[ES] What is the PPWR? All about the new EU packaging and packaging waste legislation
4min read
17/04/2024
Spain
Achieving an EcoResponsible future is possible. The PPWR, or Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, aims to unify all waste management regulations in the member countries of the European Union. Here you will find everything you need to know about this proposal that is committed to sustainability and care for the environment.
What does the PPWR consist of?
In 2019, the European Union launched the Green Deal or Green Pact, a set of initiatives to make the economies of its member states more sustainable in order to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Among the proposals of the Green Deal is the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). Its aim is to regulate packaging and to achieve good management of packaging waste at European level. Each EU country has its own national regulations on the handling, reduction and recycling of packaging. Hence the adoption of the PPWR, with the intention of unifying all these practices in a more EcoResponsible way as part of the circular economy.
Who is affected by the PPWR?
The packaging regulated by the PPWR is take-away, point-of-sale and e-commerce packaging. This is the first time a European legal text mentions packaging for online sales.
Food packaging that is in direct contact with the products is not affected by this regulation.
What are the objectives of the PPWR?
- To reduce packaging waste as much as possible. The PPWR aims to reduce packaging waste by 15% per Member State and per capita by 2040.
- Tomake all packaging recyclable by 2030. Under the PPWR, single-use packaging is banned. The use of dedicated containers for plastic bottles and aluminium cans is also mandatory.
- Increase the use of recycled plastics in packaging. Manufacturers will have to include a mandatory percentage of recycled material in plastic packaging.
- Use clear labelling. Each package will have to be labelled to indicate what material it is made of and into which type of waste container it should be disposed of. These containers must use the same symbology and labelling.
- Regulate bio-based, biodegradable and compostable packaging. The PPWR determines conditions for the production and distribution of such packaging within a circular and sustainable economy.
Recommendations for compliance with the PPWR
These are the key points to take into account in order to follow and respect the PPWR in your business or online shop.
1. Limit the volumetric weight of the packaging
Choose packaging that fits as closely as possible to the volumetric weight of the products to be shipped.
- With the variable height box you can adapt the packaging to the contents thanks to its 1 cm slots for easy cutting.
- In our bag catalogue you will find the bags that best suit your needs.
2. Use packaging made from recycled materials
The PPWR stipulates that all packaging must include a minimum percentage of recycled raw materials in the manufacturing material. It is therefore advisable to choose recycled packaging.
- The 100% recycled kraft paper bag with curled handles is environmentally friendly and perfect for transporting your products.
- With 100% recycled kraft paper on a roll, you can pack your shipments or fill the inside of your boxes in an environmentally friendly way.
3. Choose single-material packaging
Using packaging made from a single material respects the PPWR principle of circularity by eliminating the separation of components in the recycling process.
- Kraft paper tape is the perfect complement to seal a cardboard box so that both elements end up in the same container.
- Paper shavings not only protect your products but are also recyclable and will add a touch of colour to the presentation.
4. Use recyclable packaging
One of the goals of the PPWR is to ensure that all packaging on the market by 2030 will be recyclable.
- The top-opening thin cardboard envelope is made from 100% recycled cardboard and is also recyclable.
- Our 100% plastic-free paper cups, as they do not contain a liner made of other materials, can go directly into the cardboard bin.
5. Opt for reusable packaging
Packaging made for multiple uses limits the accumulation of waste.
- The instant-assembly, double-stick, resealable cardboard box allows products to be returned without the need for new packaging.
- The two adhesive strips on the return kraft paper envelope also facilitate shipping and timely returns.
As you can see, at RAJA® we have the best products to respect and comply with the PPWR. Our EcoResponsible policy is based on our commitment to care for the environment by using recycled and recyclable materials.
