In the European Union new rules and regulations are being put into place for the future or recycling materials. In the early 2010s single use plastic started to raise concerns, warning of missed content targets. In response new regulations were implemented. In the year 2022 the European Commission suggested the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR.) This replaced the PPWD from 1994. This new regulation is aimed at preventing and reducing as much waste as possible and improving recyclability and recycling for the future. In 2025 the PPWR goes into effect.
A new grading system will be put into place in the next couple of years. DfR stands for Design for Recycling, the DfR framework will grade any and all materials. Grade A will be 95% recyclable, grade B will be 80% recyclable, grade C will be 70% recyclable, and anything below 70% will be technically non-recyclable. 70% and below will no longer be allowed on the market after the year 2030. Assessment of recyclability per unit, in terms of weight. DfR rules to be defined through delegated acts by 2028.
Paperboard is the natural fit for the future of recycling. Because of paperboards unique blend of fibers it can be recycled up to 10 times, sometimes more. Often sourced ethically, paperboard is a popular choice for brands and companies alike. Graphic Packaging International uses wood fibers and recycled materials to construct their paperboard. Offering high quality unbleached and bleached paperboard. Once the raw materials are brought to the paperboard mills, they are processed and sent to innovative packaging, then the paperboard is distributed to brands, retailers and consumers. When the consumer is finished with the packaging they recycled it and the process repeats itself.
Graphic Packaging International was founded in 1978 and is based in Atlanta Georgia. They make solutions for commercial products and packaging, and own and operate paperboard mills, where they manufacture high quality ready to use paperboard. Providing for many brands worldwide.
Soon development of secondary legislation starts. In 2028 standardized, mandatory labels for waste sorting on all waste receptacles and consumer packaging begins. This means, all trash cans and recycling bins must each have the correct design and color coded labels, they must display the national label.
By 2030 all packaging on the EU market must meet DfR grading criteria such as grade A, B, and C. Most plastic packaging and parts within the EU must meet initial minimum content targets. Ensuring packaging uses more recyclable materials. Single use plastic packaging will continue to see restrictions. Items such as multipack drinks, fresh fruit containers, paper cups, lids and plates will all see restrictions.
By 2038 all packaging in the EU must meet stricter criteria for recyclability. Right now 87% of paperboard is recycled in Europe while only 42% of plastic is recycled, (Source: Eurostat 2023.) By 2040 most if not all plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet increased recycled content targets. The EU hopes to reduce packaging waste by 10% in 2035. Learn more about this thrilling new era of packaging at Graphic Packaging International.