Post by Ahlstrom

Europe is redesigning packaging. And PPWR is accelerating the shift toward materials that fit a circular economy. Under the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): - all packaging must be recyclable by 2030; - packaging waste must be reduced by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040 compared to 2018 levels. At the same time, not all packaging materials are equally positioned for this transition. Paper and cardboard already achieve recycling rates of around 87% in Europe, the highest among packaging materials, while plastic packaging recycling remains significantly lower at approximately 42%. This gap is one of the reasons why many brands are reassessing packaging structures and exploring paper-based alternatives. Beyond supporting recyclability objectives, paper-based solutions can help simplify material composition, better fit existing recycling streams, reduce EPR exposure, decrease reliance on virgin fossil-based plastics, and align more effectively with Design for Recycling principles. As packaging regulations continue to evolve, material choice is becoming a strategic decision that affects compliance, end-of-life performance, and future packaging costs. At Ahlstrom, we support this transition with a broad portfolio of food packaging papers designed for recyclability, performance, and circularity. Discover our food packaging solutions: https://lnkd.in/epTd45yy   #PPWR #PaperPackaging #FoodPackaging #FlexiblePackaging