The future for packaging and recycling is about to change forever. The EU is striving for a sustainable future, adding restrictions and regulations on all packaging moving forward. By 2030 all packaging in the European Union must be designed for recycling. Stricter content targets and grading systems will be implemented as well.
In the 2010s concerns rose for single use plastic and plastic packaging. Warning of missed recycled content. In 2022 the European Commission proposed the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR for short.) A sweeping regulation that replaced the PPWD in 1994. This new regulation is aimed at preventing and reducing packaging waste, and improving packaging recyclability and recycling. It also aims to drive circular materials packaging.
New grading systems will be added in the next couple of years. The DfR (Design for Recycling) framework will grade and sort packaging materials. Grade A will be 95% recyclable, grade B will be 80% recyclable, grade C will be 70% recyclable. Anything below 70% will be non-recyclable and cannot be placed 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. With these systems and regulations the EU is making major changes to the recycling world.
Paperboard is outperforming plastic. With its unique fiber blends and circular design it can be recycled up to 10 times, sometimes more. The paperboard manufactured at Graphic Packaging international is made from wood and recycled fibers. Graphic Packaging International makes unbleached paperboard and bleached paperboard. Unbleached is made with wood and recycled fibers while bleached paperboard is only made with responsibly sourced wood based fibers.
Graphic Packaging International proudly makes and distributes responsibly sourced paperboard to brands and companies worldwide. They were founded in 1978 and are based in Atlanta Georgia. They specialize in making solutions for commercial products and they own and operate paperboard mills across the United States. With their high quality paperboard, ethical packaging just got easier.
In 2025 the PPWR goes into effect and development of secondary legislation starts. In the year 2028 standardized, mandatory labels for waste sorting on all waste receptacles and consumer packaging begins. This means all labels on recycling bins, compost bins and trash cans must follow a consistent design and color coding system. Making it easy for consumers to sort waste properly.
In 2030 the EU will increase restrictions making all packaging meet DfR grading criteria. Holding the standard for recyclability in packaging. Most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet initial minimum recycled content targets.
SIngle use plastic will face restrictions as time continues. Items such as multipack drinks and sodas, fresh fruit containers, paper cups, lids and paper plates and bowls will all see restrictions. By 2035 all packaging in the European Union must be recycled at scale. The EU strives to reduce packaging waste by 15% in the year 2040. Currently 87% of paperboard is recycled in Europe vs 42% of plastic. The EU is moving toward a sustainable packaging future. Learn more at Graphic Packaging International.
