Key pillars shaping the Packaging
2027
• Deadline for the publication of Design for Recycling guidelines (3 years to become binding)
2030* (1 JANUARY 2030)
• All packaging must be designed for recycling (DfR)
• Must have an adequate recyclability score A-C
• All packaging 70% recycled
2035
• Packaging must be collected, sorted and recycled at scale
2038
• Score A-B = can be placed on the EU market
* Primary pharmaceutical packaging, medical devices, diagnostic devices, infant formula, and dangerous goods are excluded
LABEL IMPACT
• Label = Integrated component of packaging
• Can have a significant effect on recyclability
• Dependent on the container material + use (single use vs reuse)
Packaging waste reduction targets (2018 BASELINE)
Minimisation of packaging
• Eco-Modulation Extended Producer Responsibility system will be eco-modulated and based on weight and material type, recycling score (A-C) and Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) content (plastic packaging) Avoid unnecessary packaging
By January 2030, packaging weight & volume reduced to absolute minimum
Mandatory Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
By 2029, it will be mandatory to install a DRS to reach reusability targets with the separate collection >80% in 2026 and have a plan for >90% in 2028 for single-use plastic bottles and cans. Also, in 2029, will need to show that an effort is being made to introduce DRS for beverage glass and beverage cartons.
Targets for Reuse
Beverages (excludes wine, sparkling wine, spirits, milk and other highly perishable beverages)
LABEL IMPACT
DRS Harmonisation logo and serialisation necessary to identify the reuse cycle
and Packaging Waste Regulation
Calculation of the post consumer recycled content (PCR content) will be done as an average % of packaging type and format, per manufacturing plant, and per year.
Composite packaging:
Exemptions from recycled content for packaging containing less than 5% plastic and compostable plastic PCR content will affect the eco-modulated EPR fee
PCR content can only come from EU or certified by a third party to comply with EU requirements (31/12/2026)
Recycled content in plastic packaging
Harmonised labelling
Mid 2028
Harmonised label based on packaging material to facilitate consumer sorting: with harmonised pictograms
Digital label/QR code on packaging reusability use and composition EPR
Obligation to distinguish clearly reusable from SUP
Harmonised label for DRS packaging
Harmonised criteria for voluntary label on shared of recycled content
Contact-sensitive PET as major component
Contact-sensitive All other than PET
Non-contact-sensitive All plastics
Single-use plastic beverage bottles SUPD
LABEL IMPACT
Need for data accessible to customers (supply chain information and disposal/reuse guide) Use of digital readability (serialisation, watermarks, QR, Data Matrix)
Timeline & Milestones
Nov 2022
Publication of PPWR proposal shared with Member States
Nov 2023
First voting
Nov 2025
Country recycling targets:
All packaging: 65%
Glass: 70%
Paper and cardboard: 75%
Dates are based on our understanding of the current proposal and are subject to change dependent on the publication dates of the delegated acts.
Nov 2030
All packaging must be DfR Recycling score A-C
Packaging reduce to the absolute minimum PCR content target
Country recycling targets:
All packaging: 70%
Glass: 75%
Paper and cardboard: 85%