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PACKAGING DESIGN
FOR RECYCLING
A GLOBAL
RECOMMENDATION FOR
CIRCULAR PACKAGING DESIGN
PACKAGING DESIGN
FOR RECYCLING
A GLOBAL RECOMMENDATION FOR
'CIRCULAR PACKAGING DESIGN'
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, or stored in any
computerized retrieval system, without the written permission of the copyright owner.
© GS1 Austria GmbH/ECR Austria, 2020 Brahmsplatz 3, 1040 Vienna
CONCEPTION AND TEXT

University of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien
Section Packaging and Resource Management
Helmut-Qualtinger-Gasse 2 / Stair 2 / 5th floor, 1030 Vienna
Contact: Dr.in Silvia Apprich
[email protected]
Contact: Marina Kreuzinger
[email protected]
Circular Analytics TK GmbH

Otto-Bauer-Gasse 3 / 13, 1060 Vienna
Contact: Dr. Manfred Tacker
[email protected]
Contact: Dr. Ernst Krottendorfer
[email protected]
Authors: Ulla Gürlich, Veronika Kladnik
CONTENT-RELATED INPUT
Participants of ECR Austria Workinggroup 'Circular Packaging Design'
GRAPHIC REALISATION
www.0916.at
COVER
© ECR Austria
This global recommendation is based on the work of the ECR Austria Circular Packa-
ging Initiative, that has been put in place by ECR Austria in collaboration with University
of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien.
WORKING GROUP CIRCULAR PACKAGING 3

FOREWORD
Declan Carolan Birgit Schröder

Co-Chairs, ECR Community
ECR Community is delighted to support the publi- ding, makes it easy to read and understand for all
cation of these global recommendations for circular senior executives. Getting buy in from across the
packaging design for recycling. This publication aims business and from those in your supply chain is es-
to promote knowledge development within the retail sential when making such changes.
and CPG sector as companies transition to new pa- ECR Community is well positioned to disseminate this
ckaging designs that help to minimise their environ- publication globally to its members. We are a global
mental impact, while ensuring packaging remains fit association for all ECR National organisations in the
for purpose and continues to look good. Retail & Consumer Product Group sector. As a not
We recognise both the challenges and opportunities for profit, we provide a neutral platform to develop
that the transition to a circular economy will and share best practices among our network of ECR
bring and understand that circular packaging and Nationals and their members. A key focus area for
supporting recycling systems are a crucial step in this us is the circular economy, given the impact that this
process. The EU's 'Circular Economy Package' will transition will have on retailers and manufacturers
significantly disrupt the packaging landscape and over the coming years.
it is critical that retailers and manufacturers remain These global guidelines build on two years of work
ahead of the curve, especially for those operating in by ECR Austria, FH Campus Wien and its partners
multiple markets. to publish the ECR Austria 'Packaging Design for Re-
As retailers and manufacturers start to publicly com- cycling' and 'Sustainability Assessment of Packa-
mit to significantly reducing their plastic packaging ging'. We now call on our ECR Nationals to dissemi-
over the coming years, these recommendations nate these Recommendations to their members.
should help to guide the conversation. The use of a
straightforward traffic light system with colour co-
4 FOREWORD
FOREWORD
Nerida Kelton Johannes Bergmair

WPO Vice President – WPO General Secretary
Sustainability & Save Food
The World is facing enormous challenges. Principal The World Packaging Organisation is a non-profit,
amongst these are climate change, environmental non-governmental, international federation of natio-
destruction, scarce resources, globalisation, population nal packaging institutes and associations, regional
growth as well as demographic change. packaging federations and other interested parties
One of the commonly recognized ways for human including corporations and trade associations.
societies to adapt to these challenges is moving from a Founded 1968 in Tokyo by visionary leaders from the
linear to a circular economy. Today we are consuming global packaging community, the purpose of the or-
raw materials more than the world is able to produce. ganisation includes:
Renewable raw materials would last for less than 6
Encourage the development of packaging
months every year if we would limit consumption to technology, science, access and engineering;
the annual growth. In order to ensure that the world Contribute to the development of international
remains sustainable for the future human generations trade; and
we have no other alternative but to learn to live in Stimulate education and training in packaging.
a circular economy. For this reason, WPO aims at
highlighting the issue of a circular economy and the Some months ago, when the WPO had the idea to
role(s) of packaging within it. develop an international Circular Packaging Design
Guideline the project seemed an impossible pipe
'Better Quality of Life, Through Better Packaging, dream. As we proudly release the first component
For More People' of this guideline to the world, we have shown that a
dream can become a reality. This resource was simply
This is our vision at WPO World Packaging Organisa- not possible without our wonderful collaborative
tion. We know that Packaging is an indispensable tool partners who worked alongside the WPO at every
for every society on the planet. There is no culture on stage of the project. The WPO sees this new resource
earth that can do without packaging. But too often, as the first step to developing a consistent global
packaging is viewed by many as a problem. Our goal notion of Circular Design Thinking for materials and
is to educate people, through our membership, ab- Packaging. The next step is to encourage all of our
out the important and valuable aspects of packaging. 53 Member countries to not only use the tool but
The world cannot do without packaging, but we must also work with the WPO to develop more localised
learn to make packaging even more effective; and we versions that suit their countries and regions. This is
must educate people everywhere to respect the pur- the only way to provide better quality of life, through
pose of packaging and to incorporate this tool into the better packaging, for more people globally.
process of building an ever more sustainable society.
FOREWORD 5
DISCLAIMER
The information in this guide is based on the Circular collection, sorting and recycling technology, as well
Packaging Design Guideline of the FH Campus Wien as to future material developments. The changes
and has been adapted to match. The FH Campus Wien are coordinated and continuously developed in the
guideline is available to participating stakeholders 'Circular Packaging' stakeholder forum.
along the entire value chain as a technically sound
framework for packaging development. The ECR Guideline for Recyclable Packaging Design
aims to prepare the contents of the Circular Packaging
The team behind the Department of Packaging and Design Guideline for a broader target group in a
Resource Management at the University of Applied practice-oriented way and focuses on the packaging
Sciences FH Campus Wien conducts research in the system. A clear data basis (e.g. technical specification)
areas of sustainable packaging development and is a prerequisite for the specific evaluation of individual
circular design, as well as methods for assessing the packaging solutions. An assessment can, therefore,
sustainability and safety of packaging. The guideline only be made on a case-by-case basis.
is continuously updated and adapted to changes in
Innovations and continuous updating

This text should not be seen as an obstacle to must, in each case, be analysed separately. Changes in
innovation (e.g. bio-based materials, new barrier collection, sorting and recycling technology, as well as
technologies or developments in sorting and recycling all future material developments, will be followed up
technology, etc.), given that new technologies can as the FH Campus Wien Circular Packaging Design
lead to an improvement in ecological performance and Guideline continues to evolve.
Product-specific requirements
These guidelines can be applied to products from recyclate for the production of new packaging, there
the Food, Near-Food and Non-Food segments. The are different requirements for the Food, Near-Food
packaging for the different segments usually does and Non-Food sectors that are rooted in law.
not differ from a technical perspective with regard The Guideline is, therefore, applicable to all primary,
to the recyclable packaging design. Only the requi- secondary and tertiary packaging, as well as food,
rements for barrier and sealing techniques in use will near-food and non-food packaging, provided that
vary, but these are listed in the tables and can be product-specific regulations of the packaging sys-
applied if necessary. It should be noted that, in re- tem are observed.
lation to the use of secondary materials and plastic
6 DISCLAIMER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION - SUSTAINABILITY AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY 7
1.1 Statutory framework of the Circular Economy 7
1.2 Definitions of terms 9
1.2.1 Recycling rate 9
1.2.2 Recyclability 9
1.2.3 Sorting capability 9
1.2.4 Use of recycled material 9
2. INTRODUCTION — RECYCLABLE PACKAGING DESIGN 10

2.1 Recycling processes at a glance 10
2.1.1 Plastics recycling 10
2.1.3 Glass recycling 12
2.1.4 Metal recycling 13
2.2 General information and recommendations 14
2.3 Material-specific recommendations 15
2.3.1 Plastic 15
2.3.2 Paper / cardboard / carton 15
2.3.3 Glass 16
2.3.4 Tinplate 16
2.3.5 Aluminium 16
2.4 Alternative materials and material compounds 17
2.4.1 Rare plastics 17
2.4.2 Compostable plastics 17
2.4.3 Special fibres with paper / cardboard / carton 17
2.4.4 Composite materials with plastic content 17
3. DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES 18

3.1 Bottles 19
3.1.1 PET 19
3.1.2 PE 21
3.1.3 PP 24
3.1.4 Glass 25
3.2 Trays and cups 27
3.2.1 PE 27
3.2.2 PP 29
3.2.3 Paper/ cardboard / carton 31
3.2.4 Glass 33
3.2.5 Aluminium 34
3.2.6 Tinplate 35
3.3 Flexible packaging 36
3.3.1 Aluminium 36
3.3.2 PE 37
3.3.3 PP 39
3.3.4 Paper 41
3.4 Tubes 42
3.4.1 Aluminium 42
3.4.2 PE 43
3.4.3 PP 45
3.5 Cans 47
3.5.1 Aluminium 47
3.5.2 Tinplate 48
3.6 Folding boxes 49
3.7 Composite beverage carton 51
4. DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES (UNDER DEVELOPMENT) 52
4.1 Paper cans/round tins 52
4.2 Buckets and tubs 53
4.3 Canisters 53
4.4 Blister 54
4.5 PET trays 54
4.6 PET films 55
4.7 Nets 55
4.8 Plastic folding boxes 56
4.9 Wood packaging 56
4.10 Fibre form 57
4.11 Bag-In-Box 57
5. NOTES/GLOSSARY 58
TABLE OF CONTENTS 7
1. INTRODUCTION –
SUSTAINABILITY AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
A holistic view of packaging is essential for sus-
When optimising packaging, contradictions
tainable product development. The holistic ap-
between individual requirements often lead
proach to packaging design includes: to conflicting goals. The core objectives in su-
stainable packaging development are to de-
liver on a Circular Economy and the reduction
Environmental sustainability: in the sources of ecological impact on the en-
Product Protection vironment. Contradictions in these areas arise,
for example, in the use of flexible packaging
Circularity
solutions, which are often complex to recycle,
Environment
or rigid packaging solutions which usually have
a higher ecological impact than flexible packa-
Other aspects:
ging. Design for recycling is part of circular pro-
Technical feasibility
duct design and represents an important basis
Processability through packaging for holistic sustainability assessment.
equipment and processes
User-friendliness for consumers
Information to consumers
1.1 Legal framework conditions for the

Circular Economy
Packaging fulfils a variety of essential tasks. urgent, as the European Union is demanding a
From protection, storage and transport functi- reduction in the use of resources, the reusing
ons to aspects such as easier use and the proof products and packaging and significantly
vision of product information. These services higher Material recycling quotas as part of the
contribute significantly to sustainability, becau- EU Circular Economy Package, and is pushing
se without packaging, sensitive products can be the use of recycled material as a secondary raw
damaged or food losses can occur. In addition, material.
the production of the packaged goods in many
cases has a significantly higher environmental The Circular Economy Package in the EU that
impact than the production of the packaging entered into force in July 2018 includes provi-
itself. Therefore, product protection and the sions for enhancing circular approaches to raw
avoidance of product losses due to premature materials at the European level. In 2018, the pa-
spoilage or the insufficient emptying ability of ckage of measures led to amendments to the
the packaging should be given high priority. EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directives
(94/62/EC) in combination with the Landfill Di-
Even though packaging can contribute to a rective (1999/31/EC) and the overarching Was-
sustainable economy, as a consumer good, its te Framework Directive(2008/98/EC). The Pa-
public reputation tends to be negative. In addi- ckage also includes a specific paper on plastics
tion, problems such as littering, the generation A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular
of emissions and the consumption of resources Economy, in short EU Plastics Strategy). The
are in the spotlight. In recent years, a growing focus is on increasing the recycling rates of all
demand for greater sustainability in packaging packaging materials and expanding the exten-
design has definitely been apparent. ded producer responsibility, as well as restric-
ting the marketing of individual plastic articles.
Sustainable packaging offers maximum func- Producers of plastic packaging, in particular, are
tionality with the best possible product pro- facing important challenges, given that manda-
tection, it causes minimal ecological damage tory recycling rates will be raised from the cur-
and is as circular as possible. The circularity of rent level of 26% to 55% by 2030 (2018/852/
packaging, in particular, is becoming ever more EC amending Directive 94/62/EC). The new
8 INTRODUCTION
Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904/EC) 2024 (in accordance with Article 6), beverage
also contains regulations on single-use products containers of up to three litres made wholly
made entirely (or partly) of plastic. The directive (or partly) of plastic may only be placed on the
prohibits, for example, the use of drinking market if the closures or lids on the packaging
straws, cotton buds, oxo-degradable plastic and remain attached to the container for the duration
disposable cutlery and promotes the reduction of the intended use. Takeaway packaging made
of beverage cups. In addition, Article 9 of the of EPS is completely banned. The basis for
directive prescribes the separate collection of these measures is the waste hierarchy, which is
beverage bottles up to three litres (including described in the following text.
their closures) with a quota of 77 % (by 2025)
and 90 % (by 2029). Similarly, from 3 July
Circularity
Design for recycling is part of circular product be reused to a large extent as secondary raw
design and represents an important basis for materials after the use phase (recycling) and/or
holistic sustainability assessment. Accordingly, consist of renewable raw materials.
circularity means that the packaging is desig-
ned in such a way that the highest possible re- However, according to the waste hierarchy,
cycling of the materials in use can be achieved. which pursues the goal of resource conserva-
The goals here are resource conservation, the tion, the avoidance of packaging waste should
longest possible service life, material-identical be given top priority. This is followed by measu-
recycling (closed-loop recycling) or the use of res for reuse and a recyclable packaging design.
renewable materials. Circular packaging should The following illustration shows the measures
therefore be designed and manufactured in that should be applied, above all, to the design
such a way that it can be reused (reusable so- of circulatory packaging systems.
lution) and/or that the raw materials used can
1. Reduce
Reducing the use of materials to avoid the generation
of packaging waste.
2. Reuse
Enabling the reuse of the packaging material used, for example,
after cleaning.
3. Recycle
Design of packaging to enable high quality recycling.
Nevertheless, the option that offers the best chosen. In this assessment, many factors – as
environmental performance over the entire well as regionally specific recycling structures –
life cycle of the packaging should always be must be taken into account.
INTRODUCTION 9
1.2 Definitions of terms
The following chapter defines basic terms that are used in the context of circular product design.
1.2.1 Recycling rate

According to Directive 2018/852/EC amending made at the point where the packaging waste
Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging enters the recycling process. This means that it
waste (Article 1) of the European Commission, is the quantity that has already passed through
the weight of packaging waste generated and the material-specific sorting process. Losses
recycled in a given calendar year in relation from pre-treatment steps were taken into
to the quantity introduced to the market is account. In the case of plastics, for example, this
used to calculate the recycling rate. The actual includes the material that is fed directly into the
determination of the weight of packaging waste extruder for remelting.
counted as recycled should, in principle, be
1.2.2 Recyclability
Products must meet the following criteria to technology. The resulting secondary raw ma-
be recyclable: The material used is collected by terials harbour significant market potential, which
country-specific and region-specific collection can be used as substitutes for material-identical
systems and can be sorted using the latest tech- new materials. Recyclability is, therefore, to be
nological standards. Furthermore, it is recycled distinguished from the actual recycling rate.
in a recycling process that uses state-of-the-art
1.2.3 Sorting capability

Sortability is a basic requirement for recyclability. (e.g. material recognition by a specific near-
It must be ensured that material-specific, state- infrared spectrum) and, on the other hand, on the
of-the-art sorting techniques can be used. The sortability of the packaging itself (e.g. ejection by
sorting capability depends, on the one hand, means of compressed air).
on the detectability and correct identification
1.2.4 Use of recycled material

DIN EN ISO 14021 defines recycled material holds, commercial and industrial establishments
before and after use as follows: Pre-consumer or institutes (which are the final consumers of
material is material that is separated from the the product) that can no longer be used for the
waste stream during the manufacturing pro- intended purpose. It includes material recycled
cess. It does not include the reuse of materials from the supply chain (also known as PCR, post-
from post-processing, regrinding or scrap that consumer recycled or PCW, post-consumer
is generated in the course of a technical process waste). When discussing packaging with recyc-
and can be reused in the same process (also led material content, the use of post-consumer
known as PIR, post-industrial recycled content). material applies.
Postconsumer material is material from house-
10 INTRODUCTION
2. INTRODUCTION –
RECYCLABLE PACKAGING DESIGN
In order to be able to apply recyclable packaging design, a certain fundamental knowledge of sorting
and recycling processes is necessary. Packaging must, therefore, be suitable for state-of-the-art sorting
and recycling processes in addition to its basic functions (e.g. storage, transport, product protection,
product presentation and convenience).
2.1 Recycling processes at a glance

The following is an overview of the current recycling processes for packaging materials.
2.1.1 Plastics recycling

The term 'material-' or 'mechanical' recycling re- raw material recycling), the polymer is chemi-
fers to a mechanical treatment process in which cally degraded into low molecular weight com-
the basic chemical structure of the polymer is pounds, purified and then polymerised again.
preserved. The plastic waste is sorted, subjected The umbrella term 'material recycling' combines
to intensive physical cleaning to remove poten- both mechanical and raw material recycling. The
tial impurities, shredded and then remelted or mechanical recycling process for plastic packa-
compounded into new material. By contrast, ging can include the following steps for rigid pa-
with chemical recycling (also called tertiary or ckaging systems:
1
In the first step, plastic packaging
is collected separately via the
yellow bin or the yellow bag. Then
6 the waste is further separated by
shape, density, size, colour and
The resulting granu- chemical composition
late can now be used and subsequently sorted.
as a raw material for
renewed the produc-
tion of plastic articles,
either completely or
as an addition to the 2
primary fraction.
Afterwards, the sorted
waste, which is now
available in separate
fractions, is pressed
into bales to facilitate
further transport from
the sorting plant to the
recycling plant.
3
5 The next step is a washing process
to remove organic residues from the
food packaging. These can interfere
To convert the flakes into proces- with the remaining process.
sable plastic granulate (recyclate),
they are compounded, i.e. remelted
in extruders. Additives can be mixed
4
in here, while unwanted components
can also be removed.
The material is ground for further processing and to a
uniform size – so-called 'flakes'. Subsequently, further
fine sorting can be carried out using the sink-float tank
process for the separation of PET materials
with a density below 1 g/cm3).
RECYCLING PROCESSES 11
The most important process for the subsequent is printed over the entire surface and, therefore,
recycling process is the sorting technology, which the colour of the bottle (e.g. transparent) cannot
is why recyclable design primarily aims to enable be assigned. Similar problems arise from the use
a clear material classification. The following tech- of the dye Carbon black (black), which absorbs
nologies are used as standard for sorting plastic the infrared beam and thus prevents an evaluation.
types: A second important distinguishing feature is the
material-specific density. The different types of
Magnetic sorting plastic have an individual material density, which is
(for the separation of magnetic compo- also used for differentiation in sorting technology.
If this specific density of a plastic type is artificially
nents, e.g. ferrous metal)
changed (e.g. by adding density-changing
Eddy current separator (for sep- additives that increase the density of PP to over
arating non-conductive metals, aluminium) 1 g/cm3), the sorting process can no longer be
used in the usual form because the distinguishing
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) feature has been changed. A decisive limit is the
(material determination by means of density above or below 1 g/cm3. PET bottles,
reflection beam) therefore, usually have a density of over 1 g/3cm3,
and the closure made of HDPE and the label
After washing and shredding: Flotation
made of PP have a density of under 1 g/cm3. Due
(density-based separation of different
to this difference, sorting can be carried out very
types of plastics)
efficiently and easily using the so-called sink-float
Further processes, if necessary tank method.
Flotation (sink-float sorting) is a density-based

In plastics recycling, sorting by means of near- separation process in which crushed plastic flakes
infrared is crucial for the correct allocation of the are separated, usually with water as the flotation
material fraction of the basic packaging. If this agent. In this way, polymers with a density of
recognition is not possible, the packaging cannot less than 1 g/cm3 (e.g. PP, PE) can be separated
be assigned to the correct material stream and relatively easily from plastics with a higher density
is either incorrectly assigned or rejected. This (e.g. PET, PS, PVC, etc.).
problem occurs, for example, with full-surface
sleeves on bottles, if the sleeve material is not The following table shows the specific densities of
identical to the bottle material and/or the sleeve the most common basic packaging plastics:
PLASTICS PLASTICS
WITH A DENSITY < 1g/cm3 WITH A DENSITY > 1 g/cm3
PP PS
LLDPE PET
LDPE PVC (flexible film)
HDPE PLA
Numerous research projects on chemical recyc- scale. This is not yet the case, which is why che-
ling are currently under development. It is to be mical recycling processes are not discussed in
expected that, in the next few years, chemical this guide.
recycling processes will also be used on a large
12 RECYCLING PROCESSES
2.1.3 Glass recycling
Glass is a mixture of raw materials consisting an unlimited number of times and is thus ideally
primarily of quartz sand, soda and limestone. suited for material recycling.
Depending on the intended use and colouring,
other additives (e.g. chrome and iron oxide for Roughly speaking, the following steps can be
green colouring) can be added. Due to its high distinguished in glass recycling:
stability, glass can theoretically be melted down
4 1
The waste glass cullet is then added as a secondary
raw material and melted in the glass melting plant The first step is the collection of waste
together with primary raw materials. glass sorted by colour into white and
The use of cullet is advantageous, on the one coloured glass. The separation is
hand, due to the saving of primary raw an important basis for achieving the
materials and, on the other hand, required colour purities (white, brown,
due to the energy savings green). to be obtained, which is done
by further optical sorting.
2
This is followed by a size
reduction to the requi-
red grain sizes (approx.
20mm), which are ne-
cessary for the following
sorting and feeding of the
melting furnace..
3
Subsequently, foreign matter and impu-
rities from use are separated in various
sorting processes and further fine sor-
ting is carried out according to colour.
The main interfering substances in waste glass cullet include:
Different coloured glass and added Ceramic material (ceramics, stones, Organic substances such as food
metal oxides, which lead to unwan- porcelain) and metallic materials residues have an effect on colouring
ted discolouration. There- can lead to increased corrosion of and fining.
fore, the standard colours brown, the glass tank or unwanted
white and green are to be prefer- inclusions in the recycled glass.
red (weakened shades such as light
green can also be recycled without
any problems).
2.1.4 Metal recycling
Ferrous metal Aluminium
Tinplate, a ferrous metal coated with a protective Aluminium is used for the production of packaging
layer of tin, is mainly used for packaging. such as cans and trays, but also as a foil material for
Particularly in the case of food contact, the tinned composites. Aluminium packaging is collected in
area is additionally coated with a lacquer or plastic the sorting process with the help of eddy current
layer to prevent tin ions from escaping. Due to their separators. The material is then pressed and can
magnetic properties, ferrous metal packaging can be remelted and further processed in aluminium
be relatively easily detected in the sorting process smelters. Like ferrous metals, aluminium can be
using magnetic separators. The iron can then be recycled very often and in a material-identical
pressed and remelted as often as desired. The manner. This saves a large amount of energy and
molten metal can then be rolled into sheets and raw materials compared to primary aluminium
processed again into trays, cans and closures. production.
The basic steps in metal recycling are shown below using the diagram:
4 1
In further processing, the cast ingots are The collection of scrap metal
then turned into sheets or foils using is usually done jointly for
a multi-stage rolling process. This ferrous metal and aluminium.
enables the reuse of the raw materials
extracted.
3 2
In reprocessing, the ferrous This is followed by separation into ferrous
metal or aluminium is melted metals and non-ferrous metals (aluminium)
down with any admixtures to using magnetic separators or eddy current
maintain the product quality separators, as well as the further fine
and cast into ingots. sorting of non-ferrous metals and some
manual re-sorting. Alternatively, separa-
tion can also take place after the previous
shredding process (shredding of the
collected packages). The various
metals are then also sorted out.
14 RECYCLING PROCESSES
2.2 General information and recommendations
The ready-for-sale packaging should be desig- ving the decoration. If the active participation of
ned with sustainability criteria in mind, so that the final consumer is foreseen or assumed (e.g.
collection and sorting – as well as recycling – are when separating a cardboard wrap from a plastic
made possible to a high degree. cup), the correct separation and disposal of the
In order to ensure the recyclability of packaging, components must be proven and documented
various recommendations apply, which differ by way of empirical surveys (e.g. case study).
depending on the type of packaging and mate- The following general information and recom-
rial. In addition, it is crucial which part potential mendations for a recyclable design refer to es-
consumers play in this context. In principle, the sential design criteria depending on the mate-
'correct' separation of components should not rial used, its additives, the decorative elements,
be made dependent on end users (consumers), other components and closure systems, as well
as their behaviour cannot be directly influenced. as their suitability for state-of-the-art sorting
If this is not possible, measures should be taken processes and mechanical recycling processes.
to make it as easy as possible for the end con- Based on these recommendations, decisions for
sumer to separate the products correctly, such a recyclable product design can also be made
as clearly legible information on the packaging independently of specific packaging types. The
and clear labelling of the material type, as well recommendations serve as an overarching guide
as visible and easy-to-use perforations for remo- for the reader.
Preferred finishes:
Optimally reusable packaging (returnable) with recyclable design.

Greatest possible reduction in the use of packaging materials (without negatively
affecting product protection).
Use of recycled materials/recyclates where possible.
Push mono-materials, use material combinations that are recyclable. Economical
colouring.
EuPIA-compliant printing inks and coatings.
Use adhesives that do not have a negative impact on sorting and recycling processes.
Winding aids/closures should be firmly attached to the packaging to avoid the
creation of small parts.
If possible, laser engraving for best-before date and batch numbers.
The packaging should be designed in such a way that residual emptying is as
effective as possible.
In the sense of 'design for recycling', packaging should be designed in such a way
that, in the event of a necessary separation of individual packaging components the
participation of the final consumer is not necessary for the disposal.1
The following should be avoided:
Rare materials that are not recyclable and / only exist in small quantities on
the market.
Additives that lead to quality problems in the recyclate during recycling processes
(e.g. due to potentially contaminating degradation products).
In addition, dyes based on Carbon black can lead to misclassification of the material
or rejection during NIR detection in the plastic sorting process
(however, NIR-detectable black and dark dyes are already on the market).
2.3 Material-specific recommendations
The variety of packaging materials available on which are described in detail in the following
the market today makes it possible to optimal- sections. The recommendations listed here are
ly match the material to the product and thus to be seen as generally valid material-specific
guarantee the best possible product protection. recommendations that also provide guidance
Within these material categories, there is a mul- for packaging types that are not explicitly de-
titude of different designs and packaging types, scribed in this document
2.3.1 Plastics
Use materials that are as widely available as possible (PP, PE, PET).
Recyclable material combinations (ideally mono-materials).
The surface area of the base material should, at best, be covered to a
max. 50 %2 with the sleeve/label/banderole.
Easy mechanical separability of the individual components in the
sorting process.
If possible, use transparent materials.
As few additives as possible.
Adhesives recyclable or washable under certain conditions.
No barrier layers, but if necessary: carbon plasma coating3,
SiOx- or Al2O3 barrier.
Avoid small parts that can be separated by the last consumer (Littering).
Non-recyclable material composites (see specific design recommendations).
Density-changing additives (for example, density-increasing additives in PE
and PP packaging lead to problems in sorting).
Use of Carbon black -based inks
2.3.2 Paper/ Carton

he fibres for the production come from coniferous and deciduous trees
T
in the best case.
If possible without coating, if necessary -> single-sided plastic coatings
or plastic laminate (fibre content in the best case > 95 %).4
Adhesive applications that do not lead to the formation of problematic
stickies. Inks that can be removed in the de-inking process.
As little colouring as possible and minimal printing with
EuPIA-compliant colours
Plastic coatings on both sides.

Wax coatings.
Silicone paper (exception: feed to special recycling plants).
Wet-strengthened fibre components.6
Integrated windows and other plastic components which cannot
be easily separated from paper
16 MATERIAL-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
2.3.3 Glass
tandard colouring in green, brown, white (transparent)

S
or related shades.
Regular three-component packing glass
(quartz sand, soda, limestone).
Engravings and paper labels (wet-strength).
No packaging glass, such as heat-resistant glass

(e.g.: boro-silicate glass).
Lead crystal, cryolite glass.
Ceramic parts.
Full-surface, colour-coated bottles.
Full-surface sleeves.
Permanently adhesive and large-area plastic labels.
2.3.4 Tinplate
erromagnetic metals.
F
Paint coating.
Closure also made of ferromagnetic metal.
Decoration by means of embossing
or paper banderole.

Aerosol cans with hydrocarbon-based
propellants and/or residual contents.

Non-compliant colours.
2.3.5 Aluminium
on-ferrous metal parts

N
Direct printing process.
Embossing or direct printing.
Paint coating.
Closures made of aluminium
Aluminium in material composite.6

Non-compliant colours.
Aerosol cans with hydrocarbon
substance-based propellants
and/or residual content.
MATERIAL-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS 17
2.4 Alternative materials
and material connections
2.4.1 Rare plastics

As a rule, recycling can only take place in an eco- good recyclability. A recycling-friendly design of
nomically viable manner if the input material is packaging should, therefore, focus on the use of
available in large and as homogeneous quantities a few common materials. The rare materials that
as possible. For materials that are rarely found should not be used include polycarbonate (PC)
on the market, there are, therefore, often no sui- and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
table recycling streams, despite their possibly
2.4.2 Compostable plastics

The goal of compostability runs counter to the re- Within the framework of a life cycle assessment,
cycling process, as material that can be compos- the potential advantages of using compostable
ted well has often already lost its quality by the plastics can be evaluated. Oxo-degradable plas-
time it arrives in the recycling stream. tics (plastics that can decompose in the envi-
However, for products for which material recyc- ronment due to their additives) are not recom-
ling is ruled out due to assumed heavy pollution mended at all. Apart from the damage to the
or for other reasons, the use of biodegradable ma- quality of the recyclate, microplastics are produ-
terials could be recommended in the future (e.g. ced through incomplete decomposition. In addi-
coffee capsules, packaging for fresh meat, etc.). tion, the placing on the market of oxo-degradable
However, proof of industrial composting must be plastics without this is prohibited from 03 July
available and this must also be communicated to 2021 within the framework of the EU Single-Use
the end consumer. Plastics Directive (2019/904, Article 5).
2.4.3 Special fibres for paper/ cardboard / carton

Here, the effects of non-wood-based fibres (e.g.: A low input of these materials into the recovered
grass, hemp, cotton, etc.) on the recycling pro- paper stream is considered uncritical for the re-
cess have not yet been completely clarified. cycling process.
2.4.4 Composite materials with plastic content

Composite materials or multi-layer materials: Composite materials can provide a high level of
'multilayer'), materials made of two or more product protection with a reduced packaging
different materials can combine the best pro- weight, but can make recycling more difficult
perties of the respective materials. A common and even prevent it. Recyclable plastic compo-
application of composite materials is films, sites are listed on a material-specific basis in
which fulfil a high barrier function and, the- the chapter 'Design recommendations for pack-
refore, extend the shelf life of food products. aging types'.
18 MATERIAL-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
3. DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR PACKAGING TYPES
Recommendations for a recyclable packaging restrictions (such as the reduction of recyclate
design are suggested below. Detailed design quality). The criteria 'to be avoided' should ge-
recommendations can already be given for nerally be excluded, as they either prevent clear
many common types of packaging. For some sorting or lead to unwanted contamination in
other types, these are currently still under de- the recycling process. These are generally valid
velopment, which is why general recommenda- recommendations that can be applied on the
tions are available here. For a fully recyclable basis of the current data. Further details will be
design, the criteria from the 'best case' cate- worked out in cooperation with the FH Campus
gory must be selected. 'if necessary' criteria also Wien.
allow for recycling, but there are no individual
The colour coding system

The following recommendations for the design of order to ensure the most practical applicability of
recyclable packaging have been classified accor- the recommendation. The different types of pa-
ding to packaging type and packaging material in ckaging are defined as follows
BOTTLES TRAYS AND CUPS FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
TUBES CANS FOLDING BOXES
COMPOSITE BEVERAGE DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES

CARTON (UNDER DEVELOPMENT)
The main criteria

The design recommendations are given for each of three main criteria, which, in turn, summarise the
most important design features:
DECORATION CLOSURE
MATERIAL AND OTHER COMPONENTS SYSTEM
- Material and additives - Labels, banderoles and sleeves - Closures
- Barriers - Coding by the bottler - Seals, sealing foils
- Colour - Printing inks - Opening aids
- Designs
- Label adhesive
The traffic light system

Packaging types for which detailed recom-
mendations already exist are divided into three best case
categories (green, yellow, red). Design recom-
mendations for packaging types – for which a
if necessary
further level of detail is currently being worked
on – are divided into the categories green and
red. In some cases, further comments are made to be avoided
on individual design criteria, which can be found
in Chapter 5 / Glossary.
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES 19

3.1 BOTTLES CLOSURE
3.1.1 PET
MATERIAL
DECORATION
MATERIAL
Transparent mono-PET is best suited for high-quality and material-identical recycling.
If barrier requirements exist, a silicon oxide (SiOx), an aluminium oxide (Al2O3) barrier or
a carbon plasma coating (only for coloured bottles) can be used, as these do not
significantly affect the quality of the recyclate.
Pale, light, dark or opaque material can be collected or recycled, but of lower quality
than transparent material.
Additives such as UV stabilisers, optical brighteners and oxygen absorbers should only
be added if necessary.
In principle, the use of barriers should be avoided. However, PA barriers (mass fraction
<5 wt %), a multilayermaterial with PGA, PTN alloys and TPE or PO-based barriers can
be used under certain circumstances.
It is important to avoid the use of materials with a density <1 g/cm3 and density-changing
additives in the polymer, as PET sorting is based on density separation.
Barriers made of EVOH and PA (mass fraction > 5 wt. %) as well as other inserted barriers
can sometimes strongly impair the recyclate quality.
Other types of PET (e.g. PET-G) as well as a composite with other plastics such as PLA, PVC
and PS are not compatible with the PET fraction and are considered interfering materials.
Special additives such as oxygen/bio/Oxo-degradable additives, nanoparticles and a PA

additive damage the recyclate. Furthermore, the addition of oxo-degradable additives will
be banned throughout the EU from 2021 due to the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
Carbon black -based colours can prevent sorting. Metallic and fluorescent colours must be
avoided due to the contamination of the recyclate.
20 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES

DECORATION AND OTHER COMPONENTS
Direct printing on the packaging should be avoided if possible. If this is necessary, the
printing inks must at least be EuPIA-compliant and non-bleeding to avoid potential
contamination.
The batch coding and the indication of the best-before date should ideally be carried
out in the form of an embossing or laser marking.
If labels and sleeves are used, they should cover a maximum of 50% of the packaging8
and be made of a material with a density < 1g/cm3 (e.g. PP, PE) so that they can be
separated in the sorting process.
Wet-strength paper labels are preferable to conventional paper labels because no fibres
come out of them in the washing process that can contaminate the recyclate.
The batch coding and indication of the best-before date can, if necessary, also be carried
out by means of minimal direct printing with other coding systems (e.g. ink-jet), provided
that food-grade inks are used.
Extensive direct printing on the packaging is disadvantageous, as released printing inks

can impair the clarity of the recyclate or contaminate the recycling stream via released
printing inks in the wash water (potential formation of NIAS).
Large-scale decorations covering more than 50% of the packaging surface8 can impair
the sorting of the packaging.
Labels and sleeves made of a material with a density > 1 g/cm³ (e.g. PVC, OPS, PLA), PET
as well as non-wet-strength paper labels can contaminate the PET fraction.
Adhesive materials containing metal or aluminium (with a layer thickness of

> 5 µm) can lead to unwanted sorting into the metal fraction.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures are best made of PP, HDPE or other materials with a density < 1 g/cm3, as they
can be separated from PET in the recycling process.
If sealing foils are used, they must be easy to remove without leaving any residue.
Closure systems without liners are preferred. If necessary, EVA or TPE liners should
be used.
From 2024 onwards, the adhesion of the closure (according to Article 6, 2019/904/EC)
must be guaranteed for the time of intended use for beverage containers up to 3 litres.
If a sealing and other components made of silicone are necessary, they should have a
density < 1 g/cm3 to enable separation in the sorting process.
Components made of metal, aluminium-containing materials (with a layer thickness > 5 µm), du-
roplast, PS, POM and PVC are considered interfering materials, as they interfere with the sorting
and reprocessing of the material and can damage extruders and equipment, among other things.
This also applies to non-removable sealing films or silicones, glass and metal springs of
pump systems or materials with a density > 1 g/cm³.

3.1.2 PE CLOSURE
MATERIAL
DECORATION
MATERIAL
In the best case, PE bottles are as unpigmented as possible (transparent) or white and
consist of PE mono-material without a barrier.
If barrier requirements exist, a silicon oxide (SiOx), an aluminium oxide (Al2O3) barrier or a
carbon plasma coating (for coloured bottles only) can be used, as these do not
A multi-layer composite can be used if necessary, if it is made up of different PE types

(e.g. LDPE,HDPE).
Multilayer composites with small amounts of PP are recyclable.
Additives can be added if the density of the base material remains < 1 g/cm3 and thus the
density grading is not impaired.
If necessary, an EVOH barrier layer can be used, provided that applicable limit values are
complied with.10
A material compound with PS, PVC, PLA, PET and PET-G should be avoided, as this
contaminates the PE fraction.
The use of density-altering additives (e.g. talc, CaCO3) as well as foaming agents for
chemical expansion, which lead to an increase in density to ≥ 1 g/cm³, can cause problems
in sorting, as the material-specific classification is no longer possible.
Barrier layers or the composite with PVDC, PA, PE-X and EVOH10 (if applicable limits are
exceeded) represent interfering substances in the recycling of the material, as they
contaminate the recyclate.
The addition of oxo-degradable additives damages the recyclate and is banned

throughout the EU from 2021 due to the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
Dark colouring can have a negative effect on the recyclate quality.
Carbon black -based colours can prevent sorting.

If the packaging is printed directly, the printing inks must at least be EuPIA-compliant and
non-bleeding to prevent potential contamination.
Minimal printing with light or glazing colours is advantageous.
If labels and sleeves are used, they should be made of the same base material as the bott-
le body (e.g. HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE).
If the decoration is made of a material other than PE, a maximum of 50% of the packaging
surface should be covered so as not to hinder the correct sorting of the base material.8
The batch coding and the indication of the best-before date should ideally be carried out
in the form of an embossing or laser marking.
Wet-strength paper labels are preferable to conventional paper labels as they do not
release fibres that contaminate the recyclate.
Labels and sleeves made of PP, OPP and PET can be used if necessary, provided that a
maximum of 50% of the packaging surface is covered.8
In addition, all labels made of a material other than PE or PP should be water washable to
ensure separation from the PE fraction and no adhesive residue should remain.
The batch coding and indication of the best-before date can, if necessary, also be carried
out by means of minimal direct printing with other coding systems (e.g. ink-jet), provided
that food-grade inks are used.
Labels made of other materials that are not water-washable can negatively affect the
sorting or recyclate quality of the PE fraction.
PVC sleeves and labels should generally be avoided, even if they are water-washable.
Large-area decorations (> 50% of the packaging surface) and full-surface sleeves made
of a material other than PE can impair the sorting of the packaging).8
Adhesive materials containing metal or aluminium (with a layer thickness of > 5 µm) can
lead to unwanted sorting into the metal fraction.
Bleeding inks should be avoided.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures are ideally made of the same base material as the bottle (e.g. HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE,
MDPE). Ideally, the cap and the bottle are also the same colour.
Closure systems without liners are preferable. If necessary, EVA or TPE liners should be used.
From 2024 onwards, the adhesion of the closure (according to Article 6, 2019/904/EC) must
be guaranteed for the time of intended use for beverage containers up to 3 litres.
Flexible closures made of PE and PP plastic laminates are compatible with the PE fraction in
small quantities9.
PP closures can lead to contamination in larger quantities.9

Closures made of other materials such as PET, PET-G, PS and PLA should be avoided, as
these can lead to secondary contamination of the PE fraction.
Metals, thermosets, EPS, PVC as well as seals and silicones that cannot be completely
removed are considered interfering substances.
Pump systems made of other materials (especially with glass & metal springs)
also represent interfering materials.
Sealing foils that are not completely removable and contain an aluminium component
(layer thickness > 5 µm) can impair the sorting.

3.1.3 PP CLOSURE
MATERIAL
DECORATION
MATERIAL
In the best case, PP bottles are as unpigmented as possible (transparent) or white and con-
sist of PP mono-material without barrier.
If barrier requirements exist, a silicon oxide (SiOx), an aluminium oxide (Al2O3) barrier
or a carbon plasma coating (for coloured bottles only) can be used, as these do not
A multi-layer composite material can be used if necessary, if this is made up of different

PP types (e.g. OPP, BOPP).
Multilayer composites with small amounts of PE are recyclable.9
complied with. 10
contaminates the PP fraction.
Barrier layers or the composite with PVDC, PA and EVOH (if applicable limits are
exceeded) represent interfering substances in the recycling of the material, as
they contaminate the recyclate.


If the packaging is printed directly, the printing inks must at least be EuPIA-compliant
and non-bleeding in order to prevent potential contamination.
If labels and sleeves are used, they should be made of the same base material
(PP) as the bottle.
If the decoration is made of a material other than PP, a maximum of 50% of the
packaging surface should be covered so as not to hinder the correct sorting of the base
material.8
The batch coding and the indication of the best-before date should ideally be carried out
in the form of an embossing or laser marking.
Labels and sleeves made of PE and PET can be used if necessary, provided that a maxi-
mum of 50% of the packaging surface is covered 8.
In addition, all labels made of a material other than PP or PE should be water-washable

to ensure separation from the PP fraction and no adhesive residue should remain.
The batch coding and indication of the best-before date can, if necessary, also be car-
ried out by means of minimal direct printing with other coding systems (e.g. ink-jet),
provided that food-grade inks are used.
sorting or recyclate quality of the PP fraction.
Large-area decorations (> 50% of the packaging surface) and full-surface sleeves
made of a material other than PP can impair the sorting of the packaging) 8.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures should ideally be made of the same basic material (PP) as the bottle. Ideally, the
cap and the bottle are also the same colour.
Closure systems without liners are preferable. If necessary, EVA or TPE liners should be
used.
Flexible closures made of PE and PP plastic laminates are compatible with the PP frac-
tion in small quantities 9.
From 2024 onwards, the adhesion of the closure (according to Article 6, 2019/904/EC)
must be guaranteed for the time of intended use for beverage containers up to 3 litres.
PE closures can lead to contamination in larger quantities 9.

Closures made of other materials such as PET, PET-G, PS and PLA should be avoided,
as these can lead to secondary contamination of the PE fraction.
Pump systems made of other materials (especially with glass & metal springs) also
represent interfering materials.

3.1.4 GLASS
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
S
DECORATION
MATERIAL
Regular three-component packaging glass (silica sand, soda, limestone) in standard colou-
ring transparent/white, green or brown (or related quartz) can be recycled effectively.
The heavy metal concentration in the material must comply with Commission Decision
2001/171/EC, in order to prevent contamination.
The use of alternative, opaque or metallic shades makes it more difficult to match the
required standard shades in recycled glass again.
Black or dark-blue coloured glass should, therefore, be avoided.
Non-packaging glass such as heat-resistant glass (e.g. Boro silicate glass), lead crystal,
cryolite glass and enamel components are major impurities that affect the recyclate quality
of packaging glass.

Decoration on glass packaging should preferably be done by engraving.
Wet-strength paper labels and direct printing with EuPIA-compliant coatings and inks can
also be used without any problems.
If the glass container is fully colour-coated, this can lead to problems with the detection
and sorting of the material.
Plastic labels should only be used when necessary.
Permanently-adhering and large-area sleeves and plastic labels can, under certain
circumstances, interfere with the sorting and impact processing of the glass.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures made of ferromagnetic (alloy) metals can be easily separated during magnetic
sorting.
Closures made of plastic and aluminium can also be separated and thus do not interfere
with the glass melt.
Closures made of ceramic and swing stoppers with ceramic or porcelain components
respectively can lead to unwanted inclusions in the recycled glass and should be avoided.

3.2 TRAYS AND CUPS
3.2.1 PE
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
DECORATION
MATERIAL
In the best case, PE trays and cups are as unpigmented as possible (transparent) or white
and consist of PE mono-material without a barrier.
carbon plasma coating (for coloured cups only) can be used, as these do not significantly
affect the quality of the recyclate.

PE types (e.g. LDPE, HDPE). Multilayer composite materials with small amounts of PP are
also recyclable9.
complied with10.
The metallisation (aluminium vapour deposition) of the base material can cause problems
in sorting under certain circumstances11. In addition, this can lead to a deterioration of the
recyclate quality (grey colouration).
The use of density-altering additives (e.g. talc, CaCO3) as well as foaming agents for che-
mical expansion, which lead to an increase in density to ≥ 1 g/cm³, can cause problems in
sorting, as the material-specific classification is no longer possible.
Barrier layers or the composite with PVDC, PA, PE-X and EVOH (if applicable limits are
exceeded) represent interfering substances in the recycling of the material, as they conta-
minate the recyclate.
The addition of oxo-degradable additives damages the recyclate and is banned throughout
the EU from 2021 due to the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
Carbon black -based colours can prevent sorting

non-bleeding in order to prevent potential contamination.

If labels and sleeves are used, they should be made of the same base material as the pa-
ckaging (e.g. HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE).
In-mould labels made of PE can also be used. However, a high degree of printing can
have a negative effect here, as the label is recycled together with the base material.
surface should be covered so as not to hinder the correct sorting of the base material8.
The batch coding and the indication of the best-before date should best be carried out in
the form of an embossing or laser marking.
Labels and sleeves made of PP, OPP and PET can be used if necessary, provided that a
maximum of 50% of the packaging surface is covered8.
In addition, all labels made of a material other than PE or PP should be water-washable,

in order to ensure separation from the PE fraction and no adhesive residue should remain.
The batch coding and indication of the best-before date can, if necessary, also be done by
minimal direct printing with other coding systems (e.g. ink-jet), provided that food-grade
inks are used.
Labels made of other materials that are not water-washable can negatively affect the sor-
ting or recyclate quality of the PE fraction.
Large-area decorations (> 50% of the packaging surface) and full-surface sleeves made of
a material other than PE can impair the sorting of the packaging 8. Adhesive materials con-
taining metal or aluminium (with a layer thickness of > 5 µm) can lead to unwanted sorting
into the metal fraction.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures are ideally made of the same base material as the tray/cup (e.g. HDPE, LDPE,
LLDPE, MDPE).
Flexible closures made of PE and PP plastic laminates are compatible with the PE fraction
in small quantities.
PP closures can lead to contamination in larger quantities9.
(layer thickness > 5µm) can impair the sorting.

3.2.2 PP
DECORATION
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
MATERIAL
In the best case PP trays and cups are as unpigmented as possible (transparent) or white
and consist of PP monomaterial without any barrier.
If barrier requirements exist, a silica (SiOx), alumina (Al2O3) barrier or carbon plasma
coating 7 (for colored bottles only) can be used, as these do not significantly affect the
quality of the recyclate.
A multi-layer composite material can be used if necessary, if this is made up of different PP

types (e.g. OPP, BOPP).
Multilayer composites with small amounts of PE are recyclable.9
complied with.10
in sorting under certain circumstances. In addition, this can lead to a deterioration of the
A material compound with PS, PVC, PLA, PET and PET-G should be avoided, as this conta-
minates the PP fraction.
Barrier layers or the composite with PVDC, PA and EVOH10 (if applicable limits are excee-
ded) represent interfering substances in the recycling of the material, as they contaminate
the recyclate.
The addition of oxo-degradable additives damages the recyclate and is banned throug-
hout the EU from 2021 due to the Single-Use Plastics Directive.


If labels and sleeves are used, they should be made of the same base material (PP) as the
packaging.
In-mould labels made of PP can also be used. However, a high degree of printing can
have a negative effect here, as the label is recycled together with the base material.
If the decoration is made of a material other than PP, a maximum of 50% of the packaging
surface should be covered so as not to hinder the correct sorting of the base material. 8
Labels and sleeves made of PE and PET can be used if necessary, provided that
a maximum of 50% of the packaging surface is covered. 8
In addition, all labels made of a material other than PP or PE should be water-washable, in

order to ensure separation from the PP fraction and no adhesive residue should remain.
inks are used.
Labels made of other materials that are not water-washable can negatively affect the sor-
ting or recyclate quality of the PP fraction.
Large-area decorations (> 50% of the packaging surface) and full-surface sleeves made of a
material other than PP can impair the sorting of the packaging. 8 Adhesive materials con-
taining metal or aluminium (with a layer thickness of > 5 µm) can lead to unwanted sorting
into the metal fraction.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
In the best case, closures are made of the same basic material (PP) as the trays and cups.
Flexible closures made of PE and PP plastic laminates are compatible with the PP frac-
tion in small quantities.9
PE closures can lead to contamination in larger quantities.9
Closures made of other materials such as PET-G, PS, and PLA should be avoided, as the-
se can lead to secondary contamination of the PE fraction.
Metals, thermosets, EPS PVC as well as seals and silicones that cannot be completely

3.2.3 PAPER/ CARDBOARD/ CARTON
MATERIAL
CLOSURE
DECORATION
MATERIAL
The fibres for the production come from coniferous and deciduous trees in the best case.
An uncoated and unlaminated version is preferable, especially to simplify the digestion of

the fibre and to prevent contamination.
A one-sided plastic coating / plastic laminate can be recycled if the fibre content is > 95 %.
Mineral fillers such as kaolin, talc and calcium carbonate, as well as titanium dioxide (whi-
te pigment) and starch, can be used without hesitation as they do not interfere with the
recycling process.
Fibres from alternative, non-woody plants such as hemp, grass cotton etc. are a material
that can potentially interfere with paper recycling. In small quantities, however, these are
not critical.
A one-sided plastic coating/plastic laminate can be used if required, if the fibre content
remains between 95 % and 85 %.
Pulping of the fibres is also made more difficult by a plastic coating on both sides, wax
coatings, siliconised paper and wet-strengthened fibre portions6.
Similarly, one-sided plastic coatings/plastic laminates should be avoided if the fibre

content is < 85 %.

The printing shall be as minimal as possible and shall be carried out with EuPIA-compliant
printing inks.
Adhesive components such as viewing windows, labels and other plastic components
should be avoided. They should be designed in such a way that they can be easily separa-
ted in the recycling process or by the consumer.
If the packaging is metallised, the metallisation should not cover more than 60% of the
packaging surface.
Viewing windows and other plastic components that cannot be easily separated from the
paper are interfering materials.
It is essential to avoid inks containing mineral oil, as these may contaminate

the secondary fibres.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Paper tapes can be used as long as the adhesive application does not lead to the
formation of problematic stickies12.
In general, it is important to use adhesive applications that do not lead to the formation
of problematic stickies in the recycling process12.
When using staples and plastic adhesive tapes, care should be taken to ensure that they
can be separated in the recycling process or in advance by end consumers.

3.2.4 GLASS
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
GLASS
DECORATION
MATERIAL
Regular three-component packaging glass (silica sand, soda, limestone) in standard
colouring transparent/white, green or brown (or related quartz) can be recycled effectively.
The heavy metal concentration in the material must comply with Commission Decision
2001/171/EC, in order to prevent contamination.
The use of alternative, opaque or metallic shades makes it more difficult to match the
required standard shades in recycled glass again.
Black or dark-blue coloured glass should, therefore, be avoided.

Non-packaging glass such as heat-resistant glass (e.g. Boro silicate glass), lead crystal,
cryolite glass and enamel components are major impurities that affect the recyclate quality
of packaging glass

Decoration on glass packaging should preferably be done by engraving.
Wet-strength paper labels and direct printing with EuPIA-compliant coatings and inks c
an also be used without any problems.
If the glass container is fully colour-coated, this can lead to problems with the detection
and sorting of the material.
Plastic labels should only be used when necessary.
Permanently-adhering and large-area sleeves and plastic labels can, under certain
circumstances, interfere with the sorting and impact processing of the glass.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures made of ferromagnetic (alloy) metals can be easily separated during
magnetic sorting.
Closures made of plastic and aluminium can also be separated and thus do not interfere
with the glass melt.
Closures made of ceramic and swing stoppers with ceramic or porcelain components
respectively can lead to unwanted inclusions in the recycled glass and should be avoided.

3.2.5 ALUMINIUM
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
DECORATION
MATERIAL
The aluminium used should only consist of non-ferrous(NF) metal components to prevent
contamination in recycling.
In a best case, it concerns a mono-material package in which all components are made of
aluminium.
A lacquer coating does not interfere with the conventional recycling process.
For aluminium in composite materials (e.g. in combination with plastic), there is usually no
possibility for high-quality recycling.

Embossing does not have a negative impact on recycling.
Direct printing on the packaging should be carried out with EuPIA-compliant coatings and
printing inks.
Non-compliant inks can reduce the quality of the secondary material.
PVC labels should be avoided as they can cause problems in the recycling process.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closure systems made of aluminium can be recycled together with the base material and
are, therefore, to be preferred.
Plastic closures should be designed in such a way that they can be separated before dis-
posal or during the sorting process.

3.2.6 TINPLATE
MATERIAL
CLOSURE
DECORATION
MATERIAL
Only ferromagnetic (alloy) metals should be used to
prevent contamination in recycling.

Direct printing on the packaging should be carried out with EuPIA-compliant coatings
and printing inks.
Paper banderoles can also be used without any problems.
PVC labels should be avoided as they can cause problems during processing in the
recycling process.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Paper adhesive tapes can be used as long as the adhesive application does not cause the
formation of problematic stickies.12
In general, it is important to use adhesive applications that do not cause the formation of
problematic stickies in the recycling process.12

3.3 FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
3.3.1 ALUMINIUM
GENERAL
Disclaimer: In the current recycling structure, are sorted out as contaminants in the sorting
material recycling can only be assumed for process and typically sent for thermal re-
flexible aluminium packaging that is collec- cycling. The following table thus primarily re-
ted separately. Aluminium-plastic composite fers to the design of pure aluminium foils and
foils are, therefore, excluded. If these foils are blanks that are not in the composite.
disposed of in the lightweight fraction, they
GENERAL
Direct printing on the packaging should be done with EuPIA-compliant coatings and
printing inks.
possibility for high-quality recycling6.

3.3.2 PE
MATERIAL CLOSURE
DECORATION
MATERIAL
Non-conforming inks can reduce the quality of the secondary material.
If barrier requirements exist, a silicon oxide (SiOx) barrier, a carbon plasma coating7 or an
aluminum oxide (Al2O3) barrier can be used, as these do not significantly affect the quality
of the recyclate.
A multilayer composite material can be used, if necessary, if it is made up of different PE-

types (e.g. LDPE, HDPE). Multilayer composite materials with small amounts of PP are also
recyclable9.
Additives can be added if the density of the base material remains < 0.97 g/cm3 and thus
the density grading is not impaired.
complied with10.
A material compound with any other plastics should be avoided, as this will contaminate
the PE fraction.
Barrier layers or the composite with PVDC, PVC, PA, aluminium6 and EVOH10 (if applicable
limits are exceeded) represent interfering substances in the reprocessing of the material, as

If labels are used, they should be made of the same base material as the packaging
(e.g. HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE).
Labels made of PP can be used if necessary, provided that a maximum of 50% of the
packaging surface is covered8.
inks are used.
Labels made of materials other than PE, PP or paper should be avoided.
Large-scale decorations (> 50% of the packaging surface) made of a material other than
PE can impair the sorting of the packaging8.

CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures are ideally made of the same base material as the film
(e.g. HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE).
Flexible closures made of PE and PP plastic laminates are compatible with the PE
fraction in small quantities9.
PP closures can lead to contamination in larger quantities.
Metals, thermosets, EPS and PVC as well as seals and silicones that cannot be completely

3.3.3 PP
DECORATION
MATERIAL CLOSURE
MATERIAL
In the best case PP flexibles are as unpigmented as possible (transparent) or white and
consist of PP monomaterial without any barrier
If barrier requirements exist, a silicon oxide (SiOx) barrier, a carbon plasma coating7 or an
aluminum oxide (Al2O3) barrier can be used, as these do not significantly affect the quality
of the recyclate.
A multilayer composite material can be used, if necessary, if it is made up of different PE

types (e.g. LDPE, HDPE). Multilayer composite materials with small amounts of PP are also
recyclable.
complied with10.
A material compound with any other plastics should be avoided, as this will contaminate
the PE fraction.
Barrier layers or the composite with PVDC, PVC, PA, aluminium6 and EVOH10 (if applicable
limits are exceeded) represent interfering substances in the reprocessing of the material, as


If labels are used, they should be made of the same base material as the packaging
(e.g. HDPE,LDPE, MDPE,LLDPE).
Labels made of PP can be used if necessary, provided that a maximum of 50% of the
packaging surface is covered8.
The batch coding and indication of the best-before date can, if necessary, also be done
by minimal direct printing with other coding systems (e.g. ink-jet), provided that food-
grade inks are used.
Labels made of materials other than PE, PP or paper should be avoided.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures are ideally made of the same base material as the film (e.g. HDPE, LDPE,
LLDPE, MDPE).
Flexible closures made of PE and PP plastic laminates are compatible with the PE
fraction in small quantities9.
Metals, thermosets, EPS and PVC as well as seals and silicones that cannot be completely

3.3.4 PAPER CLOSURE
MATERIAL
DECORATION
MATERIAL

A one-sided plastic coating/plastic laminate can be recycled if the fibre content is > 95 %.
Mineral fillers such as kaolin, talc and calcium carbonate as well as titanium dioxide
(white pigment) and starch can be used without hesitation as they do not interfere with
the recycling process.
Fibres from alternative, non-woody plants such as hemp and cotton etc. are a material that can
potentially interfere with paper recycling. In small quantities, however, these are not critical.
A one-sided plastic coating/laminate can be used if required, if the fibre content remains
between 95 % and 85 %.
The disintegration of the fibres is also made more difficult by a plastic coating on both
sides, wax coatings, siliconised paper and fibre components with a wet-strength finish.
content is < 85 %.

printing inks.
Adhesive components such as viewing windows, labels and other plastic components
should be avoided. They should be designed in such a way that they can be easily
separated in the recycling process or by the end consumer.
If the packaging is metallised, the metallisation should not cover more than 60 %
of the packaging surface.
Viewing windows and other plastic components that cannot be easily separated from the
paper are interfering materials.
It is essential to avoid inks containing mineral oil, as these may contaminate the
secondary fibres.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Paper tapes can be used as long as the adhesive application does not lead to the formation
of problematic stickies12.
In general, it is important to use adhesive applications that do not lead to the formation of
problematic stickies in the recycling process12.

3.4 TUBES
3.4.1 ALUMINIUM
MATERIAL
DECORATION
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
In a best case, it concerns a mono-material package in which all components are made of
aluminium.
A lacquer coating does not interfere with the conventional recycling process
possibility for high-quality recycling.

Direct printing on the packaging should be carried out with EuPIAcompliant coatings
and printing inks.
recycling process.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closure systems made of aluminium can be recycled together with the base material and
are, therefore, to be preferred.
Plastic caps and valve caps should be designed in such a way that they can be separated
before disposal or during the sorting process.

3.4.2 PE
MATERIAL
DECORATION
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
In the best case, PE trays and cups are as unpigmented as possible (transparent) or white
and consist of PE mono-material without a barrier.
carbon plasma coating (for coloured cups only) can be used, as these do not significantly
affect the quality of the recyclate.

PE types (e.g. LDPE, HDPE). Multilayer composite materials with small amounts of PP are
also recyclable.9
in sorting under certain circumstances11. In addition, this can lead to a deterioration of the
The use of density-changing additives (e.g. talc, filled polyolefins (FPO), CaCO3) as well as
foaming agents for chemical expansion, which lead to an increase in density to ≥ 0.995 g/cm³,
can cause problems in sorting, as the material-specific classification is no longer possible.
Barrier layers or the composite with PVDC, PA and PE-X represent interfering substances
in the recycling of the material, as they contaminate the recyclate. Aluminium components
where the (metal) layer thickness exceeds 5 µm can lead to unwanted rejection of the pa-
ckaging. Aluminium barrier laminates (ABL) with the PE/ALU/PE structure should,
therefore, be avoided.
Dark colouring can have a negative effect on the recyclate quality

If labels are used, they should be made of the same base material as the packaging (e.g.
HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE).
In-mould labels made of PE can also be used. However, a high degree of printing can have
a negative effect here, as the label is recycled together with the base material.
Wet-strength paper labels are preferable to conventional paper labels as they do not release
fibres that contaminate the recyclate.
Labels made of PP/ OPP and PET can be used if necessary, provided that a maximum of 50%
of the packaging surface is covered8.
In addition, all labels made of a material other than PE should be water-washable to ensure
separation from the PE fraction and no adhesive residue should remain.
The batch coding and indication of the best-before date can, if necessary, also be carried out
by means of minimal direct printing with other coding systems (e.g. ink-jet), provided that
food-grade inks are used.
PVC labels should generally be avoided, even if they are water-washable.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closures are ideally made of the same base material as the tube (e.g. HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE,
MDPE).
Closure systems without liners are preferable. If necessary, EVA or TPE liners should be
used.
Flexible closures made of PE and PP plastic laminates are compatible with the PE fraction
in small quantities9.


3.4.3 PP
MATERIAL
DECORATION
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
In the best case PP tubes are as unpigmented as possible (transparent) or white and
consist of PP mono-material without barrier.
If barrier requirements exist, a silicon oxide (SiOx), an aluminium oxide (Al2O3) barrier
or a carbon plasma coating7 (for coloured bottles only) can be used, as these do not
A multi-layer composite material can be used if necessary, if this is made up of different PP

types (e.g. OPP, BOPP).
Multilayer composites with small amounts of PE are recyclable9.
contaminates the PP fraction.
The use of density-changing additives (e.g. talc, filled polyolefins (FPO), CaCO3) as
well as foaming agents for chemical expansion, which lead to an increase in density to
≥ 0,995 g/cm³, can cause problems in sorting, as the material-specific classification is
no longer possible.
Barrier layers or the composite with PVDC und PA represent interfering substances in the
reprocessing of the material, as they contaminate the recyclate.
Aluminium components where the (metal) layer thickness exceeds 5 µm can lead to the
unwanted rejection of the packaging. Aluminium barrier laminates (ABL) with the PP/
ALU/PP structure should, therefore, be avoided.

If labels are used, they should be made of the same base material (PP) as the tube body.
In-mould labels made of PP can also be used. However, a high degree of printing can have
a negative effect here, as the label is recycled together with the base material.
If the decoration is made of a material other than PP, a maximum of 50% of the packaging
surface should be covered so as not to hinder the correct sorting of the base material.8
Wet-strength paper labels are preferable to conventional paper labels as they do not re-
lease fibres that contaminate the recyclate.
Labels made of PE and PET can be used if necessary, provided that a maximum of 50% of
the packaging surface is covered8.
In addition, all labels that are made of a material other than PP or PE should be removed,
be water washable to ensure separation from PP fraction and no adhesive residue should
remain.
inks are used.
PVC labels should generally be avoided, even if they are water-washable.
Large decorations (> 50% of the packaging surface) made of a material other than PP,
can affect the sorting of the packaging8.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
In a best case, closures are made of the same basic material (PP) as the tube.
Closure systems without liners are preferable. If necessary, EVA- or TPE liners can be used.
Flexible closures made of PE and PP plastic laminates are compatible with the PP fraction
in small quantities9.
PE closures can lead to contamination in larger quantities9.


3.5 CANS
3.5.1 ALUMINIUM
CLOSURE
DECORATION
MATERIAL
MATERIAL
The aluminium used should only consist of non-ferrous (NF) metal components in order
to prevent contamination in recycling.
In a best case, it concerns a mono-material package in which all components are made
of aluminium.
In the recycling process of aerosol cans, an additional treatment step is required, w

hich is why the design is rather disadvantageous.
Aerosol cans with non-hydrocarbon-based propellants are preferable.
Spray systems with pump sprayers are refillable and propellant-free and can offer an
alternative to aerosol cans, provided that individual parts made of other materials
(e.g. plastic caps) can be easily separated in the recycling process.
Foreign bodies made of other materials such as 'widget' nitrogen balls in beer cans,
plastic caps and valve caps should only be used when necessary.
Aerosol cans with hydrocarbon-based propellants and spray cans with high residual
contents are particularly problematic.

Direct printing on the packaging should be carried out with EuPIA -compliant coatings
and printing inks.
PVC labels should be avoided, as they cause problems during processing in the
recycling process
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Closure systems made of aluminium can be recycled together with the base material
and are, therefore, to be preferred.

3.5.2 TINPLATE
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
DECORATION
MATERIAL
Only ferromagnetic (alloy) metals should be used to
prevent contamination in recycling.
A lacquer coating does not interfere with the conventional recycling process
In the recycling process of aerosol cans, an additional treatment step is required, which is
why the design is rather disadvantageous.
Aerosol cans with non-hydrocarbon-based propellants are preferable
Aerosol cans with hydrocarbon-based propellants and spray cans with high residual con-
tents are particularly problematic.

Direct printing on the packaging should be done with EuPIA-compliant coatings and
printing inks.
Paper banderoles can also be used without any problems.
recycling process.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
In the best case, closures are also made of ferromagnetic (alloy) metals, as these can be
recycled together with the base material.

3.6 FOLDING BOX OUT OF
PAPER/CARDBOARD/CARTON
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
DECORATION

MATERIAL

A one-sided plastic coating/plastic laminate can be recycled if the fibre content is > 95 %.
Mineral fillers such as kaolin, talc and calcium carbonate as well as titanium dioxide
(white pigment) and starch can be used without hesitation as they do not interfere in
Fibres from alternative, non-woody plants such as hemp and cotton etc. are a material that can
potentially interfere with paper recycling. In small quantities, however, these are not critical.
A one-sided plastic coating/plastic laminate can be used if required, if the fibre content
remains between 95 % and 85 %.
The pulping of the fibres is also made more difficult by a plastic coating on both sides, wax
coatings, siliconised paper and wet-strengthened fibre portions.

content is < 85 %.

printing inks.
Adhesive components such as windows, labels and other plastic components should be
avoided. They should be designed in such a way that they can be easily separated in the
recycling process or by the consumer.
If the packaging is metallised, the metallisation should not cover more than 60% of the
packaging surface.
Viewing windows and other plastic components that cannot be easily separated from
the paper are interfering materials.
It is essential to avoid inks containing mineral oil, as these may contaminate the
secondary fibres.
CLOSURE -SYSTEM
Paper tapes can be used as long as the adhesive application does not lead to the forma-
tion of problematic stickies12.
In general, it is important to use adhesive applications that do not lead to the formation of
problematic stickies in the recycling process12.

3.7 COMPOSITE BEVERAGE CARTON
CLOSURE
MATERIAL
DECORATION
MATERIAL
The layer structure should correspond to the standard composite system for beverage
cartons for clear identification in the recycling stream13 (PE-paper-PE or PE-paper-PE-
aluminum-PE).
Single- and double-sided plastic coatings do not cause any problems in the recycling
process, as this is designed for the special processing of composite beverage cartons.
Industry-standard additives in the paper content, such as kaolin, talc, calcium carbo-
nate, titanium oxide and starch, can be used without any problems, but proportionally
reduce the fiber yield in the recycling process.
Non-wood plant fibres such as hemp, grass and cotton can reduce the fibre yield in the
recycling process and should only be used if necessary.
Special designs with additional outer coating that restrict sorting (e.g. metallised PET
films) should be avoided.
Wet-strengthened fibre components can make fibre digestion more difficult and should
be avoided

Components made of HDPE or PP with easy separability do not restrict the recycling
process.
Printing should be done exclusively with EuPIA-compliant inks.
Metallised surfaces or coatings that interfere with NIR detection can lead to problems in
the sorting process and should be avoided.
Paints containing mineral oil can lead to contamination of the secondary fibres.
CLOSURE SYSTEM
Plastic closures (e.g. made of HDPE or PP) can be separated from the fibre content in

4. DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR PACKAGING TYPES
(UNDER DEVELOPMENT)
In coordination with the Circular Packaging the following packaging types, less speci-
Design Guideline of the FH Campus Wien, fic recommendations are currently available,
work is underway to develop design recom- which is why only explicit recommendations
mendations for further packaging types. For or design criteria to be avoided are mentioned.
4.1 PAPER CANS/ ROUND TINS
It is recommended to keep the proportion of non-fibre materials as low as possible and, for
example, to also form the base and lid from paper. If a fibre content of more than 95 % 14 is
reached, it is recommended to check the recyclability and the possibility of recovery
In most cases, paper composite cans contain a barrier layer of aluminium and a composite
with plastic. Therefore, in the usual case, this structure is not considered recyclable. If, in
addition, there is a base or lid made of tinplate, these pass through the magnetic separator
of the sorting plants into the metal processing and only the metal content is recycled. If the
fibre content is less than 95% and the paper is coated on both sides, coated with wax/par-
affin or impregnated, there are additional structural restrictions on recycling.
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES (UNDER DEVELOPMENT) 53

4.2 BUCKETS AND TUBS
Buckets should preferably be made of mono-material. Typically, buckets and tubs are
made of HDPE, PP or tinplate. For design recommendations, see the material-specific
information in the tables for trays and cups.
Metal handles should be avoided in plastic buckets and tubs, as these cause a high degree
of sorting effort during manual sorting (larger containers) or end up in the metal fraction in
automatic sorting (smaller containers).
4.3 CANISTERS
Canisters should preferably be made of mono-material. Typically, these are made of HDPE,
PP or tinplate. The decoration and closures should be coordinated with the respective
material-specific specifications in the tables for trays and cups.
The adhesion of non-water-soluble ingredients must be avoided.
54 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES (UNDER DEVELOPMENT)

4.4 BLISTER
In the best case, a recyclable blister packaging solution consists of mono-materials

(e.g. plastic insert with plastic cover foil or full cardboard blister).
In the case of solid cardboard blisters, make sure that they are only coated on one side
and the fibre content is >95 % 14. The combination of plastic and paper in a blister pack
should only be used if the components are easily separable.
Blisters made of PET, PVC and PS should be avoided as they are not recyclable or lead to
unwanted contamination.
The combination or composition of metals and plastics should be avoided, as the indivi-
dual materials cannot be recycled to a high quality.
4.5 PET TRAYS
If plastic trays are made of PET, mono-material (i.e. 100% PET) is considered to have good
recycling properties. PET film or plastic film with a density of less than 1 g/m3 which can be
separated in the process is suitable as a closure solution. If plastic labels are used, they should
also have a density of less than 1 g/m3 and cover as small an area as possible so as not to
impair material sorting.
To ensure a high recyclate quality, no multilayer materials should be used for PET trays.
The modification of PET (e.g. PET-G, C-PET, expanded PET (LDPET)) also leads to pro-
blems in the recycling of thermoformed PET. Composites with other plastics, e.g. PE, PLA,
PVC, PS and a PET CJSC structure should, therefore, be avoided. Likewise, suction inserts
can lead to problems in the recycling process of PET trays, especially if they are firmly
bonded. Labels with a density > 1 g/m3, paper labels containing Bisphenol A or non-wet-
strength paper labels should be avoided.16

4.6 PET FILMS
Only in individual cases can PET films be positively classified as part of a recyclable
packaging system, for example, as a flexible closure on PET trays according to the
recommendations of Petcore Europe
Currently, PET films for flexible packaging are not recycled due to material and quantity
restrictions, which is why no recommendations for the design can be defined at present.
4.7 NETS
Nets can be made of different materials and in many cases consist of PE, EPS or cellulose.
The recyclability, therefore, depends on the base material and is also related to the
technical conditions in the sorting plant, as small-format nets in particular are in danger
of being rejected.
If nets are used, it is important to use materials that are as widely available as possible
and also have a recycling structure (e.g. PE). In addition, closures, clips and markings (e.g.
labels, banderoles) should be made of the same material as the net.
Metal clips and detachable small parts should be avoided, as well as other details made
of incompatible materials (cf. material-specific information in the tables
for flexible packaging).

4.8 PLASTIC FOLDING BOX
Folding boxes made of plastic are often made of PET or PP,; the material-specific spe-
cifications can be found in the tables for trays and cups. Applied adhesives and labels
must be adapted to the base material and direct printing should be kept to a minimum.
4.9 WOODEN PACKAGING
Auxiliaries made of other materials such as metal clips and adhering plastic parts are
to be avoided. Insofar as wooden packaging is collected, only inferior quality can be
recovered due to the material-specific properties.17

4.10 FIBRE FORM
A fibre composite that is only partially wet-strengthened enables the fibre components
to be reopened. Applied adhesives5 must not lead to problematic stickies and labels
should ideally also be made of paper.
Strong moisture proofing15 can lead to a reduction in recyclability.
4.11 BAG-IN-BOX
Bag-in-box packaging consists of a combination of flexible packaging and a folding box

(mainly made of corrugated board). Material-specific design criteria can be found in the
tables for flexible packaging and folding boxes, as well as flexible packaging made of PE.
The recyclability of bag-in-box packaging is strongly dependent on whether the final con-
sumer separates the components of the packaging and disposes of them separately. If the
packaging is properly separated and disposed of, it can be assumed that the fibre part of
the cardboard and the inner film (depending on the material used) are recyclable (provided
they comply with the recommendations for recyclable design).
Non-adhesive small parts and combinations of non-compatible plastics should be

refrained from (see material-specific information for flexible packaging).

5. NOTES/GLOSSARY
1 Exceptions currently exist through the requirements of the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP, 2019)
for personal and household care products, provided that packaging with a plastic sleeve with double
perforation is permitted and information on separation is provided (regulation applies until 2022). In
addition, an exception can be made if it can be proven by means of empirical studies that the individual
packaging components are separated by the users to a high percentage.
2 If the decoration covers more than 50% of the packaging surface, the sortability of the packaging material
must be proven, in order to be considered recyclable.
3 In the case of transparent base material, discolouration may occur.
4 The approval of the quantity content and design of an EVOH barrier may differ depending on the type of
packaging and must not exceed a certain value. Specific information is provided by RecyClass at:
https://recyclass.eu/de/uber-recyclass/richtlinien- fuer-recyclingorientiertes-produktdesign/ bereitgestellt
5 Information on the recyclability of adhesives is currently being revised and will be published in a forthco-
ming version of the FH Campus Wien - Circular Packaging Design Guideline.
6 Deviating findings must be examined on a case-by-case basis.
7 Discolouration may occur in the case of transparent base material
8 If the decoration covers more than 50% of the packaging surface, the sortability of the packaging must be
proven by means of a sorting test, in order to be considered recyclable.
9 Exact limits for the PP content are currently under discussion.
10 The permitted mass percentage and design of an EVOH barrier varies depending on the type of packa-
ging, and should not exceed a certain value. Specific information is provided by RecyClass at:
https://recyclass.eu/de/uber-recyclass/richtlinien-fuer- recyclingorientiertes-produktdesign/ bereitgestellt.
11 For example, the sorting is not affected if the metallisation is applied in an intermediate layer of the
laminate structure.
12 Specific adhesive requirements and recommendations are currently being worked on in a separate
working group at the FH Campus Wien 'Focus Group Recycling-Ready Adhesives'.
13 However, the sorting process may differ depending on the plant.
14 The limits for the minimum fibre content may vary due to current country-specific requirements (e.g.
minimum 80 % fibre content in Austria). Information on the technical recyclability of paper packaging is
published by Cepi - Confederation of European Paper Industries:
https://www.twosides.info/UK/cepi-publish-paper-based-packaging-recyclability- guidelines/
15 Information on wet solvents is currently being revised. Due to the ongoing updates of the FH Campus
Wien – Circular Packaging Design Guideline, the classification of recyclability may differ.
16 Further information and ongoing developments on thermoformed PET packaging are being prepared by
Petcore Europe and are available online.
17 This does not apply to packaging for special transports and heavy loads, which are subject to separate
transport safety regulations.
NOTES 59
Back
AA blocker
Acetaldehyde blocker is an additive in plastics technology that prevents the transfer of acetaldehyde, a
taste-active substance, from PET into the food, by binding it.
Additive
Additives are substances that are added to products in small quantities in order to achieve (or improve) certain
properties. In the case of plastics, this happens during compounding. Examples of additives are plasticisers, dyes,
fillers and stabilisers.
Adhesive application
Adhesive application describes the way in which an adhesive is applied.
Al2O3
Aluminium oxide is used to coat plastics in order to improve the barrier properties. For this purpose, aluminium is
vapour-deposited onto the substrate in extremely thin layers.
This can be applied to film packaging, as well as rigid packaging.
Batch coding
A batch describes the quantity of a product that was produced or packaged under the same conditions. By means
of the corresponding batch code or batch number, which is affixed to the packaging, this batch can be determined
and it is possible to trace back to when the product was produced and packaged.
Best-before date
The best-before date indicates the time until which the manufacturer guarantees that the food will retain its
specific properties, for example, smell or taste, if stored correctly.
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance which is used, among other things, as a plasticiser in the production of plastics
and which is considered to be potentially hazardous to health due to its hormone-active effect in the human body.
Examples for the use of Bisphenol A are coatings on thermal paper, for example (e.g. cash register receipts) or
interior coating of food cans.
BOPP
BOPP is a biaxially (longitudinally and transversely) stretched polypropylene. The purpose of stretching is to
increase strength and transparency.
CaCO3
Calcium carbonate (limestone) is a mineral filler in plastics technology.
Carbon black
Carbon black is a pigment in the form of virtually pure elemental carbon with very small particles that is used to
colour various polymers.
Carbon plasma coating

This carbon plasma coating process is used, among other things, to improve the barrier properties of plastics.
60 GLOSSAR
Back
Coding
Printing applied directly to the primary packaging during the packaging or filling process, in most cases for batch
numbers and best-before dates (to be distinguished from direct printing processes such as offset, flexo, screen
or digital printing).
Compounding
Compounding is a preparation process in which the properties of a plastic are modified by the admixture of
additives (various additives such as fillers, dyes, reinforcing materials, etc.). It usually involves melting, dispersing,
mixing, degassing and extruding and is generally used to optimise the material properties.
Contamination
Contamination refers to the pollution or contamination of a substance by pollutants or interfering substances.
C-PET
C-PET is a designation for the material quality of PET (crystalline PET). In contrast to amorphous PET (A-PET),
C-PET has higher strength and stiffness, but lower impact strength and transparency.
Degree of printing
The degree of printing describes the ratio of the printed area to the total area.
De-inking
De-inking (ink removal) is the process of removing ink from waste paper. The most important step in this mechanical
and chemical process is so-called flotation. During flotation, the previously shredded paper is freed from the ink
particles in a water bath together with chemicals and by adding air. The ink particles with the chemicals attach
themselves to the air bubbles and float upwards in the water mixture, where they can be skimmed off and removed.
Directive on waste (2008/98/EC)

Directive 2008/98/EC of 19 November 2008 on waste – the Waste Framework Directive – is a European
Community Directive and sets the legal framework for Member States’ waste legislation. Link:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32008L0098
Eddy current separator

The eddy current separator is used in the sorting of packaging waste and serves to separate non-magnetic but
electrically conductive substances such as aluminium and copper from a material stream. In the eddy current s
eparator, these substances are repelled due to a complex electromagnetic process.
EPBP
European PET Bottle Platform is a voluntary initiative launched by the European Federation of Bottled Waters
(EFBW), the European Association of Plastic Recycling and Recovery Organizations (EPRO), Petcore Europe,
Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) and the Union of European Beverages Association (UNESDA).
EPS
EPS (extruded polystyrene) is a tough solid foam produced by the chemical extrusion of polystyrene and is mainly
known under the trade name Styrofoam.
GLOSSARY 61
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EU Circular Economy Package
The Circular Economy Package of the EU that entered into force in July 2018 includes provisions for enhancing
circular approaches to raw materials at the European level. It sets new legally binding targets for waste recycling
and landfill reduction across Europe with specific deadlines.
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC)

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive is a Europe-wide directive that serves to ensure the uniform,
environmentally sound and health-friendly nature of packaging and packaging waste.
Link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A31994L0062
EuPIA
EuPIA is the European Printing Ink Association. It is part of the European Confederation of the Paint, Printing Ink
and Artists’ Colours Industry (CEPE). https://www.eupia.org/index.php?id=1
EU Plastics Strategy
The EU Plastics Strategy is a strategy paper for plastics that accompanies the Circular Economy Package: A Euro-
pean Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy ('EU Plastics Strategy'). This focuses on increasing the recycling
rates for all packaging materials, and on intensifying extended producer responsibility schemes, as well as
limitations on marketing individual plastic articles.
EVA
Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) refers to a group of copolymers formed by the polymerisation of ethylene and vinyl
acetate. EVA is available as a film material, for example, but the processing possibilities are diverse and similar to
those of LDPE.
EVOH
Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) is used in the packaging sector as a barrier plastic. It can either be ex-
truded or laminated as a thin layer onto cardboard or plastic. EVOH composites are mostly used where there are
increased barrier requirements such as e.g. for meat or sausage packaging.
Flexible packaging
Packaging which significantly changes shape during its intended use, under a low load. For example pouches
and bags. Definition in accordance with ÖNORM A 5405: 2009 06 15
Foaming agent
Foaming agents are used to give the basic mass of a plastic a low density by means of chemical blowing agents.
Full emptying capability

Full emptying capability refers to the suitability of a packaging with regard to the intended removal of the
contents by end consumers.
HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE

Based on the different densities, a distinction is made between 4 main types of polyethylene (PE):
HDPE - high-density polyethylene: Polyethylene with high-density.
MDPE - medium-density polyethylene: Polyethylene with medium density.
LDPE - low-density polyethylene: Polyethylene with low density.
LLDPE - linear, low-density polyethylene.
62 GLOSSARY
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Ink jet
Ink jet is a printing process in which the printed image is produced by the targeted firing or deflection of ink droplets.
In-mould label
A printed label is placed in the mould immediately before injection moulding, thermoforming or blow moulding
without adding adhesion promoters. The label thus becomes an integral part of the finished product.
Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC)

The EU Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) creates uniform standards for landfills or for the disposal of waste in Europe.
Link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:01999L0031- 20111213&from=DE
DIN EN ISO 14021
The International Standard specifies requirements for environmental supplier declarations including statements,
symbols and graphic representations for products. It also specifies selected terms frequently used in environmental
statements and provides guidance on their application.
Life cycle of packaging

The life cycle begins with the extraction of raw materials and ends with the recycling of the packaging.
Liner
The term liner is used in many ways in the packaging sector, for example, to designate different types of paper in
corrugated cardboard production (kraft liner, test liner). In the context of closures, the term refers to seals.
Littering
Littering is when small amounts of municipal waste are thrown away or left without using the existing disposal sites.
Definition in accordance with the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU)
Magnetic separator
Magnetic separation is a technique for separating and sorting waste. Over-conveyor band magnets or magnetic drums
remove ferromagnetic material (mainly ferrous materials) from material streams transported by a conveyor belt.
Material recycling
Material recycling looks to exploit material properties when recovering waste or for previously used products, and
to manufacture using these secondary raw materials. This covers material (mechanical) and raw material (chemical)
recycling.
Material-specific structure (composite beverage carton)

The typical, material-specific standard structure or packaging material composition for composite beverage
cartons is as follows:
Composite beverage cartons Aseptic composite beverage car-

for fresh products tons for longer lasting products
- PE interior coating
- PE interior coating - PE bonding layer
- PE bonding layer - Aluminium film
- PE bonding layer
- Cardboard
- Cardboard
- Printing - Printing
- PE outer coating - PE outer coating
The mass proportion of the components is The mass proportion of the components is approxi-
approximately 80 % cardboard and 20 % PE. mately 75 % cardboard, 20 % PE and 5 % aluminium.
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Microplastics
Microplastics are generally defined as small plastic particles, but there is currently no globally valid definition – in-
cluding a size limit. According to the Austrian and German Federal Environmental Agency, microplastics are 'solid,
water-insoluble plastic particles that are five millimetres and smaller'. Microplastics are formed over time from
larger pieces of plastic through abrasion and erosion, e.g. from tyre wear, the washing of synthetic textiles or the
decomposition of plastic waste in the sea.
Mono-material packaging
The components of the packaging are mainly made from one packaging material or at least from the main material
of a packaging material group. One example is blister packaging, in which the thermoformed lower part and the
cover film consist of polypropylene.
Multilayer/composite materials
The combination of several packaging materials which cannot be separated by hand and none of which has a mass
proportion of more than 95 %. (Definition in accordance with the German Packaging Act)
Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles are small particles with a characteristic dimension in the size range from 1 to approx. 100 nm, which
are used as additives in plastics to produce novel mechanical, optical or chemical properties.
NF metals
Abbreviation for non-ferrous metals. This includes all metals except iron as well as metal alloys in which iron is not
the main element or does not exceed 50 %. Examples are copper, aluminium and brass.
NIAS
Food contact materials and articles may contain non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) that migrate into the
food under certain circumstances. These are not substances introduced for technical reasons, but by-products,
degradation products and contaminants. They can be chemical syntheses of raw materials, or also be produced
during the transport or recycling of packaging.
NIR
Near-infrared refers to a light spectrum in a range that is not visible to humans of between 760 and
2,500 nm. NIR spectrometers are used in the recycling process to detect and sort plastics and are based
on the principle of the transmission and reflection of radiation.
Non bleeding colours

Ink 'bleeding' refers to the spreading of inks or dyes into unwanted areas. If bleeding inks are used on packaging
and are recycled, this can either affect the quality of the recyclate and/or contaminate the wash water.
OPP
Polypropylene is a uni-axially (longitudinally) stretched polypropylene. It is often used as a packaging material for bags.
Optical brighteners
Optical brighteners are additives that are used to achieve a higher degree of whiteness or to compensate for a
residual colour cast. They are chemical compounds with fluorescent properties that are introduced into the plastic
and absorb invisible ultraviolet radiation and re-emit it as visible longer-wave radiation.
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Oxo-degradable plastic
Oxo-degradable plastic is plastic that contains certain additives (e.g. magan) that cause the plastic to break down
into microparticles or chemically degrade through oxidation. This presents an issue in that this type of plastic does
not biodegrade sufficiently and thus contributes to the pollution of the environment by microplastics or has a
negative impact on the recycling of conventional plastics, if the articles are sent for recycling.
Oxygen absorber
Oxygen absorbers are additives that bind the (residual) oxygen in the packaging by means of a chemical reaction,
in order to protect oxidation-sensitive food ingredients.
PA
Polyamide is a plastic based on peptide bonds, i.e. it is chemically related to protein molecules. It is characterised
by a high degree of toughness and strength, as well as good barrier properties. A well-known representative of this
material is nylon. In the packaging sector, PA is mainly used in the form of films.
PA additive
The PA additive of PET(PET - PA Blend) serves to increase the light and oxygen barrier. However, it can cause the
material to be detected as potentially interfering by NIR identification.
Packaging components/packaging aids

Packaging usually consists of several components. These can be divided into packaging materials and packaging aids
and consist of different packaging materials. A packaging material is understood to be the component which forms
the main part of the packaging and encloses or holds together the packaged goods (contents). This is the basis.
This can be, for example, a bottle, a tray or a bag. Packaging aids are components that permit supplementary
functions such as closing, labelling, handling and removal.
These include staples, sealing foils, adhesive tapes, labels, banderoles, sleeves, closures, pull-on tapes and cushioning
materials. Together, basic packaging and packaging aids form the packaging.
Packaging system
The packaging system comprises the primary packaging (which envelops the product itself), secondary packaging
(for grouping primary packaging) and tertiary packaging (transport unit).
PC
Polycarbonate is a transparent plastic with very high strength that is used for kitchen utensils, drinking bottles and
microwave dishes. However, because of the bisphenol A it contains (suspected hormone activity), its use in the food
sector is declining.
PGA
Is a biopolymer-based plastic derived from polyglycolic acid (PGA), which is originally used in medical technology,
but can also potentially be used as a substitute for conventional plastics (e.g. PS, PP).
PE
Polyethylene is one of the most widely used plastics and is resistant to oils, greases and alcohols, as well as diluted
acids and alkalis. It is also very resistant to cold and can be welded. It is also produced in different qualities (see
HDPE, LDPE, MDPE). Depending on the quality/ type, PE is used in, among other things, freezer bags and carrier
bags and as an inner coating on composite beverage cartons.
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PET
Polyethylene terephthalate is a usually transparent plastic, which is particularly stable and has good barrier
properties. PET sometimes has a high aroma density and good lipid resistance. It is mainly used for the
production of bottles for carbonated drinks, but also for salad trays, clear cups and film production.
PETG
Is a PET modified with glycol, which is characterised, above all, by a high viscosity and is used in injection moulding,
extrusion and blow moulding. Due to its great sealing properties, PETG is also used in multilayer films (PET-GAG).
PET-GAG structure
Refers to a three-layer film in which the outer layers consist of PET-G (glycol-modified PET) and the inner layer of
the less expensive PET-A (amorphous PET). The material is good barrier properties and can also be sealed.
Recycled material can also be used for the inner layer.
PE-X
PE-X means 'cross-linked polyethylene' and represents a non-meltable and, therefore, thermally more resilient plastic.
PLA
(Polylactic acid) is a plastic that is obtained from renewable raw materials (starch) and may also be biodegradable.
It is a clear plastic which is characterised by a good aroma barrier. PLA is mainly used for the production of films,
but also as a coating for paper cups and for the production of fibres.
Plastic granulate
Is the common delivery form of thermoplastics for the plastics processing industry. The plastic is heated/melted
in extruders, formed into strands via nozzles, cut into sections a few millimetres long and cooled. The resulting
granulate can be easily transported as bulk material.
Plastic laminate
Generally, a material or product consisting of two or more layers bonded together in a flat manner is referred to
as a laminate. These layers can consist of the same or different materials. In the case of plastic laminate, different
plastics are bonded to each other over their entire surface, whereby e.g. multilayer films can be produced.
PO
Designates the plastic group of polyolefins (PO). The most important representatives include polyethylene (PE)
and polypropylene (PP).
Polymer
Plastics consist of polymers. Polymers are chemical compounds consisting of chain or branched molecules
(macromolecules), which in turn consist of a large number of identical or similar units, the so-called monomers.
They can have linear, branched or cross-linked structures. Polymers are classified – according to the degree of
cross-linking of the macromolecules – into thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers.
POM
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a colourless thermoplastic with high rigidity. The material is mainly processed into
moulded parts by injection moulding or also by extrusion blow moulding, and is used in the packaging sector,
e.g. for spray bottles.
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PP
Polypropylene is a plastic similar to chemical polyethylene, but is stronger and more temperature-resistant. It has
good barrier properties against lipids and moisture and is also one of the most widely used plastics for food
packaging. Examples include bottle caps, trays and films.
Primary raw materials

Primary raw materials are natural resources that come from primary extraction. They are unprocessed – apart from
the steps necessary to extract them.
PS
Polystyrene is a plastic with relatively high gas and water vapour permeability that is very dimensionally stable
and clear. It can be injection moulded, thermoformed or foamed depending on the intended use in processing.
Typical applications are yoghurt pots, plastic cutlery and CD cases.
PTN
Polytrimethylene napthalate (PTN) is a polymer that is supposed to increase the barrier properties of PET by mixing/
alloying with PET (by co-polymerisation).
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is a plastic with a very wide range of applications, especially in the non-food sector. It is usually
very hard and brittle and becomes more malleable through the addition of plasticisers. PVC is used, for example, as
shrink film in transport or for the production of pipes. In contact with food, however, there is a risk that the added
plasticisers will pass into the food.
PVDC
Polyvinylidene chloride is an effective barrier and coating plastic against oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour.
PVDC can be used in various applications, for example, as a barrier film, coating, bottle seal or shrink film.
Rigid packaging
Packaging that does not change its shape and form under load when used as intended. For example, glass bottles.
Definition in accordance with ÖNORM A 5405: 2009 06 15
Secondary fibres
See primary raw materials and secondary raw materials
Secondary raw materials

Secondary raw materials are obtained by reprocessing primary raw materials. They are, therefore, materials that are
used a second or repeated time.
SiOx
Silicon oxide is used to coat plastics in order to improve their barrier properties. It is applied in extremely thin layers
by means of plasma coating. Colloquially, it is often referred to as 'glass coating'.
Sleeve
A sleeve is a tubular label made of shrinkable plastic which is pulled over the body of the packaging material from
above and tightly joined by shrinking.
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Stickies
Stickies is a term for adhesive components that result from the raw material of recovered paper and can
potentially lead to contamination in the recycled paper. Definition based on Blechschmidt (2013) – Pocketbook
of Paper Technology
Suction liner
Absorbent liners are absorbent liners used in food packaging to absorb escaping liquids from the food (e.g.
meat juice from fresh meat) and to prevent the food from lying in the escaping liquid for a longer period of
time (increasing product quality).
Sustainability
Sustainability or sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present in a way that does not limit
the opportunities of future generations. It is important to consider the three dimensions of sustainability – eco-
nomic efficiency, social justice and ecological sustainability – on an equal footing.
Thermoset
Thermosets are polymers that can no longer be deformed after they have cured.
TPE
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are plastics that behave like classic elastomers at room temperature, but be-
come deformable when heat is applied. They, therefore, combine the elastic properties of rubber with the easy
processability of thermoplastics and can be repeatedly melted.
UV stabilisers
UV stabilisers are additives that are added to plastics to protect them against ageing caused by UV radiation
(break-up of the polymer, chains) and are used, for example, to prevent cracking and colour loss.
Waste hierarchy
The five-stage waste hierarchy regulated in the Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act lays down a
fundamental order of priority for waste treatment and recovery measures: 1. Avoidance, 2. Preparation for
reuse, 3. Recycling, 4. Other recovery, in particular, energy recovery and backfilling, 5. Removal
Wet processing
Wet processing has the task of dissolving the waste paper into the individual fibres through the action of water
and under mechanical stress (agitator, rotary drum).
'Widget' nitrogen balls

The term 'widget' is used to describe approx. 3 cm large, hollow plastic balls filled with nitrogen, which are
used to create foam in beer can packaging. As soon as the can is opened, the nitrogen contained escapes
through a predetermined breaking point in the ball and foam is formed.
Wood-containing paper
Refers to the wood pulp content in paper. Wood-containing papers contain more than 5 % wood pulp in the
total fibre mass. Wood pulp, which is obtained mechanically, contains more lignin than pulp, which is obtained
chemically. This is why wood-containing papers also tend to yellow more.
68 GLOSSARY

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PACKAGING DESIGN

CONCEPTION AND TEXT

Circular Analytics TK GmbH

WORKING GROUP CIRCULAR PACKAGING 3

Declan Carolan Birgit Schröder

Nerida Kelton Johannes Bergmair

Innovations and continuous updating

2. INTRODUCTION — RECYCLABLE PACKAGING DESIGN 10

3. DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES 18

1.1 Legal framework conditions for the

1.2.1 Recycling rate

1.2.3 Sorting capability

1.2.4 Use of recycled material

2.1 Recycling processes at a glance

2.1.1 Plastics recycling

Flotation (sink-float sorting) is a density-based

LDPE PVC (flexible film)

The main interfering substances in waste glass cullet include:

Optimally reusable packaging (returnable) with recyclable design.

The following should be avoided:

2.3.2 Paper/ Carton

Plastic coatings on both sides.

 tandard colouring in green, brown, white (transparent)

No packaging glass, such as heat-resistant glass

 on-ferrous metal parts

Aluminium in material composite.6

2.4.1 Rare plastics

2.4.2 Compostable plastics

2.4.3 Special fibres for paper/ cardboard / carton

2.4.4 Composite materials with plastic content

The colour coding system

BOTTLES TRAYS AND CUPS FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

TUBES CANS FOLDING BOXES

COMPOSITE BEVERAGE DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES

The main criteria

The traffic light system

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES 19

Special additives such as oxygen/bio/Oxo-degradable additives, nanoparticles and a PA

20 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES

Extensive direct printing on the packaging is disadvantageous, as released printing inks

Adhesive materials containing metal or aluminium (with a layer thickness of

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES 21

A multi-layer composite can be used if necessary, if it is made up of different PE types

Multilayer composites with small amounts of PP are recyclable.

The addition of oxo-degradable additives damages the recyclate and is banned

Dark colouring can have a negative effect on the recyclate quality.

Carbon black -based colours can prevent sorting.

22 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES

Minimal printing with light or glazing colours is advantageous.

PP closures can lead to contamination in larger quantities.9

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES 23

A multi-layer composite material can be used if necessary, if this is made up of different

Multilayer composites with small amounts of PE are recyclable.9

The addition of oxo-degradable additives damages the recyclate and is banned

Carbon black -based colours can prevent sorting.

24 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES

In addition, all labels made of a material other than PP or PE should be water-washable

PE closures can lead to contamination in larger quantities 9.

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES 25

Plastic coatings on both sides.

tandard colouring in green, brown, white (transparent)

No packaging glass, such as heat-resistant glass

on-ferrous metal parts

Aluminium in material composite.6