Knowledge
Impact of PPWR on PAWI: a look at the upcoming EU regulation
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), a new European Union (EU) regulation, aims to regulate packaging and packaging waste more strictly to sustainably reduce environmental pollution. Even though PAWI mainly produces sustainable packaging solutions made of cardboard and paper, the impact of this regulation is certainly relevant for us. We will have to adapt to changed requirements, particularly in the areas of sustainability and recyclability. We highlight the key points that are important for our company below.
9 december 2024
Specific PPWR requirements for cardboard and paper packaging
Let’s get one thing straight: the PPWR applies to all packaging, be it for food or non-food products. The focus is on reducing packaging waste and promoting reusable and recyclable materials. In future, packaging will have to be designed to conserve resources and contain a prescribed percentage of recycled material.
For PAWI as a manufacturer of cardboard and paper packaging, the focus is therefore on the careful handling of colours, finishes and adhesives. Packaging that loses its purity because of such finishing processes is a challenge for the recycling process, as it is almost impossible to separate the materials.
Another point in the regulation, albeit still under discussion, is the potential limiting of printed surfaces on packaging to improve recyclability. Current considerations indicate that only a certain percentage of the packaging surface may be printed. This requirement will prompt us to further optimise the design of our packaging in terms of recyclability.
Customer requirements and communication
According to the PPWR, the responsibility for compliance with the new regulations lies with the manufacturers of the products being packaged. In other words, the companies that put the packaging on the market. However, as a packaging supplier, it is our job to provide the necessary information to support our clients in fulfilling these requirements.
As part of the PPWR, there will be extended requirements regarding the documentation and declaration of the materials used. This transparency is essential to ensure that our clients receive the necessary data regarding the conformity of their packaging. By clearly communicating the recyclability and sustainability of our packaging, we make a decisive contribution to ensuring smooth and efficient collaboration with our clients.
PAWI on the road to adaptation
Our company consistently pursues the goal of making our packaging and production processes sustainable and recyclable. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which we will implement soon, plays a key role here. This initiative helps us align our climate targets with the latest scientific findings while meeting the requirements of the PPWR.
The final implementation of the PPWR is planned by 2040, in line with the targets of the Paris Agreement. At PAWI, we monitor these developments very closely to be able to react to market changes in a timely and targeted manner. At the same time, we see the introduction of new, sustainable packaging solutions as a great opportunity for our company: innovative solutions enable us not only to ensure compliance with the PPWR, but also to further develop our portfolio and offer forward-looking packaging for our clients.
