Valipac helps the packaging sector prepare for the PPWR

With the introduction of the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the packaging sector is undergoing significant changes. Valipac is actively assisting the sector in preparing for these upcoming challenges.

Despite extensive coverage on the PPWR, many companies remain unaware of the full extent of its implications. The PPWR demands substantial efforts from businesses. “This is why we continue to communicate about this topic,” says Filip Vangeel, Sustainability Manager at Valipac. “To ensure better harmonization, the old directive has been replaced by a regulation, which is directly applicable in all member states and leaves no room for different interpretations. The EU still needs to draft around 40 delegated acts and implementing decisions to clarify the PPWR, but this process will not take years. Therefore, packaging stakeholders must be prepared. By 2030, packaging waste must be reduced by 5%, and by 2040, the reduction must reach 15%. Industrial plastic packaging must contain 35% recycled material by 2030 and 65% by 2040. Additionally, the empty space in packaging must be limited to 50% by 2030, with filling materials considered as ’empty space’. Furthermore, transport and sales packaging must be 100% reusable by 2030 when used within the same member state and between sites of the same company within the EU.”

Valipac incentivizes companies to use recycled materials and encourages immediate action. “On our online platform My Recycled Content, suppliers of plastic packaging with recycled material can connect with professional users,” says Vangeel. “We also offer our customers a bonus of 100 euros per ton of recycled material introduced to the Belgian market.