Ambalaje 360 – Packaging New Generation

“The European Union regulation on packaging is a topic that will shape our activities for the next 4–5 years. The PPWR was a necessity, following the flawed transposition of certain Directives, which included poorly designed essential requirements for packaging or delays in implementation. From a circularity perspective, a large number of packages were identified as either non-recyclable or lacking recycled plastic content.

The regulation focuses on four areas of intervention. The first addresses prevention and reuse, the second targets the recyclability and compostability of packaging, the third covers supporting or facilitating measures, and the fourth concerns the content of recycled plastic. This last area includes a set of measures, some with direct impact and others with indirect impact. There are goals related to increasing packaging reuse, recycled content in plastic packaging, complex labeling requirements, and all packaging must comply with the ‘design for recycling’ principle. There will be restrictions on placing certain types of packaging on the market, limitations on substances of concern, essential requirements to minimize packaging, and to reduce empty space in packaging sold via e-commerce.

The PPWR measures assigned to Member States include reducing packaging waste generated per capita, revising the requirements for compostable packaging, the DRS (deposit return system), which is already implemented in Romania, and regulations for PROs (Producer Responsibility Organisations). All packaging with a recyclability rate under 70% will be banned from the market starting in 2030. Many types of packaging that are currently widely used in the industry will be prohibited.

What can companies do right now? They can identify their obligations under the PPWR, plan how they will meet these obligations, and how they will demonstrate packaging compliance. RecicladOR provides companies with technical support in the process of complying with the PPWR requirements and extended producer responsibility obligations, and we will also work on managing uncertainties that may turn into risks, through the workshops we organise,” said **Marius Brînzea**, Strategy Director at **RecicladOR**, during the Packaging New Generation Conference.