Standards Development

Scope

This document defines specific process and design criteria to evaluate the recyclability of the part of the packaging unit which comprises the main body and the integrated components and is predominantly made of paper and cardboard, and of separate components predominantly made of paper and cardboard. This document specifies the design of paper and cardboard packaging with respect to compatibility of the design with the collection, sorting, and recycling processes.

Definitions and general principles of the process and design criteria to evaluate the recyclability of packaging are covered in CEN/TS YYYY-1.

Related testing protocol are covered in CEN/TS XXXX-2.

Purpose

Purpose

 This document aims to establish a standardized framework for defining and assessing the recyclability of paper and cardboard packaging. 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:

 • The ability of packaging waste to be effectively sorted and recycled into high-quality secondary raw materials.

 • The impact of substances of concern on recyclability and potential restrictions on such substances.

 • Established collection and sorting processes and available recycling technologies.

 • 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:

• Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling (DfR) of paper and cardboard packaging.

 • Design-for-recycling criteria specific to paper and cardboard packaging.

• A process for evaluating recyclability performance.

3. Comprehensive Coverage of Paper and Cardboard Packaging

This document applies to packaging made predominantly of paper and cardboard, covering:

 • The main body and integrated components of the packaging unit.

 • Separate components that are also predominantly made of paper and cardboard.

 4. Enhancing Recycling Efficiency This document sets evaluation criteria to assess:

 • Material composition.

 • Compatibility with recycling infrastructures.

 • End-of-life processing efficiency. Complementing CEN/TS XXXX-2, which addresses a testing protocol for paper and cardboard packaging.

5. Alignment with Existing Standards and Guidelines

This document will take into account:

• Existing material-specific recycling guidelines.

 • Standards and Technical Specifications, such as series EN 18120, developed under Mandate M/584 as part of the Circular Plastics Alliance project.

 • CEN/TS 13688, which addresses substances that hinder recycling.

• EN 13430, which sets requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling.