The EU is striving to reduce packaging waste by 15% in 2040. New regulations and restrictions are being put into motion. Packaging is changing and paperboard is becoming more popular between brands. By 2030 all packaging in the European Union must be designed for recycling. A recyclability performance grading system will be implemented. Using the DfR (Design for Recycling) frame work, packaging and materials will be graded appropriately.
Grade A will be 95% recyclable, grade B will be 80% recyclable, grade C will be 70% recyclable, and anything below 70% will be non-recyclable. 70% and below cannot be placed on the EU market after the year 2030. Assessment of recyclability per unit, in terms of weight. DfR (Design for Recycling) rules to be further defined through delegated acts by 2028. Ensuring higher quality for packaging recyclability.
In the 2010s concerns rose for single use plastic and the effect it has on the planet. Warnings of missed content targets. In the year 2022 the European Commission proposed the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, (PPWR for short.) A sweeping regulation that replaced the PPWD from 1994. This new regulation aims to prevent and reduce packaging waste, and improve recyclability and recycling. It also aims to drive circular materials in packaging, circular material like paperboard. In 2025 the PPWR goes into effect.
Paperboard is the material that is leading this change. With its unique fiber blends it can be recycled up to 10 times, sometimes more. Brands worldwide are interested in paperboard because of its sustainability and recycling possibilities. The paperboard life cycle is simple, first raw materials are sourced and brought to a paperboard mill, once processed it is sent to innovative packaging, then its delivered to brands, retailers and consumers alike. Once the consumer is finished with the packaging they recycle it and the process starts over again. Reuse. Reduce waste. Recycle.
Graphic Packaging International is a corporation founded in 1978 based in Atlanta Georgia, United States. They design and manufacture clever solutions for commercial products and own and operate paperboard mills across the states. GPI makes high quality paperboard for many brands worldwide. Their paperboard is made with wood and recycled fibers and often sourced sustainability. Providing innovative packaging to those who need it.
Soon development of secondary legislation starts. In 2028 standardized, mandatory labels for waste sorting on all waste receptacles and consumer packaging begins. Meaning all labels on recycling bins and trash cans must each follow consistent designs and color coding patterns. Allowing consumers to sort waste properly. This becomes the legal requirement in 2028.
Most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet initial minimum content targets. Single use plastic will face restrictions, items such as, multipack drinks, fresh fruit containers, paper lids, cups, bowls and paper plates will all see restrictions in the next coming years. By 2030 all packaging on the EU market must meet DfR grading criteria.
Right now 87% of paperboard is recycled in Europe vs 42% of plastic. By 2040 most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet increased recycled content targets. Learn more about this exciting era of recycling and packaging at Graphic Packaging International.
