PPWR: What Businesses Need to Know About Post‑Consumer Recyclates
Plastic recyclate in an industrial environment; header graphic illustrating the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and information about post‑consumer recyclates.
The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) fundamentally changes the requirements for packaging containing plastics. Particularly relevant are the mandatory minimum quotas for post‑consumer recyclates (PCR). Companies in the automotive, logistics and co‑packing sectors now face a key challenge — and this is exactly where FEURER provides comprehensive support.
What does post‑consumer recyclate mean?
Post‑consumer recyclates are recycled plastic waste originating from households, commercial operations or industrial users — in other words, from applications where the product has already reached the end of its use phase.
Important: These materials do not have to come from packaging. Any plastic waste placed on the market in the EU or in a third country can enter the recycling stream.
Post‑industrial waste, generated during the production process, is not relevant for PPWR quota compliance.
Which recycling methods are accepted?
The PPWR makes no distinction between:
- mechanical (material) recycling
- chemical recycling
Both technologies are recognised equally.
Biobased plastics – a future alternative?
Biobased plastics are made from biological resources such as biomass, organic waste or by‑products. Crucially, they do not have to be biodegradable to fall under the PPWR definition.
By February 12, 2028, the EU Commission will evaluate whether biobased plastics may partially replace recyclate quotas. This depends on whether:
- no approved recycling technologies exist (except for PET in food contact), or
- recyclates are not available in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices.
A conversion factor may be introduced — for example: 2 tonnes of biobased plastics = 1 tonne of PCR.
What does this mean for businesses?
Manufacturers, system suppliers and co‑packing service providers must:
- analyse material flows
- optimise packaging design (“design for recycling”)
- ensure consistent PCR material quality
- establish traceability and documentation
FEURER supports you in implementing the PPWR
As an experienced partner in the automotive and co‑packing sectors, FEURER guides customers from material evaluation to PPWR‑compliant packaging solutions ready for series production.
We offer:
- recyclable packaging concepts
- PPWR‑compliant container and carrier systems
- integration of post‑consumer recyclates
- documentation and compliance evidence
Together, we make your packaging PPWR‑ready.
