EU legislation sounds like an old Fanta 4 song (for those who still remember it): EMPCO, EUDR, CSRD... and now PPWR: the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the packaging industry is facing one of the biggest changes in recent decades. For many, the abbreviation is new – for those who have been working in packaging development for years, it represents a real turning point. For the first time, it is not a matter of voluntary guidelines or targets, but of binding European law. This has been widely criticised – and yes, many details are still unclear. Nevertheless, we consider the PPWR to be an enormously important milestone.

For years, sustainable packaging has always been a question of perspective: should we focus on the carbon footprint or recyclability? Should we rely on bio-based or compostable materials – even if there are no functioning recycling systems for them? And in the end, costs always played a decisive role. The PPWR puts an end to this simultaneity. It sets a clear focus: the circular economy – and thus recyclability – is at the centre.

This is new. And it provides guidance. For bio-based and compostable plastics, this initially means that they are no longer the focus of attention. Not because they are fundamentally wrong, but because there is currently insufficient sorting and recycling infrastructure for them. Without recycling, there can be no circular economy. However, I am convinced that this is a question of sequence. Once recyclability has been clearly defined, implemented and established, issues such as bio-based materials and CO₂ optimisation will once again come into focus – on a more stable basis.

The PPWR places high demands on the industry. It is inconvenient and challenging. But it gives us something that has been missing for a long time: a clear direction. And it is precisely this clarity that is the prerequisite for sustainable packaging to not only be developed, but also effectively brought to market.

In addition to numerous obligations relating to data management and documentation requirements, the main focus is on the recyclability of packaging. Specifically, this means that from 2030 onwards, only packaging that is at least 70% recyclable may be put into circulation. In 2038, this figure will even be increased to 80%. In addition, packaging must use at least 10% recycled plastic in order to promote the circular economy as a whole.

We have already indicated in the article "How to develop recyclable films" that achieving this goal is no trivial matter. As you can see, there is a lot to be said about packaging. We are not yet at the end of our series on packaging; we will continue to unpack more for you!