Packaging is about to change forever. In the European Union, rules and regulations are being put into place to further a sustainable future for recycling. Along with regulations being added, a grading system will be added as well. Using the DfR (Design for Recycling) grading system, materials will be sorted accordingly. Grade A is equal to 95% recyclable, grade B 80% recyclable, grade C 70% recyclable. All things below 70% will be labeled technically non-recyclable, and cannot be placed on the market starting 2030. Assessment of recyclability per unit, in terms of weight.
DfR (Design for Recycling) rules to be defined through delegated acts by 2028. This new system will ensure quality of materials in packaging and recycling. The EU hopes to reduce packaging waste by 10% in 2035. They aim to reduce as much waste as possible, and move toward a more recyclable future for recycling.
In the 2010s single use plastic started to raise concerns, warnings of missed content targets. In 2022, the European Commission proposed the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR for short.) A sweeping regulation that replaced the PPWD from 1994. The PPWR is aimed at reducing packaging waste, improving recyclability and recycling and driving circular materials in packaging. Circular materials such as paperboard. The PPWR goes into effect in 2025.
Graphic Packaging International was founded in 1978 and is based in Atlanta Georgia. They provide and manufacture solutions for commercial products and they make paperboard. Sourced responsibly GPI, proudly makes a variety of folding cartons and paperboard. They own and operate paperboard mills across the states. GPI delivers high quality products for brands and companies worldwide.
Paperboard is made using wood and recycled fibers. Its unique fiber blend allows it to be recycled up to 10 or more times. The paperboard life cycle is simple. First, the raw materials are sourced and brought to a paperboard mill, then new and recycled paperboard is moved to innovative packaging, then it is delivered to retailers, brands and consumers. When the consumers are finished with the paperboard packaging they recycled it and the process repeats itself. Reuse. Reduce. Recycle.
In the coming years, development of secondary legislation starts, and in 2028 standardized, mandatory labels for waste sorting on all waste receptacles and consumer packaging begins. This simply means, labels on recycling bins and trash cans must be harmonized with one another and follow color coding rules. This becomes the legal requirement in 2028.
By 2030 all packaging on the EU market must meet DfR grading criteria. Most plastic packaging and parts will face restrictions. Single use items such as paper lids, cups, bowls, forks and plates we all see restrictions. Single use plastic must also follow initial minimum recycled content targets.
Currently 87% of paperboard is recycled in Europe while 42% of plastic is recycled, (Source: Eurostat 2023.) By 2035 all packaging in the EU must be recycled at scale. And in 2038 all packaging in the European Union must meet stricter grading criteria for recyclability. The EU is taking big steps toward a better future. Learn more at Graphic Packaging International.
