Everything about packaging in the EU is about to change, for the better. By 2030, all packaging must be designed for recycling. Anything below grade C cannot be placed on the market from that date forward. DfR (Design for Recycling) rules will be defined and delegated through acts by 2028 in the EU. They strive to reduce packaging waste up to 15% by 2040.
Single use plastics started to become a concern in the 2010s. In the year 2022, the European Commission suggested the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, (PPWR) a sweeping regulation that replaced the PPWD from 1994. The PPWR is aimed at preventing and reducing packaging waste in any form. It also intends to improve recyclability, and add circular materials in packaging.
Paperboard is outperforming plastic packaging and can be recycled up to 10 times in some cases, making it the natural choice going forward. Paperboard starts at the mill then moves to innovative packaging, then consumer brands and retailers, customers and ends with being recycled. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. In 2025 the PPWR goes into effect. 2028 Standardized, mandatory labels for waste sorting on all waste receptacles and on consumer packaging. By 2030 all packaging on the EU market must meet DfR grading criteria.
Now, 87% of paperboard in the European Union is recycled with only 42% of plastic packaging, (Source, Eurostat 2023.) Additionally single use plastics will face restrictions moving forward, packaging for multipacks of drinks and snacks and fresh product packaging will all see restrictions. By 2038 all packaging within the EU must meet stricter criteria for recyclability, and by 2040 most plastic packaging and parts will have to meet increased recycled content targets. The EU is changing the game for all recycling materials and packaging, moving forward with the goal in mind to help the planet. Learn more at Graphic Packaging International.
