Regulatory updates on packaging recyclability engages the whole value chain to drive circularity

The Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to reduce packaging waste, as well as promote a circular economy for packaging in a cost-efficient way and the uptake of recycled content in packaging. It establishes requirements for the entire life cycle of packaging, including harmonised labelling, to allow its placing on the market, as well as for the extended producer responsibility, collection, treatment and recycling of packaging waste. 

The regulation mandates that all packaging placed on the European market should be recyclable and/or reusable by 2030 and recycled at scale by 2035. This means that packaging waste needs to be collected, sorted and recycled in installed infrastructure, and ensure and annual quantity of 70% of recycled packaging materials in 2030. 

The PPWR was published on 22nd January 2025 and will apply from 12th August 2026. 

Designed for recycling  

When packaging is designed to be recycled it means that the design of packaging, including individual components of packaging, ensures the recyclability of the packaging within established collection, sorting and recycling processes that are proven to work in an operational environment. (PPWR definition) 

Packaging design is a full value chain effort, it requires material suppliers, material manufacturers, packaging converters and brands to align in optimising the packaging design.  

Recyclability becomes true with recycling 

Recyclability is crucial, but the key is that the packaging is recycled. This is possible when packaging is designed for recycling and compatible with the management and processing of waste. It also requires access to collection, sorting in separate streams, recycling at scale, and the use of recycled materials to replace primary raw materials. (PPWR definition)  

82.5% of all paper and cardboard packaging was recycled in Europe in 2021 and the increased focus on sustainability is translating into action, as 50% of consumers say they have been recycling more in the past year. (CEPI and ProCarton) 

Testing recyclability in Europe and in North America   

In Europe, packaging recyclability can be tested according to the newly updated CEPI Recyclability Laboratory Test Method Version 3. This method is developed by the full value chain and allows for harmonising the recycling testing methodology and design for recycling across Europe. (Industry tools and guidelines - 4evergreen) 

In North America, recyclability can be tested according to the Western Michigan University protocols.  

Ahlstrom continue to invest in recyclability testing equipment and methodology to align with the industry, enabling us to perform recyclability tests of ours and our customers’ final products at our research center in Pont-Évêque, France.  

Ahlstrom’s portfolio is equipped to meet the regulatory requirements 

Ahlstrom is prepared to apply these new requirements by working with our food and consumer packaging and beverage customers to develop future-proof products and new barrier developments.  

As part of our commitment to the circular transition, the end-of-life phase of our products is a key focus area. Based on a comprehensive mapping and a sample representing approximately 85% of our sales, all our food product solutions are either designed for recycling or home or industrial composting. At Ahlstrom, we design our products to meet these increasing requirements and continue to improve our sustainable offering suitable for a wide range of food end-uses such as flexible food packaging papers and cooking & baking papers.