The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation imposes strict requirements on the recyclability of packaging entering the EU. This regulation will be enforced in stages with all non-compliant packaging being banned from 2030
By making packaging more sustainable now businesses can get ahead, not only to retain access to EU markets, but also improve brand and consumer trust.
What is PPWR?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to reduce waste by ensuring all packaging entering the EU market is recyclable or compostable in existing systems. This includes all components whether removable or not, meaning boxes, inserts, labels, adhesives and adhesive residue.
A lot of packaging materials currently cannot be recycled or make the recycling process harder. For example, foil lined paper cannot be recycled, and carbon paper harms the recycling process.
Under PPWR, all packaging must be designed for reuse, compostability, or recycling with documentation. For some categories, compostability will become mandatory, such as packaging which contacts food or is intended for disposal with the contents i.e. tea bags, coffee pods, and fruit labels.
These rules apply to all packaging no matter the product within, even empty packaging must comply, which affects anyone shipping to/within the EU.
Related Certifications Explained:
EN 13432
European standard that tests compostability in industrial composting conditions. For adhesives, this certification ensures it will not compromise the overall packaging’s compostability.
INGEDE Method 12
Standard for determining the recyclability of paper products containing adhesives, like labels and tapes. Provides a method of assessment of their removability in the paper recycling process.
ASTM D6954
Testing plastics for biodegradability, showing that, under natural conditions, the polymers break down to be consumed by microorganisms.
REACH
EU regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals
FSC Certification
A chain of customer (CoC) certification verifying that materials (paper, wood) are responsibly and sustainably sourced to different degrees.
What does this mean for Adhesives?
Packaging adhesives must also adhere to PPWR if they exceed a certain percentage of the packaging weight or cannot be separated.
Under EN 13432 any packaging component which makes up more than 1% of the dry weight must be certified compostable and the total of all non-compostable components cannot exceed 5%.
Ultimately, adhesive needs to match the packaging’s intended end of life to avoid fines, contamination, and reputation damage.
No matter the percentage, we recommend switching to a recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging adhesive sooner rather than later.
Why act now?
Failing to comply with PPWR may result in restricted or blocked access to the EU market, increased scrutiny, brand reputation damage, and fines. While delaying action to the last minute could cause costly redesigns under time pressure and supply chain disruptions.
Whether you are manufacturing packaging, shipping consumer products, or selling into the EU, all businesses need to act to ensure compliance:
- Start by auditing your materials.
- Speak to your suppliers and distributors for documentation.
- Test new materials.
- Ensure all components align with the intended route i.e. composting
Expanding further - Sustainability
Compliance is required but going a step further and becoming a more sustainable business builds brand reputation and consumer trust, as well as supply security. Even if the amount of adhesive tape you use for your packaging is below the required threshold, taking steps to make your packaging eco-friendlier is beneficial.
Where can you introduce sustainable practices with adhesives?
Sustainable adhesive applications go beyond just packaging; many industries are moving to sustainable products to minimise environmental impact and for consumer and worker safety.
Sustainable, and safer, adhesives and tapes include:
- Bio based products - these can help to reduce carbon footprint, lower toxicity, and replace fossil products
- Biodegradable products - sustainable end of life products, which contribute to a circular economy
- Products with solvent free production processes
- PLA products - 100% based on renewable sources
- PFASs free adhesives
- Plastic wrap and pallet stabilisation alternatives to reduce single use plastic
- Reducing the use of solvents, VOCs, and harmful aerosols which harm workers.
Viking Tapes Product Solutions
tesa tapes
Tesa tapes offer a wide range of adhesive tapes for the packaging industry with sustainability certifications and properties designed to minimise environmental impact. They also offer shock absorption and printability among other benefits so you can find the right tape for your application.
The below products are considered advanced sustainable solutions for packaging applications; they all also feature a solvent free production process:
Tesa 60416 Recycled PET Packaging Tape – 55% total recycled content, a backing made from 90% recycled PET from post-consumer waste, and recycling friendly.
Tesa 60418 Thin recycled PET packaging tape – 60% total recycled content and uses a thin polyester backing made from 85% recycled post-consumer waste.
Tesa 4513 paper-based packaging tape – Recycling friendly according to INGEDE method 12 with good printability.
Tesa 4713 general purpose packaging tape – made of a natural rubber adhesive and fine crepe paper backing made from sustainable sources.
Tesa 60408 Bio based paper packaging tape – Recycling friendly, sustainably sourced backing and the bio-based carbon content in total product >85%.
3M
3M Scotch Performance Paper Box Sealing Tape 570 offers the perfect balance between performance and sustainability, being an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic tapes.
3M 570 uses a solvent free hot melt adhesive and a strong backing made from FSC certified paper. This tape is fully automatable and helps reduce the use of single use plastic packing on pallets and lightweight parcel shipments
This tape is recycling friendly according to INGEDE 12 and can adhere to packaging cartons made from high levels of recycled content.
