Author: Julie Viale

Introduction

As part of the European Green Deal and the new Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Commission has undertaken a revision of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. This directive, adopted by the Council of the European Union on December 20, 1994, was originally developed to prevent or reduce the environmental impact of packaging and packaging waste. In addition to limiting heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium to minimal levels, the directive set out the “essential requirements” — the foundation for the design and use of packaging, based on the core principles of Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling, now commonly referred to as the “3Rs.”

The new regulation, REGULATION (EU) 2025/40 — also known by its acronym PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) — aims primarily to ensure a market in which all packaging is either reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030–2035. It reinforces the essential requirements and establishes concrete implementation targets.

Unlike the previous directive, this is now a regulation, which means it is directly applicable in all Member States upon entry into force, with no need for national transposition.

The PPWR was formally adopted by the European Parliament and Council on December 19, 2024, and entered into force on February 11, 2025 — 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on January 22, 2025. It will become applicable as of August 12, 2026 — 18 months after its entry into force.

With over 70 articles and additional delegated acts still pending publication, a few pages would not suffice to cover the full scope and complexity of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This publication is not to be considered legally binding or as a guarantee of compliance with the Regulation (for legal purposes, please refer to the full text of the Regulation). Link to the full text

This regulation is expected to help the European Union move closer to becoming a “recycling society,” where the impact of packaging becomes a shared responsibility, aimed at preventing waste generation and using waste as a resource. Naturally, this transition cannot happen without a robust system for take-back, collection, recovery of packaging waste at the end of its life cycle, and transformation into a resource for new production. Member States are therefore actively involved in this process.

What is packaging, and why is it used?

“Packaging”: an article, regardless of the material it is made from, intended to be used by an economic operator to contain and protect products or to enable their handling, transport, or display to another economic operator or to the final user. Packaging may vary in format depending on its function, material, and design.

Packaging also serves as a communication tool for consumers: it informs them about the product it contains, how to use it, whether it is hazardous, and now more than ever, what to do with the packaging once it is empty—can it be reused, does it become waste, and if so, what material is it made of and where should it be disposed of?

To ensure better coordination of collection systems, the regulation also provides for the marking and identification of the material(s) used in the packaging. The goal is to harmonize labeling across the European Union, making it easier to correctly separate packaging waste at the source.

As a result, every package, whether empty or containing a product placed on the Union market, will be required to bear harmonized labeling. While the exact specifications are not yet finalized, the European Commission is expected to adopt implementing acts by August 12, 2026 to establish these harmonized labeling rules.

Packaging may be mono-material (or single-layer), meaning it is made from one type of material throughout. This greatly facilitates sorting and recycling: with simpler separation or breakdown processes, mono-material packaging enables more efficient and effective recycling.

In some cases, to enhance product protection, packaging is made of multiple materials, each offering specific properties. These are referred to as multi-material packaging.

Such packaging may also be multi-layered, with layers glued together. The layers may all be of the same material category (e.g., plastic, cardboard, metal) or of different categories. This is common for food-contact packaging, where one or more layers of plastic may be combined with a metal layer to create a barrier—preventing migration of substances between layers. However, separating these layers can be extremely difficult, or even impossible.

There are also packaging solutions made up of separate components of different materials, which can be disassembled manually or mechanically. An example is aluminum bottles with plastic sleeves, where each part is mono-material and suitable for its own specific recycling stream. Tournaire offers such solutions under the SYSTEM PLUS™, AP25™, AP28™, and CHEM 42™ ranges for machine separation, and OMNI PLUS™ for easier manual disassembly.

So, what exactly does the PPWR regulate?

The PPWR introduces major changes for companies manufacturing or placing primary, secondary, or tertiary packaging on the EU market. It regulates packaging materials, associated waste, and design requirements. The regulation specifically applies to economic operators and producers.

The PPWR is structured into 13 chapters, covering the following key measures:

• Recyclability
• Post-consumer recycled content (PCR)
• Waste reduction
• Reusability
• Labeling
• Registration and reporting

In addition, the PPWR requires that sanctions be “effective, proportionate, and dissuasive,” though the interpretation of these terms may vary between EU Member States. Its implementation may therefore carry significant compliance risks for businesses.

Among the provisions, Article 6 defines recyclable packaging, stating that packaging is considered recyclable if it is designed to enable the recycling of materials in such a way that the resulting secondary raw materials are of sufficient quality to replace the original primary raw materials.

By January 1, 2030, all packaging placed on the market must be recyclable.

By January 1, 2035, once the packaging becomes waste, it must be able to be separately collected and directed to specific waste streams, without compromising the recyclability of other streams, and be recyclable at scale.

From an industrial standpoint, 2030 is right around the corner — businesses must act now to anticipate and adapt to these changes.

All packaging must be designed and intended to be recyclable at end of life. This means it must be:

• Easy to separate at source;
• Sorted into specific waste streams without contamination;
• Recycled at industrial scale.

The PPWR seeks to standardize recyclability criteria across the EU to remove internal market barriers. Packaging will therefore be classified as A, B, or C, based on how well its design meets the recyclability criteria set out in Tables 3 and 4 of Annex II.

 

Additional milestones are established to support the EU’s ambition toward a circular economy:

• From 2030: Packaging must meet the defined recyclability criteria to be considered recyclable.
• From 2035: Additional requirements based on actual large-scale recycling outcomes will apply. Packaging rated below C will be deemed technically non-recyclable, and its placement on the market will be restricted.
• From January 2038: Only packaging rated B or above will be allowed on the EU market.

This provision also lays the groundwork for adjusting the financial contributions producers must make under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme — linking the economic responsibility of producers to the recyclability quality of their packaging design.

When it comes to recycling, metal offers several advantages. It can be melted down and reused infinitely without any loss in material quality. Furthermore, using recycled metal to produce new products can save up to 95% of the energy required for primary production from virgin materials — a particularly notable benefit in the case of aluminum.

Minimum recycled content in plastic packaging

According to Article 7, any plastic component of packaging placed on the market must contain the following minimum percentage of recycled content derived from the recovery of post-consumer plastic waste, calculated as an annual average per manufacturing plant.

Packaging must be designed and manufactured in such a way as to promote the increased substitution of virgin raw materials with recycled materials. The recycled content must come from post-consumer plastic waste collected within the EU or in a third country, provided that the collection standards are equivalent.

These targets aim to encourage innovation in recycling technologies and to ensure uniform standards across the EU market—a goal already pursued in France with the AGEC Law (Law No. 2020-105 of 10 February 2020 on combating waste and promoting the circular economy).

Minimization of packaging

Article 10 states that packaging placed on the market must be designed so that its weight and volume are minimized to the extent necessary to ensure its functionality, taking into account its shape and the material it is made of.

The inclusion of features that artificially increase perceived volume, such as double walls or false bottoms, or the use of non-essential extra packaging, is prohibited. However, any additional weight or volume that improves recyclability or reusability is justified and accepted.

Manufacturers will be required to provide documentation that demonstrates compliance with PPWR regulations. This will include data on minimum required weight and volume, along with the calculation method used.

Exceptions may only apply to products registered or protected before February 11, 2025, if the new requirements would compromise the distinctive character or integrity of these protected designs or models.

Excessive packaging depletes resources and creates unnecessary waste. By optimizing packaging, companies not only comply with regulatory standards, but also reduce costs, enhance their sustainability credentials, and strengthen their environmental reputation. For consumers, less packaging means less waste, promoting more sustainable consumption habits.

Reusable packaging

Article 11 sets out the criteria that packaging must meet in order to be considered reusable, such as the ability to be emptied or unloaded without damage that would prevent it from being used again.

Reuse is defined as any operation by which a reusable packaging is used multiple times for the same purpose for which it was originally designed.

Within the PPWR framework, reuse refers to repeated use of packaging for its intended purpose. Therefore, the packaging must be designed to enable reuse, incorporate recycled content, and be recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

Trade-offs may be required in terms of additional weight or volume, for example when more robust and thicker packaging is necessary to support multiple uses.

Refilling is defined as an operation in which a container used as packaging—either owned by the end user or purchased by the end user at the point of sale—is refilled by either the end user or the final distributor with one or more products purchased from that distributor.

Transport and Sales Packaging:

• By January 1, 2030, at least 40% of transport packaging must be recyclable. This includes pallets and their wrapping, crates, drums, and barrels.
• By January 1, 2040, at least 70% must be recyclable.

Grouped Packaging:

• By 2030, at least 10% of grouped packaging (excluding cardboard) must be reusable.
• By 2040, this target increases to 25%.

Beverage Packaging:

• By 2030, 10% of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages must be sold in reusable packaging.
• By 2040, the target rises to 40%.
• By 2034, the European Commission will assess the effectiveness of these targets to determine their feasibility.

Reuse, refill, and return systems allow consumers to reuse a container—whether personal or provided—at a point of sale or a dedicated station. These mechanisms are envisioned as effective alternatives to single-use, offering a substantial reduction in packaging waste. It is therefore essential to begin rethinking current models, especially in logistics, and to consider more circular approaches.

Packaging and substances of concern

Article 5 states that packaging placed on the market must be manufactured to minimize the presence and concentration of substances of concern in the materials used or their components. This includes emissions and by-products resulting from waste processing (e.g. secondary raw materials, ashes, and other materials destined for final disposal), as well as environmental impacts related to microplastics.

By December 31, 2026, the European Commission, assisted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), will publish a report on the presence of substances of concern in packaging and its components, assessing their potential negative effects on reuse and recycling processes or chemical safety. The report may list these substances and evaluate whether they pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.

In the EU, chemical substances—including those present in packaging—are already subject to upstream restrictions through key regulatory frameworks, such as:

• Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
• Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP)
• Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, regarding packaging intended for food contact.

The EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability aims to build upon this regulatory foundation and develop coherent, complementary approaches to assess and manage chemical substances more effectively.

Packaging Labelling

According to Article 12, by August 12, 2028, all packaging placed on the market must bear harmonized labeling that provides information on the materials used, to facilitate sorting by consumers.

In addition to the required label, economic operators may include a QR code or other standardized digital data format on the packaging. This code can provide component-specific information to further guide consumers in separating and sorting packaging waste correctly.

Since 1997, packaging material identification has been governed by European Commission Decision 97/129/EC, which assigns a code composed of an abbreviation and number to each material or composite. A composite packaging refers to packaging made from different materials that cannot be separated manually, and in which no single material exceeds a specific weight threshold, as defined under Article 21 of Directive 94/62/EC.

With the new regulation, harmonized labels, QR codes, or any other type of standardized open digital data carrier must be affixed, printed, or engraved in a visible, legible, and durable manner on the packaging, in such a way that they cannot be easily removed or erased.

By August 12, 2026, the implementing acts are expected to be published, which will define the harmonized labeling requirements as well as the method for identifying the materials composing the packaging.

Starting August 12, 2028, packaging placed on the market must comply with harmonized labeling in accordance with the forthcoming implementing acts. In addition to material identification, harmonized labels are expected to include:

• Accessibility pictograms, corresponding to labels on waste bins;
• Digital marking of substances of concern;
• Clear and unambiguous labeling for compostable packaging;
• QR codes indicating compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements;
• Recycled content disclosure, in line with EU specifications;
• Disclosure of bio-based plastic content, following harmonized rules.

As of February 12, 2029, reusable packaging must be clearly labeled as such and easily distinguishable from single-use packaging, allowing consumers to identify it immediately.

Some packaging types are exempt from these rules, notably:

• Packaging used in e-commerce,
• Transport packaging,
• Deposit return systems (DRS),
• Medical packaging where safety issues arise.

Additional labeling rules may apply depending on the intended use of the packaging, the type of product, or substances contained. For example, Amendment (EU) 2024/2865 to Directive (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labeling, and packaging of substances and mixtures introduced minimum label and font size requirements based on packaging volume (as detailed in Annex I).

EU declaration of conformity

Article 39 establishes the requirement for an EU Declaration of Conformity, based on the template in the annex of the regulation. This document must be prepared by the manufacturer, and certifies compliance with the requirements of Articles 5 to 12, or those adopted under them.

Registration

By February 2026, the European Commission will define a standardized registration format, enabling vendor-independent data transfers using open standards and machine-readable data.

Representative and Oversight Authority

The PPWR requires that each EU Member State designate a competent authority by July 2025 to oversee the implementation of the registration process.

This applies to:

• Any producer placing packaging or packaged products on a Member State’s market for the first time;
• Any entity unwrapping or unpacking products.

Producers must register in the Member State where they place their packaging or packaged products on the market.

If a producer is not established within the EU, they must appoint an authorized representative (AR) in that Member State.

Packaging for the Transport of Dangerous Goods

These types of packaging are often more complex in design to provide enhanced strength, durability, and functionality. They are subject to UN approvals and rigorous manufacturing inspections. In addition to containing and protecting transported products, these packages also serve as environmental safeguards, due to their high resistance to impacts, falls, pressure, etc., thus preventing spills and environmental contamination in the event of accidents.

The PPWR acknowledges this and states that in case of conflict with Directive 2008/68/EC on the transport of dangerous goods, the latter shall prevail.

The same applies to end-of-life management: if sufficient cleaning is not performed to remove residual hazardous substances, the packaging becomes hazardous waste. The PPWR applies without prejudice to Directive 2008/98/EC of November 19, 2008, on waste management.

In these cases, packaging performance takes precedence over recyclability, and TOURNAIRE recommends conducting a full environmental impact assessment of the product to evaluate whether it offers greater long-term sustainability.

Such an assessment provides a comprehensive view of environmental impacts, going beyond the carbon footprint alone.

 

Packaging for Human and Veterinary Medicines

According to Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001, establishing a Community code relating to medicinal products for human use, primary packaging is defined as:

“the container or any other form of packaging that is in direct contact with the medicinal product.”

A medicinal product is defined as any substance or combination of substances:

• Presented as having curative or preventive properties for human diseases;
• Or which may be administered to diagnose, restore, correct, or modify physiological functions in humans.

The REGULATION (EU) 2019/6 of 11 December 2018, on veterinary medicinal products, repealing Directive 2001/82/EC, defines primary packaging similarly as: “the container or any other form of packaging that is in direct contact with the veterinary medicinal product.”

For packaging intended for human and veterinary medicines, in order to protect human and animal health and ensure safety, due to the nature of the packaged products and the related requirements, PPWR obligations on recyclability and related aspects should not be mandatory. Compliance must instead be assessed with priority given to the two applicable legislative texts.

A Major Step Forward for the Environment

The PPWR represents a major environmental advancement. It aims to reduce single-use packaging, preserve natural resources, limit CO₂ emissions, and support a coherent and transparent circular economy.

For companies, this means a complete rethinking of packaging: lighter, more recyclable, better designed, and adapted for reuse or refilling. Standardized labeling becomes mandatory. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism becomes a structural economic tool, incentivizing eco-design.

These obligations require significant logistical and industrial investment, but also stimulate innovation, skill development, and offer real opportunities for differentiation and improved environmental performance.

Global Developments

Asia-Pacific countries are also taking steps to reduce hazardous chemicals in products.

In Q1 2025, more than 30 Asia-Pacific nations — including India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam — signed the Jaipur Declaration of March 2025 on the 3Rs and Circular Economy, launching a 2025–2035 roadmap.

This non-binding declaration aims, among other goals, to reduce hazardous chemicals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in materials, products, and waste, including plastics. It follows the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013–2023), which provided a general policy framework for the development and implementation of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) strategies across the Asia-Pacific region. The new declaration sets out 13 voluntary goals, one of which specifically addresses the elimination of hazardous substances.

Europe’s Forward-Looking Vision

With the PPWR, Europe demonstrates strong environmental ambition and commitment, introducing innovative standards and targets designed to revolutionize packaging production, usage, collection, and recycling.

Often a pioneer in structuring packaging regulations, the EU sets an example that will hopefully inspire broader global adoption of the 3R sustainability principles.

Thanks to its strong export focus and long-standing commitment to sustainability, TOURNAIRE and its aluminum packaging solutions position themselves as a preferred partner in this transition, offering solutions that comply with the new regulation.

Key Takeaways

• • From January 1, 2035: Packaging must also be recyclable at scale. The methodology to assess large-scale recyclability by packaging category will be defined by an implementing act adopted by January 1, 2030.
  • From January 1, 2038: Packaging with a C-grade performance will be banned from the EU market.
    • From January 1, 2030: All packaging placed on the market must be recyclable.
    • By January 1, 2028: The European Commission will issue secondary legislation defining Design for Recycling (DfR) criteria and recyclability performance levels based on predominant material.
    • Packaging recyclability will be scored as:
    • A (≥95%)
    • B (≥80%)
    • C (≥70%)

    These scores will inform eco-modulation of EPR fees.

References

• DIRECTIVE 94/62/CE DU PARLEMENT EUROPEEN ET DU CONSEIL du 20 décembre 1994 relative aux emballages et aux déchets d’emballages 
• RÈGLEMENT (UE) 2025/40 DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET DU CONSEIL du 19 décembre 2024 relatif aux emballages et aux déchets d’emballages, modifiant le règlement (UE) 2019/1020 et la directive (UE) 2019/904, et abrogeant la directive 94/62/CE 
• DIRECTIVE 2008/68/CE DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET DU CONSEIL du 24 septembre 2008 relative au transport intérieur des marchandises dangereuses 
• DIRECTIVE 2008/98/CE DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET DU CONSEIL du 19 novembre 2008 relative aux déchets et abrogeant certaines directives 
• DECISION DE LA COMMISSION du 28 janvier 1997 établissant le système d’identification des matériaux d’emballage, conformément à la directive 94/62/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil relative aux emballages et aux déchets d’emballages (Texte présentant de l’intérêt pour l’EEE) (97/ 129/CE)
• DIRECTIVE 2001/83/CE DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET DU CONSEIL du 6 novembre 2001 instituant un code communautaire relatif aux médicaments à usage humain (JO L 311 du 28.11.2001, p. 67). 
• REGLEMENT (UE) 2019/6 DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET DU CONSEIL du 11 décembre 2018 relatif aux médicaments vétérinaires et abrogeant la directive 2001/82/CE (JO L 4 du 7.1.2019, p. 43). 
• RÈGLEMENT (CE) N° 1907/2006 DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET DU CONSEIL du 18 décembre 2006 concernant l’enregistrement, l’évaluation et l’autorisation des substances chimiques, ainsi que les restrictions applicables à ces substances (REACH), instituant une agence européenne des produits chimiques, modifiant la directive 1999/45/CE et abrogeant le règlement (CEE) n° 793/93 du Conseil et le règlement (CE) n° 1488/94 de la Commission ainsi que la directive 76/769/CEE du Conseil et les directives 91/155/CEE, 93/67/CEE, 93/105/CE et 2000/21/CE de la Commission 
• RÈGLEMENT (UE) 2024/2865 DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET DU CONSEIL du 23 octobre 2024 modifiant le règlement (CE) no 1272/2008 relatif à la classification, à l’étiquetage et à l’emballage des substances et des mélanges 
• RÈGLEMENT (CE) No 1935/2004 DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET DU CONSEIL du 27 octobre 2004 concernant les matériaux et objets destinés à entrer en contact avec des denrées alimentaires et abrogeant les directives 80/590/CEE et 89/109/CEE 

Introduction

Beyond the product...
Tournaire's vision of service in the packaging industry.

The packaging industry is more than just supplying products to customers. Service plays a key role in this sector. It encompasses a wide range of essential aspects that make a significant contribution to value creation, over and above the simple supply of a product.

Consulting and expertise

These days, companies live at a frenetic pace: developments multiply in order to constantly push new products onto ever-changing markets. The obligation to deliver results is essential if companies are to stay ahead of the game. Added to this are all the regulatory aspects they have to deal with, which can be extremely complex to master, particularly in terms of packaging. This is one area where companies have no room for error. These multiple constraints call for unfailing support in the choice and design of their products, and in particular their packaging. Today's packaging companies have evolved beyond simply selling standard products. They now offer personalized advice and technical expertise to meet the specific needs of each customer. This may include optimizing packaging materials, designing customized solutions, optimizing costs, or providing support on regulatory issues. Like Tournaire, some packaging companies have been established for many decades, and have a wealth of experience and know-how to offer their customers. Building on their past, these companies look to the future, continually imagining and developing new, tailor-made packaging solutions to meet their customers' most specific needs. Each market, and each customer in particular, has its own particularities, and packaging companies strive to provide solutions tailored to them. Some sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, focus heavily on the total safety of materials to prevent any interaction with drugs. For aluminum packaging, this means a surface treatment called anodizing, which creates a layer of inert alumina to protect the packaged product. Although the range of packaged products is very broad, packaging companies have the necessary knowledge to guide customers towards appropriate solutions. Their experience enables them to offer solutions that are both economical and technically mature. They are a force to be reckoned with in key areas such as :

• - Material quality and resistance;
• The risk of interaction between the packaging and the packaged product, and possible solutions in terms of finishes (anodizing, varnish, etc.);
• General tightness, fine tightness and permeability (e.g. to oxygen or moisture absorption);
• Design and ergonomics.

In short, packaging companies offer their customers genuine know-how, combined with cutting-edge technical expertise, to meet today's challenges and propose solutions tailored to individual needs.

Speed and efficiency

In a context where trade has become globalized and competition no longer knows borders, companies need to implement effective strategies to remain competitive. The global supply chain, which begins with the raw material supplier and ends with the end customer, is a key point in this process, and one that could be described as sensitive. It is very quickly affected by the sometimes tense geopolitical context, by the vagaries of the weather in certain supply or transit regions, but also, as recently experienced, by a global epidemic such as COVID-19, which paralyzed the entire world. All the more so as, with a view to reducing capital costs, companies tend to limit their stock to the strict minimum. Management becomes tense and sometimes critical, particularly in the event of sharp variations in market demand. When it comes to packaging, logistics play a decisive role. Companies strive to maintain high levels of flexibility and availability in production and inventory management, while optimizing the speed of deliveries. More generally, they are striving to increase the efficiency of all the processes that govern them. Indeed, the ability to respond quickly to requests and ensure on-time delivery contributes to the stability of customers' supply chains, and often helps to reinforce a competitive advantage. In this respect, some packaging companies such as Tournaire surpass packaging industry standards thanks to their great flexibility. Their production lines can be quickly equipped with specific tooling to switch from one packaging model to another. This agility makes it possible to produce small, specific batches and respond to any emergency situation. More generally, packaging production is optimized on the basis of annual sales forecasts, enabling a stock to be built up for the most common references. This stock helps to smooth production activity and maintain a high level of efficiency, while acting as a buffer in the event of last-minute customer demand. Efficiency and speed are also essential for order entry, usually carried out the same day by a multilingual team, as well as for parcel preparation and dispatch, whether by truck or container. To optimize logistics and offer a local service to their customers, companies work with a network of partners, agents and distributors throughout the world. In this way, the main packaging references are available immediately and in close proximity thanks to their partners' stocks, ranging from Brazil to China, via India and Australia. Logistics in all its forms is therefore a fundamental pillar of the packaging industry, guaranteeing flexibility, speed and efficiency. Thanks to their agility and global partnerships, packaging companies can respond to the specific needs of their customers and ensure punctual deliveries, thus contributing to the stability of the supply chain.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility

To remain competitive, companies must adapt to the needs and concerns of consumers. The environment is now a major priority, with growing consumer expectations for more responsible business practices. As a result, governments are organizing themselves and strengthening their regulatory frameworks in terms of environmental responsibility, as well as health protection, putting even greater pressure on companies to integrate sustainable solutions that respect both the ecosystem and consumer health. In this context, companies in the packaging sector have a role to play. They are committed to sustainable development. They strive to offer eco-responsible packaging solutions while reducing their ecological footprint. They optimize their manufacturing processes, explore new avenues and deploy efficient recycling practices. This proactive approach responds to growing consumer demand and increasingly stringent regulations in the sector. In terms of environmental responsibility, the packaging industry is directly impacted by the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This regulation reflects a more global and ambitious “3R” approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for household and industrial packaging. Coming into force in February 2025, the regulation aims to reduce packaging waste per person by 15% by 2040, compared with 2018 levels. To achieve this target, measures such as reducing unnecessary packaging, promoting reusable or refillable packaging, and improving the recyclability of materials are imposed. Packaging companies must therefore meet this challenge by implementing sustainable solutions, such as the use of recyclable materials like aluminum, which has the advantage of being infinitely recyclable, unlike other materials. The use of recycled materials in the manufacture of finished products also represents a major challenge in terms of sustainability. This can be a tricky subject, as the composition of recycled materials is often subject to variations, however slight, which have a significant impact on the production of finished products. The packaging industry must therefore be agile in adapting its manufacturing processes to offer eco-responsible products. There are two main categories of recycled materials:

• PCR (Post-Consumer Recycling), which refers to recycled materials derived from post-consumer waste, such as packaging used on a daily basis.
• PIR (Post-Industrial Recycling), which refers to materials recycled directly from industrial waste generated during the manufacturing process, even before they reach the consumer.

Once recycled, these materials can be reintegrated into the production cycle. Industrial recycling thus maximizes resource efficiency and reduces the ecological footprint. Numerous other actions are implemented in all areas of the company to reduce its ecological footprint and offer its customers more environmentally-friendly products. These may include the use of renewable energies, the optimization of over-packaging, eco-responsible air-conditioning solutions, the provision of recharging points for electric vehicle, etc. Other environmental issues that have a direct impact on everyone's health are chemicals that have become controversial and are used for very specific applications, and for which substitution is complex. These include PFASs, used for their waterproofing and heat-resistance properties, etc., which are persistent in the environment because they degrade only very slowly. They also present a health risk as they accumulate in living organisms. Another example is BPA (bisphenol A), an endocrine disruptor used in the manufacture of certain plastics and resins. Because of their potential effects on the environment and health, the use of these products is restricted or even banned. Companies are striving to find alternatives to their use, with products that are more respectful of the environment and consumer health. In conclusion, the packaging industry is striving to meet growing expectations in terms of sustainable development and respect for the environment, as well as consumer health. Through optimized manufacturing practices, the use of recycled materials and compliance with new regulations, these companies can offer greener packaging solutions and reduce their ecological footprint. By meeting these challenges, they are helping to preserve our planet for future generations.

Technical Support and Training

Today, it has become crucial for companies to maintain a high level of product knowledge and expertise. Indeed, the globalization of markets and the challenges it poses in terms of competitiveness are driving companies to consolidate their knowledge and seek ever greater support from their partners. In the packaging sector, technical support and training are essential services that form an integral part of a company's offering. They provide their customers and partners with a whole range of educational documents to help them make the right packaging choices and expand their general knowledge of the sector. These documents can include practical fact sheets on various packaging-related topics, such as technical descriptions of the materials used, manufacturing processes, storage conditions, etc. With their concise format, these documents offer customers an overview of the essential points on the subject in question. Another very popular medium is FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), which consist of a series of questions and answers covering a specific topic in a very pragmatic way. For example, Tournaire's packaging range for the pharmaceutical sector includes topics such as

• The type of material, its finish and its neutrality with the pharmaceutical compound;
• Quality control, chemical, particulate and biological cleanliness, and traceability;
• Packaging registration with the relevant authorities (EMA, FDA, CFDA, etc.) with a Drug Master File;
• Sterilization methods: DHS (Dry Heat Sterilization), autoclave, gamma radiation, etc.

Some companies go even further, offering training programs to optimize the use of their packaging, thus guaranteeing optimum performance. These days, digital technologies make it easier to deliver these programs, eliminating the need for face-to-face training. Many companies are opting for webinars, where the presence of a specialist speaker reinforces customer interest and commitment to the proposed solutions. Technical support for the packaging industry plays a key role in meeting environmental and legislative requirements. This subject, which is essential to the packaging industry, is constantly evolving and requires scrupulous monitoring. In addition to regulatory and environmental aspects, companies are able to support their customers on all the major issues of our time, demonstrating an expertise that goes far beyond the simple manufacture of packaging. In this respect, Tournaire, with its 192 years of experience, has established itself as a benchmark in its sector, both for the quality of its products and for the support it offers on the various aspects linked to its field of expertise. The packaging industry also provides technical support to its customers via its own laboratories. It can carry out a whole range of tests on behalf of its customers. For example, Tournaire is able to carry out fine leak testing for a particular product that the customer wishes to package, and which is highly volatile and/or toxic. It is therefore essential to ensure that the packaging is leak tight. Other types of tests, frequently carried out on behalf of customers, involve testing the durability and reliability of the packaging in the presence of the customer's own product. These so-called accelerated aging tests simulate the conditions to which packaging will be exposed during its life cycle, such as heat, humidity, etc., in the presence of the product. By accelerating these conditions, the tests make it possible to predict the lifespan of materials and identify possible failures before marketing. This ensures that products remain protected and packaging intact throughout their use, meeting the most stringent quality and safety requirements. By integrating technical support and training into its offering, the packaging sector is demonstrating its determination to support its customers far beyond the simple supply of products. By guaranteeing an in-depth understanding of materials and processes, and offering customized solutions, the industry boosts its customers' confidence and efficiency.

Accessories and equipment

Alongside the products themselves, the packaging sector is able to adjust its offering to market trends thanks to modern equipment and a wide range of accessories. Packaging companies are constantly improving their manufacturing processes with state-of-the-art machinery, in order to anticipate their customers' needs. Accessories designed to optimize packaging use and make it more intuitive play a crucial role in safety, comfort and operating performance. Companies must constantly invest in advanced technologies and innovative accessories to meet the varied requirements of their customers. Constantly in tune with their markets, packaging companies strive to keep their production equipment in step with the most demanding industry standards. This translates into significant investment in cutting-edge technologies, enabling them, for example, to optimize pack loading and unloading processes at every stage of the manufacturing process. Another notable type of investment concerns lacquering equipment dedicated to certain types of packaging, enabling us to meet current regulations, for example in terms of food contact. They increase customization options to adapt to current trends, and ensure a very high and perfectly consistent level of quality. When it comes to the equipment installed on their customers' premises, packaging companies play a proactive role. In fact, during their use on the customer's premises, packaging goes through several essential stages, such as washing, sterilization, filling and sealing. These operations are crucial to guaranteeing the quality and safety of packaged products, and often require the use of industrial equipment. Thanks to strategic partnerships with specialized equipment designers, packaging companies offer their customers personalized support and sound advice in choosing the equipment best suited to their specific needs. As a pioneer in one-piece aluminum packaging, Tournaire stands out for its close collaboration with customers and their partners. This synergy is based on a dynamic exchange in which customers express their specific needs, while partners share their in-depth expertise as well as their knowledge of products, processes and markets. The result of this close collaboration is highly optimized solutions, offering concrete and lasting benefits to all parties involved. In addition to equipment, customer service is extended through the provision of a range of accessories. This includes, for example, ergonomic tools that assist with closure operations. In the industrial packaging sector, some of these accessories not only offer a better grip on closure systems, but are also used to ensure proper sealing, according to the torque specified by UN certification, when applicable. For other closure systems that require, for instance, the crimping of a cap onto a stopper—as is common in the pharmaceutical sector—a full set of accessories is available: suction-based systems for placing and removing the stopper, crimping pliers, de-capping tools, etc. These accessories enable customers to use the packaging under optimal conditions, ensuring both user safety and product integrity. Other innovative accessories are specifically designed for a customer’s particular use. These are often adapters that allow for quick and easy connection of the packaging to the customer’s available equipment. As a result, packaging companies are constantly reinventing themselves to keep up with market trends and meet customer demands, by investing in state-of-the-art equipment and innovative accessories. This approach allows them to deliver optimal quality while ensuring the safety and ease of use of their packaging solutions. By staying attuned to market needs, they strengthen their competitiveness and ability to provide customized solutions.

Quality and Performance

Another key challenge for industries that use packaging is being able to rely on consistently exceptional quality, along with performance levels that exceed standard expectations, in order to meet growing market demands. Quality and performance are two of the most critical expectations of companies that rely on packaging. The packaging industry meets these expectations by ensuring traceability and implementing strict quality control procedures at every stage of production—from raw material supply to the finished product. This guarantees consistent quality and high performance for the customer, along with swift anomaly management to minimize production chain disruptions. Beyond full traceability from the aluminum raw material batch to the final packaging product batch, packaging companies conduct thorough quality checks on their production lines. These checks can be systematic and are often automated due to the industry’s high production speeds. For example, Tournaire's can production lines feature in-line air-tightness tests: each container passes under an automated system that tests the body’s seal using pressurized air to confirm its integrity. Additional checks are also carried out periodically or randomly to ensure smooth line operation. These tests may include wall thickness measurements at regular intervals, with some samples taken off the line for destructive testing. All results are recorded and stored, remaining accessible for future reference—especially in the event of a detected issue in a finished product batch. Cleanliness is a major quality concern, especially for packaging intended for food or pharmaceutical contact. These products undergo rigorous testing to guarantee impeccable cleanliness. In this regard, Tournaire has more than 20 years of data on packaging cleanliness, including:

• Particulate cleanliness
• Chemical cleanliness
• Microbiological cleanliness

This data is a valuable resource for enhancing Tournaire's expertise in packaging manufacturing and cleaning. Periodic testing may be performed directly on the production lines or in dedicated laboratories. Many packaging companies, including Tournaire, maintain in-house quality labs that oversee packaging functionality, contamination control, and sealing performance. These labs confirm product compliance with specifications and evaluate performance. They also conduct regulatory compliance testing, which is crucial in the packaging sector. For instance, most of the packaging manufactured by Tournaire is UN-certified, allowing for the safe transport of sensitive or hazardous materials under high safety standards defined by international regulations. Certification is granted following a series of tests conducted in-house and validated by an accredited organization.

1. Today, ISO 9001 is the reference standard for quality assurance. Many packaging companies comply with this internationally recognized benchmark, highlighting their expertise and commitment. It also reflects their customer-centric culture and support for innovation. Quality is a key concern for these companies, which are frequently audited by their clients—particularly those in the demanding pharmaceutical sector. Packaging companies like Tournaire stand out not only for the performance of their products but also for the excellence-driven values they share with their customers.

Innovation and adaptability

Modern businesses face many challenges in staying aligned with market expectations. Among these, innovation and adaptability play a central role, providing the tools needed to respond to evolving consumer demands and comply with regulatory and environmental requirements. One of the main avenues for innovation is the development of new, eco-friendly materials. For example, biodegradable and compostable materials—such as plant-based bioplastics—offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, which face significant recycling limitations. Other solutions include using endlessly recyclable and recycled materials such as aluminum, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. In an ever-changing environment, anticipation, agility, and adaptability are essential for companies aiming to remain competitive in a highly dynamic industry. This is reflected in numerous patent filings, ensuring exclusivity and legal protection of innovations. This constant drive for innovation, combined with a deep understanding of emerging trends, enables the industry to deliver solutions that meet both functional and user experience expectations. Regulatory aspects also play a crucial role in this sector, often serving as a catalyst for innovation. Packaging companies must anticipate and adapt continuously to comply with current regulations. For instance, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in Europe imposes strict criteria for the reduction, reuse, and recycling of packaging. In response, companies are developing more efficient and less polluting production processes, and innovating with eco-responsible packaging solutions. Similar challenges exist regarding substances of concern like BPA and PFAS, with alternative solutions being developed to eliminate them while preserving essential packaging properties. Furthermore, some companies go beyond material and technological innovation by adopting customized approaches, designing packaging specifically tailored to customer needs. For example, personalized packaging solutions for pharmaceutical products highlight the industry’s adaptability to market demands. With typically long development and qualification timelines, a customer-centric approach—such as the one embraced by Tournaire—often results in highly effective packaging solutions. Thus, the packaging industry stands out through its continuous commitment to innovation and adaptability. This enables it to effectively tackle environmental and regulatory challenges while meeting the specific needs of customers. Thanks to these strengths, companies develop sustainable, customized solutions that boost their competitiveness in a constantly evolving sector and ensure greater customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

The packaging industry stands out for its comprehensive, personalized service that goes far beyond simply supplying products. Through expert advice and technical know-how, companies offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each client. Innovation is at the heart of their business, allowing them to deliver increasingly modern, eco-responsible solutions aligned with new regulations. The development of accessories, along with technical support and training, ensures optimal packaging use, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and engagement. These companies also demonstrate great agility in ensuring flexible, efficient production, while maintaining a global supply chain through a network of partners. The quality and performance of their packaging are guaranteed by rigorous controls and full traceability. Thanks to this global and proactive approach, the packaging industry is well-positioned as a key player, ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Glossary

• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkylated Substances): A group of over 10,000 chemical compounds containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. They are used in many industries for their water-, oil- and heat-resistant properties.
• PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation): New European legislation on packaging and packaging waste. This regulation aims to harmonize and strengthen packaging requirements across the European Union.
• Recyclability: The ability of a material to be reused after processing to make new products, thereby reducing carbon footprints and the use of natural resources.
• Sustainability: The practice of using resources in a way that does not compromise the needs of future generations.
• Overpack: Additional packaging, often in the form of plastic film or cardboard, which is added to the primary packaging of one or more products.
• Ecological footprint: The ecological footprint is an indicator that evaluates the land and sea area required by a given population to meet its needs and absorb its waste.
• UN approval: UN is the symbol representing United Nations approval for hazardous substances.
• Traceability: The ability to identify a product's origin and trace its route from production to distribution.
• ISO 9001: Standard setting out the requirements for a quality management system.