PPWR

The EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): Finding Sustainable Business Solutions

Main goals of the PPWR

The European Union is introducing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), with the objective of reducing the environmental impact of packaging. This new regulation also aims to standardize packaging rules across the EU to facilitate the free movement of goods. Key goals include:

  1. Packaging waste prevention: The PPWR aims to reduce packaging waste across the EU by setting limits on allowable packaging types. It mandates that packaging be minimized in size, weight, volume, and in the number of layers necessary to ensure product safety and functionality (packaging minimization). 
  2. Promoting packaging reuse: The regulation sets targets for reusable packaging in the food and beverages, transport and e-commerce sectors.
  3. Recyclability and Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP): All packaging must be designed for recycling (DfR) and be recyclable at scale. The PPWR also establishes 'eco-modulation' criteria for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes which reward packaging that is more sustainable.

These new regulations are expected to become law by late 2024, pushing businesses to quickly adopt more sustainable packaging and waste management practices.
With Atlantic Zeiser’s sustainable packaging printing solutions, businesses will find the support they need to navigate and succeed under these new regulatory conditions, especially for packaging waste prevention and packaging minimization.

Unpacking the PPWR: a New Framework for Sustainability

The PPWR significantly overhauls the existing packaging and waste management frameworks within the European Union, aiming to reduce the overall environmental impact of packaging. This initiative is part of the EU’s broader sustainability strategy, targeting every stage of the packaging lifecycle – from design and production to disposal. With the amount of packaging waste still increasing in the EU, the regulation’s primary goal is to enforce EU companies, including online retailers, to adopt practices that minimize packaging and reduce excess.

Waste management is just one key area of improvement; indeed, the PPWR essentially requires companies to comply with several sustainability metrics when it comes to their packaging design and production processes. Companies should address this challenge at the source by reducing packaging volumes and optimizing material usage.

The impact of PPWR on Businesses and Consumers

As a mandatory regulatory requirement, the PPWR is expected to impact most – if not all – industries. For businesses, compliance will most likely entail reassessing their packaging strategies and potentially reconfiguring production lines to accommodate new materials and designs. While this might involve initial investments in technology and redesign, it promises long-term savings beyond mere regulatory compliance, thanks to more efficient material usage and waste reduction. On the other side, consumers will also likely notice changes in packaging designs, further contributing to a circular economy and potentially influencing purchasing decisions towards more sustainable choices.

Atlantic Zeiser: Advanced Solutions for Sustainable Packaging

As a leader for inline high-resolution printing and coding, Atlantic Zeiser is at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation. Our “Packaging on-demandsystems exemplify the type of innovation that can help brands and producers meet the PPWR requirements quickly and efficiently. These systems enable on-demand packaging printing, significantly reducing packaging waste by minimizing the write-off of unused materials and creating packaging that is perfectly tailored to the product’s volume, with no excess. Consider, for example, traditional multi-language packs which require larger surface areas; instead, with Atlantic Zeiser’s “Packaging on-Demand”, it is possible to print focused messaging for specific audiences, allowing for single-language packaging. This not only streamlines the design but also reduces the overall material used, by preventing the proliferation of packaging SKUs and reducing packaging write-offs. Our technologies not only align with the PPWR’s goals; they also help businesses to reduce costs associated with waste while improving their overall environmental footprint.

Preparing Businesses for the Future of Packaging

As the PPWR regulation sets out to reshape the packaging industry in the EU, businesses need to adapt swiftly to remain compliant and competitive. The challenges posed by these new regulations are substantial, but with the right strategies and technologies, companies can turn these obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation in sustainable packaging.

Prepare your business for the future of sustainable packaging with Atlantic Zeiser. Discover now how our on-demand packaging solutions can help you meet the upcoming PPWR regulations and enhance your sustainability credentials.

Food for thought:

Plastic waste and recycling in the EU: facts and figures | europa.eu
Sustainable waste management: what the EU is doing | europa.eu
Plastic Pollution – Our World in Data

Coesia publishes Sustainability Report 2023 The Future of Banking: Revolutionizing Co-Branded Cards with Atlantic Zeiser PERSOSMART