The EU is moving forward with sustainability in mind. In the EU, new regulations and rules will be put into place in the next couple of years, for recycling and materials. Using the DfR (Design for Recycling) grading system, packaging and parts will be sorted accordingly. This new grading system will be implemented starting 2030. Grade A is equal to 95% recyclable, grade B is 80% recyclable, grade C is 70% recyclable. Anything below 70% is technically non-recyclable, and cannot be placed on the market starting the year 2030.
Assessment of recyclability per unit, in terms of weight. DfR rules to be defined through delegated acts by 2028. The EU is making sustainability the standard for packaging. In the 2010s single use plastic began to raise concerns, warnings of missed content targets. In response the European Commission proposed the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in 2022.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is aimed at reducing packaging waste and improving packaging recyclability and recycling. This regulation will set the standard, and reduce as much waste as possible. The PPWR goes into effect in 2025.
Soon development of secondary legislation starts, and in 2028 standardized, mandatory labels for waste sorting on all waste receptacles and consumer packaging begins. This means, all labels on recycling bins, trash cans and compost bins must follow a specific design and color coding pattern. This becomes the legal requirement starting 2028.
The more circular materials that are in packaging the better. Paperboard has a unique fiber blend of wood and recycled materials that allow it to be recycled up to 10 or more times. Often sourced and made responsibly, the paperboard life cycle is simple. First raw materials are brought to a paperboard mill where they are processed and sent to innovative packaging. Then the paperboard is delivered to retailers, brands and consumers. When the consumer is finished with it, they will recycle the paperboard packaging and the whole process starts over again.
Paperboard is becoming popular amongst brands and its demand has grown. Graphic Packaging International was founded in 1978, and is based in Atlanta Georgia. They design and manufacture packaging solutions for commercial products. They make paperboard and folding cartons for a range of goods. They also own and operate paperboard mills across the United States. GPI proudly provides high quality paperboard for brands worldwide.
With paperboard leading the charge, the European Union will have all packaging be recycled at scale by 2035. Most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet initial minimum recycled content targets, and single use plastic items will face restrictions, items such as paper cups, lids, bowls and fresh fruit containers.
By 2038 all packaging in the EU must meet stricter grading criteria for recyclability. Grading criteria such as the DfR. By 2040 most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet increased recycled content targets. Right now 87% of paperboard is recycled in Europe while 42% of plastic is recycled, (Source: Eurostat 2023.) Packaging is about to change forever in the EU, learn more about this at Graphic Packaging International.