The next generation of innovative packaging is here, and the European Union is leading the charge. By the year 2030, all packaging and packaging materials must be designed for recycling purposes. With new regulations and new materials coming to the recycling world, the future looks promising. All packaging in the European Union will soon be graded, graded with a performance based system, the DfR (Design for Recycling) system. Grade A will be 95% recyclable, grade B will be 80% recyclable, grade C will be 70% recyclable and any items below 70% will be technically non-recyclable. The grading system will improve the requirements of recyclable materials.
Anything below 70% is non-recyclable and starting 2030 it cannot be placed on the market from that date. The grading system is an assessment of recyclability per unit, in terms of weight. DfR (Design for Recycling) rules to be further defined through delegated acts by the year 2028. The EU is pushing for real change in this new recycling era.
Paperboard is the natural fit for a circular future in recycling. Paperboard is an exciting mix of material that is outperforming plastic. Brands worldwide are interested in paperboard for its unique fiber blends and sustainability. Paperboard is sustainably sourced and made, unbleached paperboard is built from wood fibers and recycled fibers.
The paperboard life cycle is simple, first raw materials are ethically sourced and brought to the paperboard mills, once the paperboard is made and configured it is sent to innovative packaging, then it is delivered to many retailers and brands worldwide. Once the consumer is finished with the paperboard packaging, they recycle it and the process starts over again. Paperboard has unique fibers that allow it to be recycled up to 10 times, sometimes more. Reuse. Reduce. Recycle. Paperboard is the ethical choice for the future of packaging materials.
Single use plastic has never been good for the planet, and it started to raise concerns in the mid 2010s, warnings of missed recycling targets. In response, in the year 2022 the European Commission proposed the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR for short.) A sweeping regulation that replaced the PPWD regulation from 1994. For the European Union the regulation is aimed at preventing and reducing as much packaging waste as possible and improving packaging recyclability and recycling. It also helps drive up circular materials in packaging and recycling.
In the year 2025 the PPWR goes into effect. Then the development of secondary legislation starts shortly after. By 2028 standardized, mandatory labels for waste sorting on all waste receptacles and on consumer packaging begins, meaning more regulations for trash bins, recycling bins and containers. The EU is blasting towards the new era of sustainable recycling, and Graphic Packaging International is helping by providing the paperboard they need.
Graphic Packaging International is a corporation based in Atlanta Georgia, United States. Founded in 1978. They design and manufacture packaging solutions for commercial products. The company operates many paperboard mills all over the states, including but not limited to, Kalamazoo Michigan, Macon Georgia, Prosperity South Carolina and West Monroe Louisiana.
By the year 2030 all packaging on the European Union market must meet DfR (Design for Recycling) criteria. This helps with quality of packaging and recycling. Furthermore most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet initial minimum recycled content targets, meaning plastic must comply with mandatory regulations such as the PPWR. Single use plastic packaging will face restrictions, items such as multipack drinks and fresh fruit containers will see restrictions, so will food-service items like paper cups, lids, plates, bowls and to-go containers.
Instead of selling blueberries in a plastic see-through container, they can be sold in a paperboard box like container that can be recycled up to 10 times or more. By the year 2035, the European Union is intending to have all packaging be recycled at scale. And in the year 2038 all packaging within the EU must meet stricter criteria for recyclability. The EU is truly making big plans to help the future of recycling.
By the year 2040, most plastic packaging and parts in the EU must meet increased recycled content targets, and comply with the PPWR. Right now 87% of paperboard is recycled in Europe while only 42% of plastic is recycled, (Source: Eurostat 2023.) Paperboard outperforms plastic again. The DfR rules will be defined by 2028 and by 2030 all packaging will be designed for recycling in the European Union, making for an exciting future in recycling.
With the EU and their Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the next decade will see a change in packaging recyclability and standards. Paperboard is the ethical choice for this new area of recycling and Graphic Packaging International plays a big part. For more information on this and recycling and paperboard, visit Graphic Packaging International. The future of recycling is here.
