2030: Recycled Content in Packaging Becomes Mandatory—A Challenge for Suppliers and OEMs.

The EU is getting serious.

Starting in 2030, plastic packaging may only be placed on the market in the EU if it contains a required percentage of recycled material. Depending on the packaging category, the minimum recycled content requirement ranges from 10% to 35%—and this percentage is set to rise. And that’s just the beginning: By 2040, the quotas are set to rise to between 25% and 65 %. These new requirements aim to strengthen the circular economy and reduce waste. For automakers and their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, this means a profound shift in packaging strategy. But what does this mean specifically for your company? And how can you start preparing for it today?

Challenge: Material Change and Reporting Requirements

For suppliers to the automotive industry, the year 2030 is now just around the corner—and with it comes a significant challenge. Much of the packaging used today for automotive components is still made of virgin plastic. In the future, it will need to contain a significantly higher proportion of recycled material, often through the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic derived from plastic waste. However, sourcing suitable recycled materials in sufficient quantities and of adequate quality is anything but trivial. In practice, this material transition raises several questions:

• Availability and Quality: Recycled plastics must first be available. As early as 2030, demand is expected to exceed the supply of high-quality recycled material. In addition, fluctuations in quality (e.g., purity, strength) can affect the performance of the packaging. However, packaging for sensitive automotive parts must continue to provide the same level of protection and precise fit as usual—despite a high proportion of recycled material.
• Technical Adaptations: New packaging designs or materials may be necessary to meet recycling rates. This can take time to develop. In particular, custom-made load carriers and special EPP containers must be adapted so that they remain stable and durable while containing a higher proportion of recycled material.
• Verification Requirements and Documentation: In addition to the technical challenge, there is also an administrative one. In the future, companies will have to provide complete proof of the percentage of recycled plastic contained in their packaging. This obligation to provide evidence requires transparency throughout the supply chain—certificates from material suppliers, documentation from packaging manufacturers, and, if necessary, random sampling. For suppliers, this means additional coordination efforts with their packaging partners.
• Legal Consequences: Anyone who fails to meet the specified quotas risks significant problems. Non-compliant packaging may no longer be used at all starting in 2030 —there is a risk of a marketing ban. For the automotive industry, this could mean—in a worst-case scenario—that components cannot be shipped because their packaging does not meet the requirements. This prospect increases the pressure to act early to avoid jeopardizing supply chains.

In short: The transition to packaging containing recycled materials is inevitable. Companies that plan proactively now will gain a competitive edge. Those who wait and see, however, could find themselves scrambling to take action in 2029—or risk something even worse. So what might the solution look like?

Solution: FEURER will help you with the transition

This is exactly where FEURER comes in. As a specialist in packaging and logistics solutions with decades of experience, we have a deep understanding of the automotive industry’s requirements. We’ve long focused on sustainable packaging —which makes us the ideal partner to help your company get ready for 2030. Specifically, we offer you:

• Custom packaging solutions with a high recycled content: Whether it’s large-volume load carriers for automotive body parts or precision-fit EPP trays for sensitive electronic components—we develop custom packaging that complies with the new EU regulations. We already use a high proportion of recycled plastics (e.g., recycled PP or PE) in many of our products today, without compromising on stability or functionality. Our FLEXILITY® load carriers, for example, combine lightweight construction and robust reusability with the highest possible recycled content and full recyclability. You benefit from packaging that is both sustainable and technically reliable.
• Technical Expertise and Testing: Our development engineers know what matters most when switching materials. We put new material blends and designs through extensive testing to ensure that your components continue to be optimally protected.
• Verification and Certification: FEURER not only provides the right packaging, but also supplies you with the necessary information for documentation upon request. For each of our packaging products, we can provide you with the exact percentage of recycled content. This gives you the necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with recycling quotas to auditors, OEMs, or regulatory agencies. This transparency builds trust in your supply chain.
• Consulting and a Joint Roadmap: We realize that 2030 is practically tomorrow when you consider development and transition times. That’s why we provide comprehensive consulting on the phased integration of recycled materials. Together, we’ll develop a roadmap: Which packaging should be prioritized for the transition? Where can recycled materials be used in the short term, and where are longer-term tests needed? With our support, you can begin the transition early and avoid bottlenecks just before the deadline.

In short: FEURER takes a large part of the burden off your shoulders. You can focus on your core business—we’ll make sure your packaging meets future requirements. From the initial concept to mass production, we’re right by your side.

Act now—we’d be happy to advise you!

2030 is just around the corner. Companies that prepare now will secure their supply chains and gain a competitive edge in sustainability. Don’t let packaging shortages slow down your production—take action early.

Here at FEURER, we’re happy to assist you personally. Contact us today contact us today to discuss your specific questions and find a customized solution.

Together, we’ll get your packaging processes ready for 2030. Take advantage of our experience in the automotive industry and our innovative approaches to sustainable packaging. We look forward to guiding you on your journey toward recyclable packaging solutions —so your company stays one step ahead of new legislation.