PPWR: The new European packaging rules, what do they mean for you?

Specifically, what will change?

1. Stricter requirements for recyclability

From 2030, stricter requirements will apply to the recyclability of packaging. This means that:

• Materials must be easier to recycle.
• Packaging that does not fit well into existing recycling systems should disappear from the market.
• The ‘Design for Recycling’ guidelines come into force. This means that packaging should not only be theoretically recyclable, but also effectively recyclable. And this is often not the case now.

2. Restrictions on excessive packaging

Sometimes you see a product with three layers of plastic, a cardboard box and another plastic film around it. The EU wants to get rid of that. Soon, packaging will have to be as efficient as possible, with:

• Less space and air in packaging.
• No unnecessary layers of packaging unless strictly necessary.
• A ban on packaging designed solely to make the product look bigger.

3. Minimum percentage of recycled material in plastic packaging

From 2030, plastic packaging must contain a minimum percentage of recycled material. This varies by type of packaging, but the intention is clear: less dependence on fossil raw materials and increased demand for recycled materials.

4. More reusable packaging

Certain sectors should switch to reusable packaging systems. Think, for example, of transport packaging and beverage packaging. Especially in the hospitality and retail sector, reuse is becoming the new norm.

Challenges for the packaging industry

While the objectives of the PPWR sound logical, in practice it is often a more difficult issue. We would like to highlight two major, specific challenges for our suppliers.

1. Paper packaging and the EUDR

In addition to the PPWR, another European law is coming that will give paper producers and users a headache: the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This law requires paper producers, and all subsequent participants in the chain, to state exactly which tree species and regions the paper comes from.

This sounds good in theory, but in practice this is almost impossible for some applications. Paper is often produced in silos where wood pulp from as many as 60 different tree species is mixed. Suppliers can therefore hardly trace which trees eventually end up in the paper. This creates major administrative challenges and possibly even delivery problems.

2. Food and pet food packaging

For (pet) food products, packaging not only aims to be sustainable, but also to keep the product safe and fresh. Many food packages therefore have special barrier layers that protect against moisture, air and bacteria. These barrier layers often consist of multiple materials, such as aluminium-coated plastic or coated cardboard packaging. This makes recycling more difficult. The challenge for this industry is to develop packaging that is both food-safe and recyclable, which is easier said than done.

How Marisan is preparing for the PPWR

1. Moving to mono-material packaging

One of the most important changes we are making is the move to mono-material packaging. What does that entail? Many packages are composed of different materials (e.g. plastic and aluminium), making them difficult to recycle. By switching to mono-materials (consisting of a single material), we make packaging easier to recycle and more suitable for the circular economy. For example, we already have paper bags with paper strings and loop handles in our range. And more to come!

2. Advice and support for customers

The PPWR affects not only packaging producers, but also companies that use packaging. Therefore, we are happy to help our customers with:

• Understanding the legislation: what does the PPWR mean concretely for their packaging?
• Sustainable alternatives: which packaging does meet the new requirements?
• Smart designs: how to ensure recyclable packaging without sacrificing functionality?