26 June 2026: At 4evergreen, we see circularity as a shared journey — one that unites the entire value chain in pursuit of practical, scalable solutions to support the recyclability of paper-based packaging.
As Europe moves forward with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), our alliance is dedicated to turning policy into action, empowering stakeholders to design paper-based packaging that is truly recyclable in real-world conditions.
This momentum was reflected during our latest webinar “4evegreen and PPWR Technical Clarifications” on June 9th, which gathered almost 300 participants to discuss how PPWR recyclability requirements apply to paper-based packaging in practice, and to identify the concrete steps companies can take to prepare for implementation.
The 4evergreen Technical Toolkit – developed over the last 5 years with over 100 members across the paper-based packaging value chain – is more than a set of guidelines. It’s a collaborative platform where expertise converges to create harmonised methodologies. By using the 4evergreen Decision Tree and process-specific Design for Recycling (DfR) tables outlined in the Circularity by Design Guideline, designers can ensure their packaging is compatible with established recycling streams, supporting our mission to achieve a 90% recycling rate for paper-based packaging in Europe by 2030.
As Susan Brunner, 4evergreen Co-Chair, highlighted during the webinar:
“PPWR sets the direction – but implementation depends on how recyclability is understood in practice across the value chain.”
From policy to practice: what PPWR requires in reality
The PPWR marks a pivotal moment for the packaging sector and builds on a strong foundation of an 87% recycling rate across Europe. The regulation, which entered into force in February 2025, with first requirements applicable from August 2026, introduces performance grades for recyclability, with the least performing packaging in terms of circularity to be phased out by 2038, ensuring that packaging must not only be designed for recycling but must also demonstrate its recyclability in practice. This shift is an opportunity for the industry to innovate and align around shared standards.
4evergreen’s technical work bridges this gap, providing practical tools and guidance to help companies navigate the evolving landscape and prepare for imminent regulatory milestones.
The 4evergreen Toolbox: enabling harmonised implementation
The 4evergreen technical toolbox is a cornerstone of harmonised PPWR implementation. It comprises the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol, the Circularity by Design Guideline, and Guidance on Improved Collection and Sorting – three complimentary tools that provide an evidence-based foundation for assessing technical recyclability under laboratory conditions, representative of industrial practice. By continuously updating the toolbox to reflect advances in recycling technologies, innovations, standards, and regulatory requirements, 4evergreen supports an informed and technically sound transition toward the 2030 circularity objectives.
Our methodologies were fundamental in informing and supporting the technical specifications for paper-based packaging developed in CEN technical committees.
As CEN technical standards and specifications for DfR, evaluation and testing become publicly available, the future role of the 4evergreen Toolbox will be to support and complement these harmonised frameworks, ensuring continued alignment and technical excellence.
What can you do next?
We invite all stakeholders — packaging value chain actors, EU policymakers, standardisation experts, R&D professionals, NGOs, and sustainability advocates — to join us in shaping the future of circular packaging. Explore the 4evergreen technical Technical Toolbox, participate in our upcoming webinars, and contribute to ongoing technical collaboration.
Together, we can achieve harmonised, science-based circularity practices and reinforce our sector’s role as a reference technical platform in the evolving regulatory landscape. Your expertise and perspective are vital to our shared success.