Get ready for the fiber-based packaging design revolution

By Daniel Velema, Managing Director, Koenig & Bauer Durst

A packaging design evolution is underway in Europe following the introduction of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2025/40 (PPWR). 

As mentioned in a previous blog Compliance with future regulations – Koenig & Bauer Durst Digital Packaging Print, packaging rules are continuing to tighten. They regulate the kind of packaging that can be placed on the EU market as well as packaging waste management and prevention measures as from February 2025.

Its key aims include:

• A shift towards packaging that is designed for recycling and minimized in impact 

• Increased demand for fiber-based packaging alternatives, particularly in areas previously dominated by plastic

• A demand for more packaging transparency - with individual product tracking, digital product passports, and localized information becoming mandatory

On this World Environment Day we ask, what will these new changes trigger in practical terms? 

The new rules require the redesign of almost every single product because it needs to be traceable, fit for purpose, and recyclable. And very likely, the PPWR will keep evolving. It will not be a simple one-off redesign… 

Printers and converters will hence have to re-evaluate their printing and finishing tools that fit this new world. 

When looking at printing, all technologies will keep on having their place under the sun. 

Nevertheless, we strongly believe it presents a perfect storm for digital technology as regulatory changes can be quickly processed. And packaging transparency – in the form of individual product tracking and passports, and localised information – can be provided at no additional effort and cost.

All this while also leveraging the ongoing digitisation of administrative and production workflows. 

After all, doesn’t it feel a little strange that the packaging value chain is increasingly digitised - be it design, prepress, approvals, planning, logistics, billing, and so on - and the moment where ink hits the paper remains conventional? 

I’m curious to hear your thoughts and comments! I wish you a fruitful World Environment Day that will bring us all a little closer to safeguarding and restoring our planet.

Visit https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/ for more inspiration! 

Find out more in my thought leader discussion with WhatTheyThink: Koenig & Bauer Durst VariJET 106: Handling Market Changes - WhatTheyThink.