Recyclability is one of the most important topics within the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). All packaging needs to be recyclable, but what does “recyclable” actually mean, and how is it determined?
Packaging is considered recyclable if it can go through the full recycling chain successfully. This means the packaging must be:
- Collected.
- Sorted correctly.
- Reprocessed into new material.
If one of these steps fails, the packaging is not truly recyclable in practice.
Collection
- The packaging must be accepted in existing household or commercial waste collection systems.
- The packaging must be collected at a sufficient scale across all regions.
In Europe, most packaging waste is collected through:
- Household collection systems, for example curbside bins or separate coloured bins.
- Bring systems, including collection points in public spaces such as glass bottle banks.
- Deposit Return Systems (DRS) for PET beverage bottles.
If packaging is not collected properly, it will not reach recycling, even if the packaging is technically recyclable.
Sorting
Once collected, the packaging must be identified and separated correctly. This happens in sorting facilities, where advanced technologies are used to separate materials. Sorting installations use a combination of:
- Near Infra-Red detection (NIR). The camera detects the DNA of each type of plastic, separating the different types into individual streams. It is very important that the packaging does not contain carbon black pigments.
- Optical sorting. Materials are sorted by colour, including white, light coloured and dark coloured materials, using colour recognition.
- Mechanical separation. Materials are separated based on size, weight and shape.
Labels, sleeves and closures can be problematic, as they can block detection into the correct waste stream.
If packaging is not correctly sorted, it can end up in the wrong material stream, where it contaminates the recyclate, or it can be rejected as waste and sent to incineration.
The recycling process
After sorting, the materials must be processed into new materials. This is where recyclability is truly confirmed.
During the recycling process, the material is cleaned and further processed by shredding and melting to convert it into new raw material. The new material is called Post Consumer Recyclate (PCR).
Examples include recycled PET (rPET) and recycled HDPE (rHDPE). These materials can be used for new packaging or other products.
What makes recycling successful?
- Mono materials give high quality recyclate. Multi materials cannot be separated and recycled.
- Compatibility. Elements such as additives, labels, adhesives and dark colours that are not compatible will contaminate the recyclate.
- End market demand. There must be companies interested in recycled materials to produce new products.
The PPWR requires all packaging to be recyclable by 2030. Pont is currently working on several projects to comply with this requirement. We can also support customers with technical data and recyclability insights to help identify whether packaging is designed for recycling or not yet.
If you have questions about recyclability or would like support in assessing your packaging, our Sustainability Team is happy to help.
