What is the circular economy in the packaging sector?
Why is it a driver of innovation?
Although European recycling rates have increacred by 23% compared to 2020, this hasn’t been enough to keep up with the increase in the total amount of generated packaging waste.
In 2017 data show a gap between the growth of packaging waste and the growth of recycled packaging waste.
The reason for the gap is the use of non-recyclable waste.
Environmental impact of packaging
Natural resource use
50% of paper used in the EU is destined for packaging.
Pollution
About half of marine litter consists of packaging; packaging also pollutes soil and land.
Climate change
CO2 emissions from packaging equal the emissions of a small to medium EU country.
PPWR recycling goals and priorities (Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation)
- prevention / avoidance of waste creation
- reuse
- recycling
- retrieval
- disposal
Type of packaging | by 2025 | by 2030 |
---|---|---|
All | 65% | 70% |
Paper and carbon | 75% | 85% |
Glass | 70% | 75% |
Plastic | 50% | 55% |
Wood | 25% | 30% |
To reach these targets, the new rules would:
- ensure all packaging is recyclable
- increase the use of recycled plastic
- implement clearer labels
- ensure the collection of some single-use containers
Truly sustainable multifunctional solutions proposed by the LIC Packaging Spa?
FSC certified paper
Recycled papers
Pure cellulose papers for direct contact with food
Recyclables and compostables