By 2030, what does the EU actually expect from recyclable packaging?

As part of the Packaging and packaging waste regulation(PPWR), the EU mandates that by 2030, every piece of packaging entering the European market must be designed for recyclability.

From 1 January 2030, only packaging that achieves an approved recyclability performance grade (A, B, or C) can be placed on the EU market. Packaging that falls below these grades will no longer be allowed.

In simple terms, the grades mean:

1. Grade A: Packaging that is easy to recycle in existing EU systems and causes no issues during recycling. This is the best and safest design choice.
2. Grade B: Packaging that is recyclable but not perfect, it still works in recycling systems but may need minor improvements over time.
3. Grade C: Packaging that is technically recyclable but difficult, and only allowed as a temporary solution. It must be redesigned before 2038.

In practical terms, this means:

1. All packaging going into EU must be designed for recycling, not just labelled as recyclable
2. Materials should be mono-material or easily separable
3. Components that block recycling need to be changed or removed
4. The design must work with real EU collection and recycling systems

To learn more about this compliance you can access our PPWR Guide linked below:

Compliance Guides