Circular packaging starts with a packaging review
New EU regulation expected to set new requirements for packaging
The future of packaging needs to be more circular - and many companies across industries are already recognising this. The EU is currently drafting a new regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will replace the previous directive and strengthen the role of packaging in the circular economy.
The legislation has not yet been finalised, but the direction is clear. It will require certain types of plastic packaging to contain a proportion of recycled material, and the design and choice of materials for packaging must be much more circular.
The new regulation and the extended producer responsibility are closely linked and will be important tools in the transition to more resource-efficient packaging.
Mono-materials are a good choice for the extended producer responsibility
When the Extended Producer Responsibility regulation is implemented, it must be clear how packaging should be sorted as waste. Here, mono-materials are a strong solution.
Because mono-materials consist of one type of plastic, they are easy to sort and recycle - and this makes it easier to fulfil the documentation requirements that come with the extended producer responsibility.
With the new EU requirements expected to come with the regulation, it seems that the focus will not only be on whether the packaging can be recycled, but also on what it consists of and whether it can be included in a circular cycle. The choice of material must therefore be assessed and weighed in relation to your specific needs.
Future requirements require the right considerations
The new EU regulation will require more than just ensuring that packaging can be sorted and recycled.
Based on what we know about the proposal, it may be relevant to take a closer look at coex film with PCR - a multi-layer plastic film that can be customised to meet specific barrier, density and strength requirements, while also containing recycled material.
PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic is plastic that has been used and recycled. It comes in two variants:
- Mechanically recycled PCR - suitable for packaging without food contact.
- Chemically recycled PCR - still under development but expected to be approved for food use.
The proportion of PCR material in coex film can vary according to needs and preferences. Typically 10-30% is used, but in thicker film types up to 50% can be possible.
When choosing coex film with PCR, it is important to be aware that a higher content can affect flexibility, weldability and barrier properties. Machine setup and quality assurance may also require adjustments. All of this should be assessed as a whole - and we're happy to help.
A packaging review provides an overview
The best solutions are developed together, and a packaging review with our experts can be your first step in getting a complete overview of your current packaging and future requirements.
During a packaging review, we sit together in person or online. We provide concrete suggestions on how your packaging can be adapted to both the circular transition and future legal requirements.
We know the materials, technologies and the market. And we work closely with our customers, suppliers and partners to ensure that the solution works in practice and is ready for the future.
Book a packaging review - and let us take the first step towards a more circular packaging solution together.