The Packaging Cluster and the Packaging Innovation Cluster today held a webinar dedicated to the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), one of the regulations with the greatest impact on the packaging industry in the coming years.

The session brought together experts and companies from across the value chain to analyse the main regulatory changes, share experiences and discuss the challenges posed by adapting to a new framework that redefines the design, manufacture and marketing of packaging.

During the opening of the conference, Alberto Fernández, Head of Strategic Alliances at Ecoembes in Catalonia, presented the main implications of the new European Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR). He stressed that PPWR "is not just a new standard, but a change of model," since it shifts the focus from waste management to the entire life cycle of the container. Design, material selection, recyclability and technical conformity become decisive elements for placing on the market.

It was also explained that the regulation introduces a relevant change in the definition of the manufacturer: the legal responsibility falls on whoever markets the packaging under its brand and controls its design, regardless of who physically manufactures it. In addition, he recalled that the same economic operator may simultaneously assume different roles – as a manufacturer, producer, importer or distributor – with the specific obligations that this entails.

Another key aspect was the future Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Montse Castillo, Consultant Partner at Repaq, explained that this document can only be issued once compliance with all the requirements applicable to the packaging has been demonstrated and the technical documentation that accredits it is available. The evaluation must consider aspects such as recyclability, reuse, recycled material content, compostability, labelling or the origin of materials, among others. He also recalled that the responsibility for the declaration falls on the person who markets the packaging under his name or brand, even if the manufacture has been carried out by a third party.

Collaboration, key to adapting to PPWR

The day concluded with a round table with the participation of representatives of Klöckner Pentaplast, Rotorprint, Emsur and Termoformas, moderated by Alberto Fernández.

The speakers agreed that adaptation to PPWR requires close collaboration between all actors in the value chain.

Jordi Garriga, Senior Innovation & Technical support Manager at Klöckner Pentaplast, underlined the importance of strengthening communication between manufacturers, suppliers and customers, also calling for homogeneous criteria and sufficient infrastructures to promote large-scale recycling.

For his part, Santiago Olivares, Senior Packaging Engineer from Rotorprint, recalled that the transition requires starting the approval and validation processes of new materials as soon as possible, understanding this adaptation as a strategic investment and not as a cost.

Bárbarah Lopes, Division R&D Manager from Emsur, stressed that eco-design and the early involvement of the entire chain allow packaging to be developed that is prepared to meet the new requirements from its conception.

Finally, Exequiel Lombardo, Procurement Director from Termoformas, highlighted the joint work that the sector is already doing and the need to maintain a long-term vision to face the transformation proposed by the regulation.

In conclusion, the conference showed that compliance with the PPWR will require not only adapting packaging, but also strengthening coordination between companies, having unified information and regulatory clarification and anticipating design and innovation decisions to be prepared for the new regulatory deadlines.

With the aim of continuing to accompany companies in their adaptation to the new regulatory framework, the Packaging Cluster has launched the training "Adaptation to the new packaging legislation: PPWR requirements and ecodesign strategies", a practical session to delve into the new obligations of the regulation and learn about the ecodesign strategies that will allow them to anticipate changes. More information and registration.