PPWR: What companies now need to know about post-consumer recyclates
The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) fundamentally changes the requirements for packaging containing plastics. Particularly relevant: the mandatory minimum quotas for post-consumer recyclates (PCR). Companies in the automotive, logistics and co-packing sectors are therefore facing a key challenge – and this is precisely where FEURER provides its customers with comprehensive support.
What does post-consumer recyclate mean?
Post-consumer recyclates are recycled plastic waste from households, commerce or industry – i.e. from applications in which the product has already been used.
Important: It does not have to be packaging products. All plastic waste that has been placed on the market in the EU or a third country can be included in the recycling chain.
However, post-industrial waste that is generated during production is not relevant for PPWR quotas.
What types of recycling apply?
The PPWR does not differentiate between:
- mechanical / material recycling
- chemical recycling
Both technologies are equally recognized.
Bio-based plastics – an alternative in the future?
Bio-based plastics are made from biological raw materials, by-products or organic waste. Crucially, they do not have to be biodegradable to fall under the PPWR definition.
By 12.02.2028 at the latest, the EU Commission will examine whether bio-based plastics may replace recycled material quotas on a pro rata basis. However, the prerequisite is that:
- there are no approved recycling technologies (except PET in food contact), or
- recyclates are not available in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices.
One possible model would be a conversion factor, e.g. 2 tons of bio-based plastic replace 1 ton of PCR.
What does this mean for companies?
Manufacturers, system suppliers and co-packing service providers must:
- Check material flows
- Optimize packaging design (“Design for Recycling”)
- Ensure PCR qualities
- Creating traceability and documentation
FEURER supports you in implementing the PPWR
As an experienced partner in the automotive and co-packing environment, we support our customers from the analysis of material alternatives through to the production-ready solution.
We offer:
- Recyclable packaging concepts
- PPWR-compliant container systems
- Use of post-consumer recyclates
- Documentation & verification systems
Together we will make your packaging PPWR-ready.
Request a PPWR check now. Contact us here .
