into force, first wave of reuse targets
2035
Packaging must be recycled at scale – collected, sorted, and recycled at a high rate
2038
The lowest packaging recycling grade, grade C, will be banned
2040
Higher recycled content proportion requirements, second wave of reuse targets
How PPWR policies affect your packaging
All packaging must be recyclable
The change will take place in 2 steps:
- All packaging must be Designed for Recycling (DfR) by 2030. Packaging must meet DfR criteria and will be graded based on recyclability on a grade of A-C.
- All packaging must be Recycled at Scale by 2035. Packaging can be separately collected, sorted and recycled.
European Commission will define the DfR criteria later in secondary legislation. We at UPM Raflatac follow the development of the criteria and are committed to innovate new labeling solutions that enhance packaging recyclability. Our wash-off labels are a popular alternative for improving packaging recyclability, but your ideal label choice depends on your packaging type.
*More detailed information on packaging recyclability policies available below
Our packaging recyclability guide is here!
Recycled content targets for plastic packaging
The first round of PPWR-imposed recycled content targets for plastic packaging is due to come into effect in 2030. Different types of packaging will be subject to different target levels. Notably, exemptions are granted for compostable packaging and those designated for sensitive contact applications.
Secondary legislation will define the requirements for recycled content in plastic packaging, including calculation methods, approval of chemically recycled content, and certification methods. Recycled content will affect packaging costs through EPR schemes, where higher recycled content can lower EPR fees. Using plastic labels made from recycled content can increase packaging circularity. The Commission will also explore targets for bio-based plastics and replacing recycled content with bio-based materials. We offer a selection of pioneering solutions in the realm of labels made with biobased feedstock, like UPM Raflatac Forest Film™ and Carbon Action PP UCO.
*Detailed information on the proportions of recycled content goals available below
Extended Producer Responsibility fees promote sustainable practices
Producers will be required to pay Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees to offset packaging waste management expenses by 2028. Fees are adjusted to incentivize the adoption of recyclable packaging and heightened utilization of recycled materials. In contrast, less environmentally friendly alternatives will be penalized. The fees will be based on packaging recycling grade (A-C), and the proportion of recycled content in plastic packaging.
By opting for more sustainable label materials that enable recycling, incorporate recycled materials, and minimize material usage, your business can effectively mitigate its EPR fees.
Minimizing the weight and volume of packaging
By 2030, the manufacturer or importer will be required to ensure that product packaging is designed to minimize both its weight and volume.
Minimize your label material consumption with our Vanish PCR ultra-clear label materials, designed to be thinner than the industry standard. Vanish™ PCR stands as the sole clear-on-clear labeling solution on the market incorporating recycled content, featuring PET face and liners crafted from 90% post-consumer recycled content.
*More detailed information on packaging minimizing regulations available below
Compostable packaging and labels
Main requirement is to design packaging for recycling, but there are a few derogations where compostability is required instead. These are sticky labels affixed to fruit and vegetables, which must adhere to composting standards by 2028, defined by PPWR policies.
Refillable and reusable packaging goals
By 2030, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage sectors must ensure that a minimum of 10% of their products are offered in reusable packaging systems, poised for reuse. An aspirational PPWR target of 40% by 2040 is set forth to further bolster sustainability efforts.
Additionally, the HORECA sector must provide a system for consumers to bring their own container to be filled for takeaway food and beverages.
Currently, there are no specific requirements established regarding reusable packaging labeling.
*More detailed information on which types of reusable packaging are affected available below
Pioneering sustainable labeling expert as your labeling partner
At UPM Raflatac, sustainability is not just a commitment but a passion. We are dedicated to championing sustainable practices and are delighted to provide our customers with state-of-the-art sustainable solutions that represent the pinnacle of the industry. With UPM Raflatac as your label partner, your business will gain access to top-tier alternatives that not only comply with but surpass the requirements set forth by the PPWR regulations.
*More detailed information regarding PPWR policies and their effects
All packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable by 2030.
The European Commission will publish secondary legislation:
- By 2028, guidelines on Design for Recycling (DfR), including criteria for assessing recyclability and modulation of producer responsibility fees.
- By 2030, guidelines on evaluation criteria for widespread recycling at scale for different types of packaging.
- From 2030 onwards or within two years of the entry into force of secondary legislation defining DfR criteria and recyclability performance grades, only packaging achieving a recyclability 70 % or higher, will be permitted in the EU markets (recyclability per unit in terms of weighting).
- From 1 January 2035 or 5 years after the date entry into force of the secondary legislation defining the methodology to assess recyclability at scale, packaging to be recycled at scale.
- From 2038 onwards, only packaging achieving a recyclability of 80% or higher at scale will be permitted in the EU.
By 2030 at the latest, the following percentages of recycled material must be present:
- 30% in contact material packaging made from PET plastic (excluding beverage bottles).
- 10% in contact material packaging made from other plastics.
- 30% in PET beverage bottles.
- 35% in all other plastic packaging except those mentioned above.
By 2040 at the latest:
- 50% in contact material packaging made from PET plastic (excluding beverage bottles).
- 25% in contact material packaging made from other plastics.
- 65% in PET beverage bottles.
- 65% in all other plastic packaging except those mentioned above.
These requirements apply to all plastic packaging or plastic parts of packaging made from other materials, except for:
- Compostable plastic packaging.
- Food contact materials (FCM).
- Packaging containing less than 5% by weight of plastic.
The use of recycled material will be evaluated on a yearly basis at the production facility level.
- Standards measuring void space in packaging and minimizing packaging size will be available within 2 years of PPWR entry into force.
- By 2030, supplementary legislation regarding void space in group and transport packaging, as well as in e-commerce packaging and irregularly shaped packaging will be released.
- For transport, industrial, and e-commerce packaging (including collapsible plastic boxes, pallets, platforms, canisters, and other bulk containers), the requirement by 2030 is that at least 40% must be reusable, with a suggested target of 70% by 2040.
- For transport and industrial packaging used within the same EU country by establishments of the same economic operator, the mandate is for 100% reusability within 18 months of PPWR implementation.
- When it comes to transport packaging boxes, excluding cardboard, the aim by 2030 is for 10% to be reusable, with a suggested target of 25% by 2040.
- For retail beverage packaging (excluding milk, dairy, wines, and alcoholic beverages), the target by 2030 is for 10% to be reusable, with a suggested goal of 40% by 2040.
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