SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING LIFECYCLE
Schubert GmbH for regulatory and technical issues relating to sustainable consumer goods packaging, he believes that all parties involved have a duty to collaborate on recycling as much as possible, including recyclers, packaging material manufacturers, and machinery manufacturers. Otherwise, according to Graf, the ambitious goals of the now legally binding EU Packaging and Packaging Waste regulation cannot be met. “Achieving full recyclability of all packaging on the EU internal market by 2030 is a tight deadline that requires immediate action. The sooner a recycler can introduce a product into the recycling stream, the more efficiently they can recycle it.”
am, the mor
In future, seamless communication willunication will be integrated directly into the product to make it easier to identify its packaging materials. The EU intends to introduce a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for various consumer goods, which will give consumers,
he product to its p
aging to intr
and public authorities access to reliable data on the composition, origin and processability of materials. From 2027, this, this key element of EU circular transparency will be mandatory for the first product groups.
recyclers, manufacturers ss
rt (DPP) fo which will giv manuf
eliable
n, origin and F
r tr
information could simplify and speed up manual plastic s rting thanks to improved material recognition.
From the printer t the p
This product information, usually in the form of QR c the packaging s
printer to the packaging uct information
recycled without an option is to print the c onto the packaging r than sticking them on. Traditional labels arl labels are viewed critically fritically from a PPWR per unless they ar
monomaterials and ar therefore easy to re ycle r
ti t h l
QR codes, must be applied to ging so that it can be r
n, usually in the t
an be read and
without any problems. One print the codes directly packaging rather king them on.
ectly Sustainable Sustainable
perspective, y are made of rials and are sy to recycle..
“There are many approaches
that can be used fused for PPWR-compliant marking, all of which cof which can be implemented using printing technologies,” highlights Stefan Horvath, Product Manager at Gerhard Schubert GmbH’s Packaging Competence Centre. In particular, QR or 2D barcodes on packaging are likely to play a greater role in the future, as the PPWR calls for transparency in packaging material recycling. This also includes the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
i The more information a code contains,
the more space it takes up on the packaging, which may require a bespoke design. The choice of printing technology is also important: some methods are gentler than others, which is an important consideration
product protection is a mat er of
oduct pr is a matter of cooper cooperation between
recycling companies, packaging material and packaging machineryaging machinery manufacturer
However, even with an ink-based
process, razor-sharp markings can be achieved, including on transparent packaging materials: UV-curing ink enables high printing speeds and delivers excellent print quality, again without compromising the integrity of the packaging material. On the other hand, continuous inkjet printing is much less expensive, both in terms of purchase price and ongoing operation. With CIJ, ink is applied through small nozzles in the print head onto absorbent substrates such as paper or cardboard. The technology has even proven itself on smooth surfaces such as films,
acturers
For recyclers, this advance on could simplify astic so ting thank ec
e fir t product this adv
provided that a solvent is added to the ink beforehand to make it adhere more easily.
ent ore Manag e it a
Managing ESRS guidelines Howeverver,,
ging ESRS guide packagackaging machinery
manufacturers have another important role to play alongs integrati possess e and the
possess extensive kno and the ‘
and the ‘design for rec set out b Regula
ation of printing systems. They ensive knowledge of materials e design for recycling’ requirements set out y the PPWR and the EU Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR), which focus on circularit Th y ca
o play alongside technological a on o printi
cular y and minimising material mix. They can pass this knowledge on directly to cons
to consumer goods manufacturers. Manuf
there o materia function
te ts on withthe
Manu acturers such as Schubert therefore assist in selecting suitable erials and ensure that packaging is functional and recyclable. To this end, they offer the opportunity to carry out tests on their own equipment to verify the com the compatibility of recyclable materials with their machines in practice. Working alongside consumer goods manufacturers, they determine how new packaging concepts
can be implemented on
production lines, covering everything from material selection to sealing, cartoning, and printing technology.
It is also important to involve brand managers. New materials can alter the look and feel of packaging and thus affect the identity of the packaging and the brand. To ensure that sustainable packaging design meets environmental requirements and brand expectations, technology, certification and brand strategy must work together.
APRIL 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 63
packaging designs
Material-saving cavity trays are among the eco-friendly packaging signs
s are among the o-friendly
in the food industry where any damage to the packaging can affect the quality of the products. “In terms of quality and efficiency, laser- based systems offer a clear advantage because they work faster and cover larger areas,” says Horvath. Laser processes enable printed packaging materials to be marked gently, thereby preserving their barrier properties. UV lasers, for example, cause a colour change in existing pigments within the packaging material, which produces the necessary contrast for legible lettering. Unlike CO or fibre lasers, the energy in UV lasers has a photochemical effect. UV lasers can process even thin films, paper or composite materials without melting or burning them.
energy in UV las en thin aper or compo melting or burning them. erials without
THE EU INTENDS TO INTRODUCE A DIGITAL
PRODUCT PASSPORT (DPP) FOR VARIOUS CONSUMER GOODS, WHICH WILL GIVE CONSUMERS, RECYCLERS, MANUFACTURERS AND
PUBLIC AUTHORITIES ACCESS RELIABLE D
TO RELIABLE DATA ON THE COMPOSITION
AND PROCESSABILITY OF MATERIA
SITION, ORIGIN, AB
MATERIALS
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