What about the recyclability of your packaging?

The legislation today

Today, too many packages are produced that are recycled too little at European level and which contain a lot of empty space. This can partly be attributed to current legislation. This sets out guidelines that EU member states must adhere to, but each country remains free to implement those guidelines in its own way. The upcoming legislation will therefore bring about major changes, since this national discretion will disappear. Producers and importers in all EU countries will then have to comply with the same rules. On the other hand, in recent years there has been an increase in on-the-go consumption and e-commerce, meaning more and more packaging ends up in consumers' homes.

An update with a purpose

The PPWR legislation aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. It also aims to create a level playing field within the European Union in which everyone must take the same rules into account. Among other things, the following measures will be included in the new legislation:

• reducing the amount of packaging in number and volume,
• an obligation to make all packaging recyclable by 2030,
• an increase in the recycling and reuse of packaging and
• more thorough record-keeping regarding packaging processes.

Business processes

The new legislation will undoubtedly have an impact on business processes currently in use. The points below have not yet been officially approved, but they do give an indication of the possible rules:

• a ban on single-use packaging in the hospitality, retail and hotel sectors,
• packaging may not contain more than 40% empty space or air,
• a greater share of recycled material in packaging,
• rules will be introduced regarding BPA and PFAS in packaging and
• less weight of packaging placed on the market per inhabitant.

Carry out a recyclability check

It is expected that the PPWR legislation will be introduced at the end of 2024 or early 2025. This means you still have around six months to prepare for it. You can do this by means of a recyclability check. This is an assessment that examines the potential recyclability of your packaging. To do this, an analysis is made of the materials and substances used, as well as the design of the packaging.

A positive outcome

By investing in the recyclability of packaging, companies are indirectly investing in:

• a strong competitive position in the market and
• brand reputation and loyalty.

Consumers are increasingly looking for companies that act in an environmentally conscious way and thus do their bit for a sustainable future. For this reason, it can already be worthwhile for a company today to focus more strongly on sustainability.

Our approach

Our Normanists carry out detailed recyclability checks. They report on this in the form of recommendations for improvements and alternatives that better align with the PPWR requirements. They carry out an analysis of the raw materials used in packaging components and answer the following questions:

• How much of the raw materials used could be recycled?
• Which physical elements present could make sortability more difficult?
• Do the components used have a disruptive effect on recycling?
• Can food residues be easily removed from the packaging?
• Are there substances present that are not permitted or strongly discouraged by legislation?
• What additional cost contribution for Fostplus or Valipac will arise in the context of extended producer responsibility?

Let’s meet

Ready to take the step towards more sustainable packaging? Our Normanists are ready to help you. Let's meet!

Recyclability is a key part of the PPWR. Download our free whitepaper on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) for the full overview of the new packaging rules.