Packaging recyclability: technical recommendations

The Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission’s science and knowledge service, has released a study that will develop technical recommendations for possible elements and parameters of a methodology to assess the recyclability of packaging.

The aim is to identify the relevant functionalities of the packaging materials of Annex II to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that could be considered in a design-for-recycling (DfR) methodology.

Based on JRC’s in-house research and a thorough stakeholder consultation, the study served as preparation for an upcoming delegated act under the PPWR.

It establishes the following four elements and 19 parameters as a starting point for a methodology to assess the recyclability of packaging materials:

• Element: predominant packaging material Parameter: materials, colours / optical transmittance, additives / fillers, and barriers / coating
• Element: decoration, information, branding Parameter: coding, inks / lacquers / varnishes, labels / sleeves – materials, and labels / sleeves – packaging coverage
• Element: closing and opening systems Parameter: tamper evident elements (shrink wrap / rings), closures / openings, liners / seals / calves
• Element: other Parameter: adhesives (packaging body, labels and components, closure), dimension of packaging, separability of packaging parts (ease of dismantling), product residues, recycled content, content of biodegradable materials, integrated and separate components, other

It is foreseen to establish DfR criteria via delegated acts, which will have to be complied with by 2030.

The methodology for assessing recyclability at scale will also be developed at a later stage and will have to be complied with by 2035.

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