New packaging rules create opportunity to cut costs and carbon emissions through smarter packaging design

Packaging Solutions Green Solutions

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into effect on 12 August, bringing new requirements around packaging minimisation, recyclability and recycled content. Its aim is to cut down waste and encourage companies to make packaging lighter, safer and easier to reuse or recycle.

Although the PPWR is an EU regulation, it applies to any business placing packaging in the EU market. Data from Reconomy brand Advanced Supply Chain revealed that 93% of British businesses have been affected, or expect to be affected, by the new rules.  

As well as adapting packaging to comply with the PPWR, British businesses have also been contending with the impacts of the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (pEPR), which shifts the costs of managing packaging waste from local authorities to affected businesses. The scheme similarly aims to eliminate avoidable packaging waste and incentivise businesses to design reusable or highly recyclable packaging.

Against a backdrop of increasing packaging legislation, Reconomy experts suggest that packaging optimisation can provide businesses with a practical opportunity to cut compliance costs, lower carbon emissions and accelerate the transition towards a more circular economy.

Lorraine Wilson, senior consultant – packaging technologist at Reconomy brand Valpak, commented: ‘With packaging regulation increasing, there is a clear opportunity for businesses to take a more holistic approach to packaging design. Considering factors such as material use, packaging performance, cost, carbon emissions and recyclability together can help businesses optimise their packaging, reduce unnecessary material use and environmental impact, while continuing to deliver the protection and functionality required and making meaningful progress towards a more circular economy.’