The PPWR introduces mandatory minimum recycled content thresholds for plastic packaging placed on the EU market. This guide covers the thresholds by packaging category, calculation methodology, verification requirements, and supply chain sourcing strategies.
Recycled Content Thresholds
| Packaging Category | 2030 Threshold | 2040 Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Contact-sensitive plastic (food, pharmaceutical, medical) | 10% | 25% |
| SUP PET beverage bottles (<3L) | 30% | 65% |
| SUP other plastic beverage bottles (<3L) | 30% | 60% |
| All other plastic packaging | 30% | 50% |
Calculation Methodology
Recycled content must be calculated as a percentage of the total weight of the packaging. Two calculation methods are permitted: physical segregation (recycled material is physically separated from virgin material throughout the supply chain) and mass balance (volumes of recycled material are tracked through the supply chain, but physical material may be commingled). The mass balance method requires third-party certification.
Verification Requirements
Recycled content declarations must be verified by an accredited third-party certification body. Accepted certification schemes include: RecyClass (Plastics Recyclers Europe); ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification); REDcert² (for post-consumer recycled content); and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) / Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
Supply Chain Sourcing
Meeting the 2030 recycled content thresholds requires significant changes to plastic packaging supply chains. Key sourcing strategies include: direct procurement of post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin from recyclers; tolling arrangements with recyclers to convert collected plastic waste into PCR resin; participation in plastic credit or mass balance schemes; and investment in mechanical or chemical recycling capacity.