PPWR Insights 6 – How Europe aims to boost demand for recycled materials

The new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) not only aims to make packaging more recyclable, but also focuses on the effective use of recycled materials as raw materials for new packaging. Because recycling only really makes sense if the materials collected are reused in the chain.

In this article, we list the key provisions relating to recycled plastics that will impact different sectors.

Why make recycled content mandatory?

Although many manufacturers have been trying for years to use less virgin raw materials for their plastic (household) packaging, until recently the focus has mainly been on collecting, sorting and recycling packaging. The PPWR adds a crucial step: boosting demand for recycled plastics by making minimum percentages mandatory. This closes the circle of the circular economy and gives recycled materials an important place in new packaging.

Minimum targets for recycled content

From 2030, every plastic component of packaging must contain a minimum percentage of certified post-consumer recyclate (PCR). The term PCR refers to recycled material derived from plastics that have been collected and recycled after being placed on the market. It therefore doesn’t include production waste. The percentages are calculated as an average per production site per year. Plastic parts accounting for less than 5% of the total weight are excluded from the requirement.

Key targets by 2030 (by producer, site and year):

• PET packaging that comes into direct contact with food and drink: 30% recycled material. Note: since 2025, SUP legislation has stated that single-use PET drinks bottles must contain at least 25% of recycled material.
• Other plastics (non-PET) in packaging that comes into direct contact with food and drink: 10% recycled material.
• All other plastic packaging: 35% recycled material.

In 2040, the minimum percentages will be further increased: to 50% for PET packaging that comes into direct contact, 25% for other contact-sensitive plastics and 65% for all other plastic packaging (see infographic).

Exceptions

Not all packaging is subject to the same requirements. Exceptions include:

• Medicines and medical devices
• Foods for infants or special foods
• Hazardous goods
• Compostable packaging
• Parts representing less than 5% of the total weight of the package

Also for producers outside the European Union

Any producer offering packaging or packaged products on the European market is covered by these new regulations, even if the company itself is located outside the EU. Companies that have packaging or packaged products made under their own name (e.g. via private label) are also considered to be producers for the purposes of these obligations.

Transparency and certification

Producers will have to be able to prove that the recycled material used really does come from plastic waste collected and recycled after consumption (post-consumer recyclate or PCR). The exact rules for the calculation and verification of PCR content will be defined by the end of 2026. It is expected that producers will be able to use existing certification and audit systems for this purpose, although the actual conditions have yet to be defined in detail in the implementation rules. Fost Plus is of course following developments closely.