Design for recycling

The new series of standards for the recycling of plastic packaging is now available, although practical application will not begin until 2030. Our materials specialists, Love Pallon and Einar Ahlström, have participated in the Swedish standardisation work within a SIS expert group.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) affects the entire packaging industry. When it comes to recyclable packaging, there is a lot that producers and manufacturers must take into account, before 2030. Even though the legislation is not yet fully finalised, the transition must begin now. Näringslivets Producentansvar, together with six other producer responsibility organisations in Europe, is therefore launching a joint guide to safe design choices for plastic packaging, supporting producers in their packaging design decisions.

Our advisory approach to design for recycling is based on how recyclable a packaging material is, regardless of the material type. We do not advocate one material over another. As a producer, you can assess the recyclability of a packaging material using our clear criteria and design guidelines. The aim is to contribute to increased material recycling of packaging, resulting in more circular material flows and reduced need for virgin raw materials.

As additional requirements and regulations for packaging and producers are introduced within the framework of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation within the EU (PPWR), it is important for NPA to be involved in the development of upcoming standards for recycling packaging.

LUMENE, a leading Nordic beauty brand specialised in skincare, face makeup and colour cosmetics, has made a commitment towards a more sustainable future, something that is visible in their recently launched 50 ml moisturiser jars.

Pågen is Sweden's leading bakery in packaged fresh bread, yeast, coffee bread, rusks, sausage and hamburger bread. They have around 30 different breads in their range, with brands such as LingonGrova, Levain and Hönö. In total, Pågen bakes around 50 different products and their bread is sold in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Germany.

A lot is happening in the packaging space right now – new materials, material combinations and design solutions are reported every week, and developments in sorting and recycling are moving forward. However, Näringslivets Producentansvar, NPA, sees three trends that, as a result of new legislation, risk taking us further from the goal of a higher material recycling rate.

20 percent more plastic packaging from households was recycled in 2023 than in 2022 at our supplier Svensk Plaståtervinning. Despite a positive development, there is still a long way to go to reach the goal of 50 percent of plastic packaging being recycled.

The packaging's most important task is to protect its contents, but they must also be easy to empty and recycle. - It is more complex than you might think, says Karin Jawerth, Packaging Developer at ICA.

Sweden is switching to reusable packaging. Consumers must then be able to choose between a single-use package and a package that is to be returned, washed and used again.

The packaging and recycling industry is facing major changes. But the packaging manuals for plastic, paper, glass and metal live on and are ready for the future.

Packaging changes does not always have to be very extensive to make a difference, the most important thing is to start somewhere and follow a set plan. We had a talk to Henrika Peltola, Sustainability Manager, Danone Nordics & Baltics, about the design change of Danone’s Actimel multipack, that is now sleeveless.