Brussels, [27-01-2025] – The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is set to reshape the packaging industry by focusing on minimizing waste and increasing recyclability across materials, including complex polyamide-based packaging. With its ambitious targets to reduce packaging waste, increase the use of recycled materials, and encourage recyclable design, the PPWR aims to promote a circular economy in Europe.

Polyamide’s unique role in sustainable packaging

Polyamide is a high-performance material that is valued for its versatility and can make an important contribution to reducing packaging waste, a key objective of the PPWR. The far-reaching requirements of the PPWR require significant adjustments in packaging design, particularly for flexible packaging. By optimizing packaging design and ensuring compatibility with recycling streams, packaging containing polyamide can make an important contribution to the circular economy in the EU.

Independent research institutes, such as Institut cyclos-HTP (CHI) and non-profit organizations, such as the Advanced Packaging Association (APA) are leading the way by providing critical, science-based data to demonstrate the recyclability of polyamide. These groups are contributing to the development of new regulatory frameworks and industry standards, and guiding manufacturers on best practices for sustainable packaging design.

The CHI standard: A PPWR-compliant recyclability benchmark

“The CHI Recyclability Assessment (CHI-RA) standard, developed by CHI, is already the first to be fully compliant with the PPWR,” noted Dr. Roland Bothor of CHI. This CHI standard fulfils all the requirements formulated in the PPWR, in particular those of Article 35. It has been tried and tested thousands of times in practical application and is an industry standard that has been established for many years. This global standard establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating the recyclability of packaging materials, including polyamide-containing products. “Adhering to the CHI standard enables manufacturers to verify the recyclability of their packaging, demonstrating their commitment to the EU’s sustainability goals.”

Critical success factors for polyamide packaging recyclability

To maximize the sustainability contribution of polyamide-containing packaging, the industry should focus on design elements that improve recyclability, simplify sorting and minimize environmental impact. A key priority is to reduce non-recyclable components and carefully select materials that are sortable within multi-layer structures to enable more efficient recycling processes.

Furthermore, innovations in sorting and recycling technologies can also help to significantly improve recycling rates and the quality of recyclates, for example, in the case of household packaging.

Science-driven standards and transparent certification

“Independent testing and certification, such as that provided by Institut cyclos-HTP’s CHI standard, confirm recyclability claims, providing a transparent, science-based foundation for producers and brand owners to align with PPWR’s objectives;” says Roland Bothor of the institute. “Such validation builds industry and consumer trust in polyamide as a sustainable material choice.”

APA’s commitment to collaboration and sustainability

The Advanced Packaging Association (APA) promotes collaboration between packaging producers and recyclers, as well as research institutes such as CHI, to establish effective sorting and recycling practices that facilitate the integration of polyamide into existing waste management systems. By joining the APA, companies can play an active role in promoting sustainable polyamide-containing packaging solutions and contribute to a circular economy.

Quotes from industry experts:

Roland Bothor of CHI shared his perspective on polyamide’s future within the EU’s circular economy vision: “With science-driven testing and standards like the CHI standard, we can objectively verify the recyclability of polyamide-containing packaging. This alignment with PPWR empowers the industry to make more informed choices and highlights the ability of polyamide to support circular economy goals.”

Nicola Bucchioni: “As an industry association, APA is committed to promoting materials like polyamide that enhance packaging performance without compromising recyclability. By uniting with research institutions and regulatory bodies, we’re fostering a sustainable future for high-performance materials.”

For more information

The Advanced Packaging Association and Institut cyclos-HTP invite media representatives to engage with us and learn more about the role of polyamide in sustainable packaging. Together, we are working to unlock polyamide’s full potential in a circular economy, and we welcome conversations that explore this path to a more sustainable future.

For members of the media interested in learning more about the topic, we invite you to read the full interview with Dr. Roland Bothor here.