PPWR, Sustainability, and Adhesives
The EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR) which entered into force in February 2025, imposes stricter requirements on the recyclability of packaging materials entering the EU market. Compliance with this regulation ensures access to the EU market as all non-compliant packaging will be banned from 2030.
By changing materials now business can get ahead, keeping EU access but also expanding their sustainability efforts to improve brand reputation.
What is PPWR?
Currently lots of packaging materials cannot be recycled or make the process harder/costly. PPWR aims to reduce packaging waste, ensuring all packaging in the EU market is compostable or recyclable in existing industrial systems.
Under PPWR, all packaging needs to be designed for reuse, compostability or recycling with substantial documentation. For some categories, compostability will be mandatory (tea bags). These new rules apply to all packaging entering the EU no matter the product within, material, or origin.
PPWR also imposes stricter requirements for:
- Clear product labelling
- Packaging weight and size
- Reduction of single use plastic
- Use of recycled plastics
- Minimising substances of concern
Key Terms & Certifications Explained:
Bio based materials – materials made from natural or renewable sources like plants which replenish over time.
Biodegradable – materials which breakdown naturally overtime mainly from microorganisms breaking down polymers.
Industrial compostable – materials which will break down in controlled conditions with defined parameters.
Packaging (according to PPWR) – items intended for containment, protection, handling, delivery or presentation of a product.
EN 13432 – European standard that tests compostability in industrial conditions.
INGEDE method 12 – Standard for determining recyclability of paper products containing adhesives.
ASTM D6400 – US standard for labelling plastics confirming performance in industrial composting
ASTM D6954 – Testing plastics for biodegradability.
What does PPWR mean for Adhesives?
Whether tapes, hot melt, labels, or sealants, adhesives designed for packaging need to comply with PPWR. Under EN 13432 any packaging component that makes up more than 1% the total weight must be compostable and non-compostable components cannot exceed 5%. That means, even if the adhesive makes up less than 1%, it contributes to the 5%, and if it is non-compostable, it can contribute to the invalidation of recyclability/compostability claims.
Therefore, we recommend switching to a recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging adhesive sooner rather than later.
Why act now?
Failing to comply with PPWR means:
- Restricted or blocked access to EU market
- Increased scrutiny and brand reputation risk
- Fines
- Costly redesigns
- Supply chain disruptions
Compliance responsibility falls on the product manufacturer, meaning any business shipping goods to/within the EU need to be prepared. Start by auditing materials, request the necessary documentation, test new materials, and ensure all packaging components align with intended end route (i.e. composting)
Pushing sustainability further
Compliance is required, but going further and becoming a more sustainable business has its benefits. While sustainability has its challenges, by transitioning to sustainable practices as soon as financially viable businesses can:
- Improve brand reputation
- Improve consumer trust by resourcing materials ethically
- Minimise CO2 emissions through supply chain
- Prevent stock issues from fossil-based resource limitations
Sustainable, and safer, adhesives and tapes include:
- Bio based products – reduce carbon footprint. Already used in food packaging
- Biodegradable products – contribute to a circular economy
- Products with solvent free production processes
- PLA products – 100% based on renewable sources
- PFAS free adhesives
- Plastic wrap alternatives for pallet stabilisation
- Solvent free, VOC free, and aerosol replacements for safer working environments
Product Solutions:
Power adhesives
Power Adhesives created the world’s first fully certified biodegradable hot melt adhesive, a more sustainable solution for the packaging industry. These adhesives will breakdown with no harmful effects to the environment or microplastics and are free of solvents and chemicals. The raw materials are also indirect food contact approved.
Tesa
Tesa tapes offer a wide range of adhesive tapes with sustainability certifications designed to minimise the environmental impact in the packaging industry. Their products include recyclable friendly tapes certified by INGEDE method 12, bio-based materials, and FSC certified paper backed tapes. View the tesa packaging tapes range.
3M
3M have developed their first industrial, paper backed, box sealing tape: Scotch Performance Paper Box Sealing Tape 570. This tape is made of a solvent free hot melt adhesive and backing made from FSC certified paper and helps reduce the use of single use plastic on lightweight parcel shipments. It is also recycling friendly according to INGEDE method 12.
For more information about PPWR and making your packaging adhesives more sustainable, read our Whitepaper, or contact our Technical Team for a consultation.
Read our PPWR and Biodegradable Adhesives Whitepaper
