PPWR · EU Packaging Regulation As of 01.10.2026

Recyclability: Grades A to C explained

From 2030 at the earliest, every package must be designed to be recyclable and is classified into a performance grade from A to C. Here you can see what the grades mean and why mono-PE performs well.

The performance grades

The performance grade shows what share of the packaging can be recycled:

GradeRecyclabilityWhat applies
Aat least 95 %permitted, also from 2038
Bat least 80 %permitted, also from 2038
Cat least 70 %permitted from 2030, no longer from 2038
Below 70 %not recyclablemay no longer be placed on the market from 2030

Under Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2025/40. The obligation applies from 2030 or only 24 months after the European Commission's delegated acts, whichever is later. Status as of 01.10.2026.

What does recyclable mean?

Packaging is considered recyclable if it can be collected, sorted and recycled on a large scale and the recycled material can replace the primary raw material. What matters is the design, known as design for recycling.

What influences the grade?

  • Material mix: The more different materials, the harder the recycling.
  • Barrier layers: Aluminium or EVOH make multilayer laminates hard to recycle.
  • Printing inks and labels: They can disrupt recycling.
  • Closures: Zip, valve and spout should match the main material.
  • Additives and colouring: Some worsen sorting.

Why Mono-PE performs well

Multilayer laminates such as the classic PET / aluminium / LDPE laminate are considered hard to recycle in the standard sorting process. Mono-PE consists of only one material and has good prerequisites for mechanical recycling. However, the exact classification depends on the overall structure, including closure, printing and additives.

More on this: Mono-material or multilayer laminate: the recycling reality and Mono-PE instead of aluminium laminate.

How to plan the switch

  1. List all packaging and sort it by material.
  2. Flag laminates with aluminium or EVOH.
  3. Ask suppliers about the performance grade.
  4. Test mono-material alternatives, for example mono-PE pouches.
  5. Switch non-compliant packaging by 2030.
Recyclable stand-up pouchesRequest samples

As of 01.10.2026. Information provided without guarantee, not legal advice. The text of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is binding.

Keep reading

More on the PPWR

01 PPWR-compliant packaging All products with a green PPWR traffic light. To the collection 02 PPWR overview Deadlines, roles and FAQ To the overview 03 EU declaration of conformity What it must contain and what you check. View EU declaration of conformity 04 PFAS and heavy metals Limits and evidence for packaging. View PFAS and heavy metals 05 PPWR checklist To tick off and print. Open checklist

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

Is mono-PE automatically grade A?

No. Mono-PE has good prerequisites, but the grade depends on the overall construction, for example on the closure, printing and additives.

What happens to packaging below grade C?

It is not considered recyclable. It may no longer be placed on the market from 2030, or only 24 months after the delegated acts, if that is later.

When do the stricter grades apply?

From 2038, only grades A and B are permitted.

Sources

Legal bases and authorities