The EU and packaging: How will the latest changes affect printers?

Sonja Angerer shares how the European Union (EU) aims to reduce packaging waste and how this will inevitably affect printers and business models.

Digital packaging printing, web2print and fulfilment models for personalised products are all examples of areas that continue to show growth in speciality printing. However, these are also areas where the specifications for packaging become more stringent which causes potential disruption.
In this article we will cover:

• Packaging recyclability                   
• Packaging for printed products for consumers and small businesses
• Personalised packaging and fulfilment

Why do we need to recycle packaging in the EU?

• Limit unnecessary packaging and promote reusable and refillable packaging solutions.
• Establishment of a high-quality, closed recycling loop.
• Reducing the demand for primary raw materials.

Recycle raw materials 

Collecting and processing packaging is important to close the raw material loop as much as possible. Today, paper and cardboard are 2 materials that are regularly recycled and consists of approximately 70% of all packaging in Germany. Single-variety secondary raw materials are necessary so that the recovered fibres can be reused numerous times for new packaging. Only by doing this can the demand for virgin fibres be reduced.

Therefore, it is necessary for key changes to be made across some packaging, such as the removal of film-wrapped and plastic-sealed carriers for consumer devices. Some producers of consumer goods have already made the necessary changes and are now utilising cardboard and paper-based packaging. Almost all printers include digital cutting tables, which can be used to design and produce sustainable paper-based packaging, this in turn creates new, lucrative market niches. 

CAPTION: Since 1st January 2023, the catering industry must also offer recycled packaging such as Recup / Rebowl. Printers may find new business with printed reusable food packaging. Photo: Recup

Packaging for end consumer and SMBs 

In the European Union, every country implements the framework on packaging differently. Therefore, printers who regularly sell abroad must obtain packaging licenses from all the relevant member countries.

Since 2019, "initial distributors" of any packaging in Germany must register in the Lucid packaging register. This applies to all packaging that is delivered to end consumers and comparable entities such as freelancers, the catering industry, or small businesses. In addition, a licence agreement must be concluded with a waste disposal system such as the Green Dot.  

The German Packaging Act's standards have once again been tightened as of 1^st July, 2022. Companies must now register with Lucid if they distribute service packaging or "pre-participating" packaging. A printing business does not need to join a disposal system if it solely utilises "pre-participated" packaging because its packaging material supplier has already done so. 

Since July 2022, online marketplaces have been instructed to only allow traders on their platforms if they can prove they register with Lucid. 
 
CAPTION: Packaging made of just one substrate, such as paper / cardboard, can easily be recycled to high quality secondary raw materials. Photo: S. Angerer

Personalised packaging and fulfilment 

The EU and packaging - a ifficult issue for printers 

The EU requirements to reduce packaging waste has created a lot of rules and regulations. The new rules that came into force in Germany in 2022 and 2023 have only increased pressure on this.

These new changes have caused problems for smaller printers, particularly if they ship all over the European Union or worldwide. However, digitally printed and personalised packaging will still remain an attractive opportunity. Along with the production and sale or resale of personalised products. Although, printers will require a highly professional administration that can quickly implement EU requirements.

Main image credit: S. Angerer / Dream.ai