David Griffin, VP global sales and products at Selig Group, discusses the bottlenecks, shifting sustainable packaging strategies, redesign challenges, and liner innovations that are helping deliver change
SINCE the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into force this summer, a range of bottlenecks have occurred.
A case in point: no packaging can legally be placed on the EU market without a Declaration of Conformity (DoC). This DoC is backed by a verified technical file and here’s the challenge; gathering the required precise composition data from material suppliers, recyclability ratings, etc, is time consuming and – according to packaging association Elipso – a variety of brand owner/packaging supplier liability clashes and delays have already been seen.
The immediate ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) forever chemicals in food-contact packaging has also caused a testing backlog. Add to this the country-by-country and data tracking approach needed to navigate the fragmentation of the Extended Producer Responsibility infrastructure, and it is no surprise that bottlenecks are being seen in achieving PPWR packaging compliance.
Shifting sustainable packaging strategies
Alongside the disruptions associated with navigating PPWR compliance, other geopolitical pressures and consumer demands are driving change in sustainable packaging strategies.
In Scotland, the main emphasis is on the Circular Economy Strategy, EPR fee modulations, and tracking for compliance to Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) requirements.
In Europe, sustainability is becoming a central strategic priority again, although the approach has altered. Rather than brand owners seeing it as a standalone issue, sustainability is now being embedded in broader decisions to do with design, resilience, usability, regulatory preparation and scalable execution.
Redesign challenges
So, what does all this mean for packaging redesign? In short, greater adaptability is needed as regulations evolve and infrastructure shifts towards more recyclable packaging. Also, hard-to-recycle materials, such as complex laminates and mixed plastics, are increasingly in the spotlight.
As a result, producers are having to ensure their products are packaged in simpler materials, less packaging, incorporating reusable systems where possible and using materials with proof-backed sustainable credentials.
PPWR targets are driving material switching and system redesign, next-gen material investment, and a move towards mono-material packaging and exploration of paperisation and compostable and fibre-based packaging.
Whatever strategies are being pursued, most producers are in transition phases that are requiring major system overhauls, rather than packaging tweaks.
The impact minor components can have on PPWR compliance
Although the focus has rightly been on major components when it comes to PPWR compliance, minor components, such as liners, have a part to play too, particularly in helping to achieve a clean recycling stream.
They can also promote lightweighted containers whilst supporting container durability in transport and on-shelf.
Here’s how Selig is helping customers to meet their PPWR and other sustainability targets.
A foil-free induction liner
Following three years of innovation, Selig has just announced the world’s first foil-free induction liner with PET containers. It delivers all the freshness, leak prevention and lightweighting benefits that customers have long come to expect from Selig’s liners, but its absence of foil means it is foil free.
Helping to support mono-material design strategies and sustainable packaging ambitions, this clean peel liner is also suitable for PP and PE continuous thread closures and is being trialled with PE containers and dispensing and child-resistant closures.
PFAS NIA (Not Intentional Added) liners
With PPWR food-contact packaging PFAS restrictions in place, raw material sourcing is key to compliance. Ensuring complete PFAS absence can be challenging due to such factors as environmental contamination and supply chain complexities, and so many packaging suppliers are aiming for PFAS NIA (Not Intentionally Added).
However, to be able to deliver PFAS NIA products requires careful collaboration with all raw materials providers and that is why Selig has been working closely with suppliers to ensure many of the company’s products, such as the popular Lift ‘n’ Peel, remain PFAS NIA.
Increasing PCR content
Also, although a minor component, liners can also contribute PCR content to the overall packaging. For example, Selig’s foam-based PCR liners use up to 15% PCR, based on the total weight of the liner and the PCR induction heat seal liner uses heat seal film that is comprised of 70% PCR and a PET film with 90% PCR and meets the latest FDA and EU food contact requirements.
The functionality of PCR content liners remains the same as traditional liners and so there should be no process changes required by producers to make the switch on production lines.
So, with the PPWR keeping packaging producers busy across Scotland, Europe and beyond, how are you approaching compliance?
