[DA] What is the EU Packaging Waste Directive?

Improving the sustainability of packaging has become a pressing concern in recent years as excess packaging, especially plastic waste, is causing environmental problems. Recognising the need for action, the European Union (EU) has introduced the EU Packaging Waste Directive, also known as PPWD. In this article, we’ll dive into the aims of the directive so that you as a business can understand and comply with the directive.

The EU Packaging Directive:

The EU Packaging Waste Directive, officially known as Directive 94/62/EC, aims to reduce packaging waste, promote the use of recycled and recyclable materials and gradually minimise the use of plastic packaging. The directive is currently being updated and the new rules are expected to come into force in 2024.

Targets and deadlines:

The directive sets specific targets for EU countries to fulfil. By the end of 2024, all producers of packaging must establish producer responsibility schemes. By the end of 2025, at least 65% of packaging waste must be recycled, rising to at least 70% by the end of 2030.

Managing excess space in packaging – ‘Empty Space Ratio’:

Traditional packaging in e-commerce often results in large amounts of empty space in the boxes, far exceeding the maximum allowed by the directive. To comply with the directive, companies need to assess their current packaging approach and address the inefficiencies that lead to the excessive voids. This transition can be facilitated by adopting appropriate sized packaging strategies. Here, packaging such as variable boxes could have a good effect.

Consultancy services and data-driven solutions:

But also consulting services and data-driven solutions could benefit you. Our packaging specialists, who are happy to visit your business, can help you analyse data from your previous shipments to define the optimal box sizes for your flow. Start collecting data now if you haven’t already and also consider replacing your plastic packaging with the innovative mono-material packaging products – our specialists will be able to bring samples to you so you can make the switch to circular recycling.

Monomaterial and easy waste sorting:

The directive also focuses on the composition of the packaging, i.e. what materials your packaging is made of. Circularity plays a big role. Essentially, it’s about making sure that today’s packaging can be easily recycled into tomorrow’s packaging. Packaging that can be easily sorted and recycled in a single waste stream is preferred. This is also known as ‘mono-material’ packaging. For example, a package made only of paper and cardboard can be sorted and recycled as a whole and turned into a new paper product. This makes the resource cycle easier. Paper stands out with its high recycling rate in Europe (up to 88%).

At RAJA, we offer mono-material packaging and here are some classic examples of packaging that has been given a new look and is no longer only available in plastic:

Imagine being able to send a parcel where everything is made of paper; the tape, the filler, the label and the outer box. This allows the customer to throw everything into the cardboard container without worrying about having to discard tape or other plastics.

Benefits and actions:

Collecting data and calculating the right sizes and replacing plastic with paper will provide you as a business with significant benefits such as increased productivity, reduced waste, improved sustainable profile – and furthermore, it will also prepare you for upcoming regulations that are likely to come as your business evolves. By taking proactive measures now, you can align packaging operations with EU targets and contribute to a more sustainable and circular future.

The EU Packaging Waste Directive represents a crucial step towards achieving sustainability in packaging. By complying with the directive’s targets and getting data collection up and running, businesses can optimise their packaging, reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy. By embracing these changes today, your business will be ready to embrace the directive and potentially take the lead in the fight for the climate.

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the EU Packaging Waste Directive and its implications for businesses like yours. Stay tuned for more packaging advice…

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