Following The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), packaging design is no longer only about functionality, product protection or cost. It must also support collection, sorting and recycling.
The PPWR requires all packaging to be designed for recycling by 2030. This means packaging must not only be theoretically recyclable, but also able to go through real life collection, sorting and recycling systems at scale.
The choices made when designing and selecting packaging can directly determine whether it will be recyclable. So, what should businesses consider when developing their packaging?
Do:
- Use mono materials which are easy to sort and recycle.
- Choose detectable colours such as natural, clear or light colours.
- Ensure components such as labels and closures are compatible.
- Keep designs simple and functional.
- Design for current existing waste streams.
Don’t:
- Do not use multi material packaging that cannot be separated.
- Avoid black and very dark colours in plastic packaging.
- Avoid full body sleeves and large labels.
- Do not use incompatible additives or barriers.
- Avoid coatings and functional layers such as anti scratch coatings in glass packaging.
- Do not use complex combinations with non recyclable elements such as pumps and urea closures.
How can you put this into practice?
Pont has created an online tool to help identify potential issues in the design of packaging.
Explore Pont’s sustainable packaging tool
Key takeaway
Packaging must be developed in line with Design for Recycling guidelines to help ensure it is compatible with the collection, sorting and recycling streams in place.
If you have questions about the recyclability of your packaging or would like support with your packaging choices, our Sustainability Team is happy to help.
