Recycled Content in plastic packaging
Minimum PCR Content for plastic packaging
By 2030, plastic packaging placed on the market must contain a minimum percentage of recycled content recovered from post-consumer plastic waste (PCR):
contact sensitive packaging made from PET (50% from 2040)
contact sensitive packaging made from plastic materials other than PET (25% from 2040)
single use plastic beverage bottles (65% from 2040)
plastic packaging made from other material (65% from 2040)
There are exemptions, for example for plastic packaging of certain medical devices or for infant food, compostable plastic packaging, or any plastic part representing less than 5% of the total weight of the whole packaging unit.
At Mondi, we offer the integration of PCR materials into our packaging solutions to support a circular economy. Whether you're preparing for upcoming EU regulations or adapting to changing industry standards, we provide ISCC Plus certified and traceable PCR solutions tailored to your packaging needs. Our approach is designed to help you prepare for future regulatory requirements while maintaining quality and performance.
What is Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials are derived from used consumer products. We focus on both mechanically recycled (mPCR) and chemically recycled (cPCR) materials with sustainability in mind.
- Mechanically Recycled (mPCR) Materials:
- Primarily used for home & personal care and industrial packaging.
- Cost-effective and reduces the impact of plastic waste.
- Chemically Recycled (cPCR) Materials:
- Suitable for food contact packaging, including pet food.
- Enables high quality and safety standards while incorporating recycled content.
Mondi’s transparent & certified approach
We use the mass balance approach as part of the ISCC Plus certification to track and allocate PCR content, providing transparency in our supply chain.
We anticipate this approach may serve as a foundation for addressing future requirements of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will require minimum percentages of recycled content in plastic packaging starting from 2030.
It is important to note that the official methodology for calculating and verifying recycled content under the PPWR will be established in upcoming implementing acts. Our current ISCC Plus certification provides a robust framework that we anticipate may serve as a foundation for addressing future requirements.
Note: The PPWR entered into force in February 2025, with most provisions applying from August 2026. Essential technical specifications will be defined in forthcoming delegated and implementing acts. We are developing solutions to help our customers prepare for these upcoming requirements, though final compliance can only be determined once all technical details are published.
Have a question or a topic to raise?
Here’s a selection of our solutions
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Mono-material shaped pouches
Mono-material shaped pouches have a specific form that differentiate your product from regular pouches. Due to the material structure used they are designed for recycling and part of our re/cycle portfolio.
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Wicket Bags
Mondi's wicket bags guarantee an outstanding product presentation at the POS. Available in paper-based and monomaterial structures, you can choose the best solution for your brand.
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FlexiBags
re/cycle FlexiBags are pre-made, reclosable packaging solutions designed for recycling. They are available with different thicknesses, barrier properties and features, including customisable sizes and bottom constructions.
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Mono-material barrier packaging
Mono-material barrier packaging is our award-winning, flexible solution designed for recycling. It is available with different barrier properties to protect the contents inside from external factors.
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Mono-material pouch with removable panels
A patented mono-material solution for liquid detergent and liquid soap, designed for recycling. The special printed and removable panels concept gives this solution the highest recyclability rating of 100% - certified by cyclos-HTP and Interseroh - making it the most recyclable spouted pouch in the market.
