Day 1 Main ConferenceWednesday, 26 March 2025

• Anticipated changes under the PPWR, focusing on recyclability targets, implementation timelines, and delegated acts
• How will these changes harmonize—or challenge—packaging rules across member states?

The PPWR aims to harmonize packaging regulations across the EU, setting ambitious targets for recyclability, reuse, and recycled content. However, uncertainties remain around its implementation and impact on industry.

• What are the key challenges the industry faces in meeting the new PPWR requirements?
• How can the EU ensure uniform enforcement across member states?
• What role should the industry play in shaping secondary regulations under the PPWR?
• How can the transition timeline be managed to minimize disruptions for businesses?
• What strategies are most effective for companies to prepare for the impending changes?

• Implications of EPR regulation for producers, including eco-modulation of fees and obligations to use recycled content
• How can companies adapt to ensure compliance while optimizing costs?

• Strategies to align packaging practices with the EU Green Deal and Circular Material Use Act (CMUA)
• Potential of circularity to boost competitiveness while meeting sustainability targets

The packaging industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by environmental concerns, regulatory pressures, and evolving consumer preferences. Traditional packaging materials, particularly single-use plastics, have been identified as major contributors to environmental degradation, prompting a global shift towards more sustainable alternatives. Innovations in biodegradable materials, digital technologies, and collaborative supply chain efforts are at the forefront of this movement, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote circular economy principles.

The panel discussion aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts in reducing the environmental footprint of packaging, promoting sustainable practices, and aligning industry actions with global sustainability goals.

• What are the most promising advancements in biodegradable packaging materials, and how can they be scaled effectively?
• How can digital technologies, such as machine learning and digital labeling, enhance the sustainability of packaging?
• What challenges do companies face when transitioning to sustainable packaging solutions, and how can they be overcome?
• In what ways can collaboration across the supply chain accelerate innovation in sustainable packaging?
• How do regional regulations and consumer behaviours influence the adoption of sustainable packaging innovations?

• Comparing different recycling technologies
• Advanced/Chemical Recycling:
  • From pilot to full scale – learnings & volume outlook
  • Challenges

As the debate around sustainable packaging intensifies, the choice between reusability, recyclability, and the emerging role of biodegradability poses complex challenges. Each option has unique implications for environmental impact, cost, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.

• What criteria should guide the decision among reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging options?
• How can companies balance targets for reusability, recyclability, and biodegradability with consumer convenience, product safety, and cost-effectiveness?
• What recent innovations in packaging design can support a hybrid approach, enhancing both reusability, recyclability, and biodegradability?
• How do different sustainable packaging choices impact ROI, compliance costs, and the ability to meet regulatory targets?
• Are there sectors where one approach—reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging—is clearly more advantageous for sustainability goals?

• The history of eco-modulation of fees for packaging in Portugal
• The eco-modulation that will come into force in 2026 linking design for recycling guidelines with fee bonuses applied to producers (packers/fillers)
• How can we make the most of digital tools to help producers comply with their reporting obligations?
• How to progress in the future to adapt to the PPWR requirements (preparing for when they come into force)?

• D4R solutions space
• Challenges of flexible packaging
• Commercial Case Study – Moving packaging portfolio for frozen goods from multi-material laminated films to mono-material non-laminated films à reducing weight and designing for recyclability at no additional cost.

• Hurdles in standardizing waste sorting labels and packaging declarations across member states
  • The JRC and European Commission are currently conducting research to develop an EU wide labelling approach fit for purpose.
  • The JRC gathered evidence from citizens and industry stakeholders via surveys and workshops to iteratively design the system and design of the labels
  • This presentation will outline the current stage of the project, present and discuss the prototype with the participants

The Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) introduces digital product passports, which aim to enhance traceability and compliance across the supply chain.

• How will digital product passports affect packaging design and material choices?
• What are the key challenges in implementing digital product passports across various sectors?
• How can digital product passports contribute to achieving circular economy goals?
• What data should be included in the passports to ensure both compliance and innovation?
• How can the industry collaborate with regulators to establish standards for digital product passports?