A new era is coming to packaging and recycling, the EU is making chances and implementing new regulations. By the year 2030 in the European Union all packaging must be designed for recycling. DfR (Design for Recycling) is a new grading system that will be put into effect by 2030. Grade A will be 90% recyclable, grade B will be 80% recyclable, grade C will be 70% recyclable, and anything below 70% will be technically non-recyclable, and cannot be placed on the market. Assessment of recyclability per unit, in terms of weight. DfR rules to be further defined by delegation acts by 2028. This will improve sustainability requirements.
Paperboard is an exciting new mix of raw materials and recycled products. With its unique fibers, paperboard can be recycled up to 10 times, sometimes more. Some paperboard is sourced and made with wood and recycled fibers. The process starts with gathering raw materials, then the materials are transported to a paperboard mill, once processed the paperboard is on its way to innovative packaging then its delivered to retailers, brands and consumers. Once the consumer is finished, they recycle the paperboard and the process starts over again. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle.
Graphic Packaging International is a corporation founded in 1978, in Atlanta Georgia, United States. They own and operate many paperboard mills throughout the states, including but not limited to places such as, Macon Georgia, Texarkana Texas and Middletown Ohio. They design and manufacture solutions for commercial products. And they build and make paperboard.
Single use plastic started to raise concerns in the 2010s, so in 2022 the European Commission proposed the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, (PPWR for short.) Which replaced the PPWD from 1994. The PPWR is aimed at preventing and reducing packaging waste, improving packaging recyclability and recycling, and driving circular materials in packaging. In the year 2025, the PPWR goes into effect. The EU is striving for a more sustainable packaging future.
With the PPWR under way more regulations follow. Development of secondary legislation starts. In 2028 standardized, mandatory labels for waste sorting on all waste receptacles and consumer packaging begins. By 2030 all packaging on the EU market must meet DfR criteria. Most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet initial minimum recycled content targets. Meaning plastic must comply with regulations such as the PPWR.
Single use plastic packaging will face restrictions. Items such as, multipack drinks and fresh fruit containers will see restrictions. Also food service items like paper cups, lids, bowls and plates will face restrictions in the next coming years. These efforts and regulations will help the EU achieve their goal of reducing packaging waste by 10% by 2035.
By the year 2035 all packaging in the EU must be recycled at scale. By 2038 all packaging in the EU must meet stricter criteria for recyclability. Right now 87% of paperboard is recycled in Europe, while only 42% of plastic is recycled. By 2040 most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet increased recycled content targets. This exciting new era of recycling is coming soon, learn all about it at Graphic Packaging International. The future of packaging recyclability.