GS1 standards enable packaging to work in practice. By using specific identification and labeling techniques, companies can ensure traceability, authenticity and regulatory compliance worldwide.
GS1 offers standards for identifying, capture and sharing data. It also includes master data description and 2D barcodes equipped with GS1 Digital Link, which enables GS1 standards to be web-enabled and product information to be made available by scanning.
Environmental legislation
The proposed EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Proposal Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR ), aims to reduce packaging waste, increase the use of recycled materials in packaging and promote a circular economy.
The regulation is an important step towards the EU’s sustainability goals and aims to drastically reduce packaging waste and promote a circular economy. The PPWR is expected to have a major impact on the way companies design, use and recycle packaging materials in the EU. Here is a summary of some of its key aspects based on information from various sources:
Reduction of packaging waste
The PPWR sets targets to reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040. This includes specific focus on reducing plastic packaging waste.
Bans and restrictions
The regulation bans the packaging of unprocessed fresh products in plastic by 2030 and requires reusable packaging for food and beverages consumed in restaurants from the same year. It also limits individually packaged portions of side dishes until 2030.
Reuse and replenishment
It introduces requirements for at least 10% of beverage packaging to be reusable by 2030 (excluding milk, wine and spirits) and 10% of takeaway food and drink to be packaged in reusable packaging by the same year.
Recycling and content of recycled materials:
The PPWR sets targets for separate collection of materials and requirements for recycled content in plastic packaging. All packaging must be recyclable with strict criteria defined by secondary legislation.
Specific measures and definitions
The PPWR distinguishes between packaging and transport packaging and includes packaging waste reduction targets for all Member States, mandatory reuse or refill targets for specific packaging types and EU standards for over-packaging.
The relationship between GS1 and PPWR
GS1 standards and PPWR are complementary in the pursuit of more sustainable packaging and product life cycles. GS1 standards can play a critical role in the implementation of PPWR by providing the tools necessary for the effective traceability and management of products and packaging throughout their life cycle. By standardizing, companies can streamline the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste, making compliance easier. At the same time, insights from the initiative can provide valuable information to further develop GS1 standards to better support sustainability goals. The combination of GS1’s efficient information management and PPWR’s focus on environmental responsibility helps drive progress towards a more sustainable and circular economy, where the environmental impact of products and packaging is minimized throughout their life cycle.
Uncover the essentials of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) with our position paper. The purpose of this paper is to guide companies in how to efficiently address the challenges posed by PPWR through the use of GS1 standards and services.
Correct labeling
Correct labeling ensures that consumers are informed of the product’s sustainability information, leading to more informed purchasing decisions.
Correct article information
Providing accurate product information helps consumers and businesses make choices that support sustainability and reduce waste.
Systems for reuse
A standardized system for reuse promotes the circular economy by extending the life cycle of packaging materials and reducing the need for disposable alternatives.
Regulatory compliance
Uniformly complying with environmental legislation ensures that packaging meets sustainability metrics, minimizing legal risks and environmental impacts.
Efficient supply chains
Streamlined supply chains reduce redundant packaging and energy consumption, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and more sustainable resource use.
Sustainable choices (consumer / purchasing)
Standards guide consumers and businesses towards purchasing options that prioritize environmentally friendly packaging and sustainable materials.
GS1 trade Item Information enables you to share detailed information about packaging materials and fulfill requirements such as reporting and recycling. Need guidance on how to provide item information linked to the latest legal requirements for packaging? Our guide will give you an overview of how to structure and share packaging information.
Deposit and recycling
GS1 standards allow companies to implement deposit and recycling systems for packaging efficiently. Globally unique numbers and barcodes, enabling recycling centers and retailers to quickly identify packaging types and their deposit value. This facilitates an automated recycling process, where packaging information can be recorded and managed in real time. In doing so, GS1 standards help simplify and streamline the collection and recycling of packaging materials, stimulating higher recycling rates and supporting the transition to a more circular economy.
Increasing transparency and traceability
GS1 plays a crucial role in increasing the traceability and transparency of packaging, which is essential to meet future sustainability regulations. By providing globally consistent standards for barcodes and other digital markings, GS1 enables businesses to trace the path of products from manufacturer to end consumer.
This traceability makes it easier for companies to verify the product’s origin, content and environmental impact, which is critical to meet increased sustainability reporting and certification requirements. In addition, GS1 standards help to increase the efficiency of supply chains, reduce waste and improve recycling by providing key information to support decision-making around sustainability.
Laws often require packaging to contain clear and accurate labeling to inform consumers about the product’s contents, use, expiry date, and any warnings. This is particularly important for food products, medicines, and chemicals where incorrect information or use can lead to serious health risks.
GS1 Sweden’s work on packaging
GS1 Sweden has a driving role in enabling solutions for packaging. We are active in the global standardization work at GS1 to further future-proof our standards. We also participate in the following Swedish and European initiatives;
Resource Library
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News
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