The European Union is introducing stricter packaging requirements in phases from 12 August, under the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Companies that use materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle will face higher levies. To help businesses assess their current packaging performance and take concrete steps toward compliance, Dutch sustainability consultancy Greenhouse Sustainability has developed a new tool called PackR8.

Under the PPWR, every supplier, regardless of size, will pay a levy on the materials used in its packaging. The amount will depend on the recyclability of those materials, making sustainable packaging cheaper and less sustainable packaging more expensive. The regulation aims to reduce the large volumes of packaging waste generated across the EU through mandatory recycling, reuse, and sustainable design requirements.

Insight and advice
Utku Aydinci of Greenhouse Sustainability developed PackR8 to help companies map the environmental performance of their packaging. The tool goes beyond simple assessment. "We have integrated a consultancy component into the tool," says Aydinci. "So you not only gain insight into the sustainability of your packaging, but also receive advice on alternative materials, design improvements, and next steps."

Development of PackR8 started around eighteen months ago. "This is an important issue that businesses need to take seriously," Aydinci explains. "That is why we started early, to build a complete and accurate tool that both informs and advises. It also gave us the opportunity to test and refine the tool extensively in practice."

The tool was initially introduced to the horticultural sector through existing client relationships, but demand from other sectors followed quickly. "PackR8 supports PPWR compliance across all industries, not just horticulture," says Aydinci. "The tool we are now bringing to market directly addresses the challenges every business will face."

'License to operate'
Aydinci notes that awareness of the upcoming regulation and its implications is still limited in many parts of the market. He expects that to change once companies see the data. "As soon as businesses understand how their current packaging performs and what the associated costs will be, the need to improve will become clear. At Greenhouse Sustainability, we are informing our clients and contacts so they can act in time."

The impact will be significant, he predicts. "Companies that act now can really differentiate themselves in the market. There will be growing demand for packaging data. Businesses that have that data in order, and can demonstrate their packaging is sustainable, will earn a preferred position with buyers. Ultimately, it will become a licence to operate. If you cannot provide data on your packaging, other businesses will eventually stop working with you. The need to improve is real."

PackR8 was publicly presented for the first time at the Tuinbouw Footprint Event. Companies can now contact Greenhouse Sustainability to start using the tool.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com