How EcoCore meets new packaging and waste regulation challenges

With the ability to make low-cost, recyclable, strong, and lightweight mouldings, EcoCore® is an ideal platform for brands and converters to create cost-effective, innovative packaging that meets the requirements of new regulations.

Countries worldwide are introducing new packaging and waste regulations to encourage sustainability. In Europe, for example, the European Council recently adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will now become EU law.

These regulations will require a minimum recycled content of 10% for contact-sensitive packaging not made of PET by 2030, rising to 25% by 2040.

The PPWR also emphasises avoiding “unnecessary” packaging. From 2030, manufacturers and importers must ensure that the packaging they place on the market “is designed so that its weight and volume is reduced to the minimum necessary for ensuring its functionality.”

Single-use plastic packaging will also be banned for food and beverages consumed on-site in restaurants, hotels, bars etc. Within three years, larger food service providers must also offer consumers refill and reuse alternatives at no extra cost.

The key ways that EcoCore is helping brands and converters meet new regulatory challenges

How EcoCore meets new packaging and waste regulation challenges

1. Reuse transition — EcoCore makes it easy for businesses to move to reuse while minimising costs. The innovative foamtech can be used for everything from robust mouldings optimised for reuse systems (e.g. reusable cup schemes) to ultra-lightweight convenience reusables supplied to consumers at a minimal cost (e.g. to-go containers for food).

2. Lightweighting — a common provision within new regulations is that providers must ensure that the weight and volume of packaging are reduced to the minimum necessary for the performance required. With the ability to make lightweight but strong mouldings EcoCore can help FMCG and food service brands reduce the amount of plastic they use in packaging by up to 50%.

3. Recyclability — new regulations often require that packaging is easy to recycle and includes recyclate. EcoCore has been tested with recycled polyproylene from Borealis, who provide a wide range of chemically and mechanically recovered resins. EcoCore mouldings are also made from polypropylene (PP #5 ) which is widely recycled to ensure that all packaging has the best chance of being sorted correctly and the plastic reused.