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Standards Development
This document defines terms and definitions and specifies general principles for design for recycling of packaging.
This document defines also the overarching process and design criteria to evaluate the recyclability of packaging.
This document is applicable for all packaging with a main body made predominantly made of:
• Paper and Cardboard
• Plastic
• Aluminium
• Steel
• Glass
• Wood
• Textile
• Porcelain & Ceramics
Evaluation processes for the sortability of packaging are covered in CEN/TS XXXX-2.
Purpose
This document aims to establish a standardized framework for defining and assessing the recyclability of packaging materials. By providing clear definitions, general principles, and evaluation criteria, this document promotes sustainable packaging design and supports the circular economy.
Justification
1. Regulatory Background and EU Objectives
Packaging in Europe has been regulated by Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and Packaging Waste, which set key principles for waste reduction and recycling. Despite its success, packaging waste continues to rise. To address this, the EU has revised its packaging legislation, introducing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to ensure full recyclability of all packaging by 2030.
Article 6, paragraph 4 of the PPWR mandates the development of design-for-recycling criteria and recyclability performance grades by 2028, taking into account:
o The ability of packaging waste to be effectively sorted and recycled into high-quality secondary raw materials.
o The impact of substances of concern on recyclability and potential restrictions on such substances.
o Established collection and sorting processes and available recycling technologies.
o The environmental and economic performance of recycling technologies, including energy use and emissions.
These recyclability performance assessments will categorize packaging into grades (A, B, C, or “not recyclable”) based on compliance with defined criteria.
2. Standardization to Support PPWR
This document will support the European Commission in developing delegated acts by establishing:
o Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling (DfR) of packaging.
o Design-for-recycling criteria for different packaging categories.
o A process for evaluating recyclability performance.
3. Comprehensive Coverage of Packaging Materials
This document applies to packaging made from:
o Paper & Cardboard, Plastic, Aluminium, Steel, Glass, Wood, Textile, Porcelain & Ceramics.
4. Enhancing Recycling Efficiency
This document sets evaluation criteria to assess:
o Material composition
o Compatibility with recycling infrastructures
o End-of-life processing efficiency
Complementing CEN/TS XXXX-2, which addresses packaging sortability, it ensures a holistic approach from collection to reprocessing.
5. Alignment with Existing Standards and Guidelines
This document will take into account:
o Existing material-specific recycling guidelines.
o Standards and Technical Specifications, such as series EN 18120, developed under Mandate M/584 as part of the Circular Plastics Alliance project.
o CEN/TS 13688, which addresses substances that hinder recycling.
o EN 13430, which sets requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling.
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