Implement PPWR with ATS-Tanner by your side

The new PPWR requirements introduce additional testing, documentation and verification obligations for many companies. ATS-Tanner helps you align your banding solution with the new requirements at an early stage.

PPWR and what it means for the ATS-Tanner Group

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is the new EU regulatory framework for packaging. It entered into force on 11 February 2025 and applies from 12 August 2026. However, some of the most important operational requirements for the ATS-Tanner Group will only become fully effective at a later stage – in particular the harmonised labelling requirements from 2028, as well as key requirements relating to recyclability, recycled content and certain market restrictions from 2030.

Our focus: banding, banding material and transport packaging

For ATS-Tanner, the PPWR is particularly relevant in three areas:

Banding material on rolls
Banding as packaging once it is applied to the customer’s product
Transport packaging for shipping banding rolls, machines and systems

This distinction is important. A roll of banding material is generally supplied as packaging material. Under the PPWR, it only becomes packaging once the customer applies it to a product and the product is then passed on as a packaged unit. ATS can therefore support customers with technical documentation, test reports and supply chain declarations for the banding material. However, the final PPWR assessment of the specific packaging solution always depends on the individual application.

The key PPWR topics for banding solutions

1. Substance restrictions (Article 5)

ATS banding materials do not contain any intentionally added PFAS. In addition, the total concentration of the heavy metals lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium is below the applicable limits. Supporting evidence and supply chain documentation for the relevant materials are available upon request.

2. Recyclability (Article 6)

The PPWR requires all new packaging placed on the EU market to be recyclable. For ATS, this means that the material structure of the banding material used is crucial:

Mono-material plastic bands can generally be integrated more easily into existing recycling streams. They are 100% recyclable.
FTN PCR35 is our strongest future-oriented plastic banding material. It combines the proven FTN platform with 35% post-consumer recycled content while maintaining the performance profile of a transparent, high-strength, ultrasonically sealable banding film. FTN PCR35 is a PP (Code 5) mono-material. For customers who want to prepare early for future PPWR requirements on recycled content without compromising machine performance, transparency or seal strength, FTN PCR35 is the natural next step.
Plastic-coated paper bands are classified as C/PAP 81. Their recyclability depends on the respective national collection and recycling system, not solely on the material code.
For example, C/PAP 81 can be collected with cardboard in Finland and, under certain conditions, with paper in Italy if the structure is sufficiently paper-dominant (typically >60% paper). In Belgium, however, it is generally not suitable for the paper recycling stream unless the fibre content is very high (typically >85% paper). Our paper bands consist of 80% paper.
These materials can also be assessed in the laboratory. The current test method simulates the relevant steps of a conventional papermaking process, including repulping, coarse and fine screening, and sheet formation. In other words, a C/PAP 81 material can be tested for its recyclability.

TruePaper is the most sustainable banding material for the paper recycling stream in the ATS portfolio. It was specifically developed with a water-based coating and can be recycled as standard paper. It is also available in FSC-certified versions. This is confirmed by an external recycling certificate demonstrating its recyclability in the paper stream. For customers looking to replace plastic while retaining the efficiency and branding benefits of banding, TruePaper is the most direct paper-based solution in the ATS portfolio.

The PPWR Design for Recycling concept is set out in Article 6 and Annex II. While the assessment framework has already been defined, the detailed criteria and methodologies still need to be specified through delegated acts and implementing acts.

From 2030, packaging must achieve at least recyclability performance grade A, B or C in accordance with Annex II (A ≥95%, B ≥80%, C ≥70%).
From 2035, the additional requirement of being “recycled at scale” will apply.
From 2038, only packaging in grades A or B may remain on the EU market.

3. Recycled content in plastic packaging (Article 7)

From 2030, minimum requirements will apply to the use of post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging. For ATS, this is particularly relevant for plastic banding materials.

Bands containing PCR will therefore become increasingly important for a future-proof portfolio. Our FTN PCR35 banding material already meets this requirement today.

4. Material labelling (Article 12)

The harmonised PPWR labelling system will not apply immediately from 2026. The harmonised labelling requirements are expected to apply from 12 August 2028 – or 24 months after the relevant implementing acts enter into force, whichever is later.

Until then, national labelling requirements may continue to apply depending on the target market. For banding, this only becomes relevant once the band is actually used as packaging and placed on the market together with the product.

Banding in retail

For ATS, a key PPWR topic is single-use plastic banding in the retail sector.

From 1 January 2030, the PPWR will restrict certain packaging formats in accordance with Annex V, including:

Single-use plastic packaging for grouped products at the point of sale, such as bundling film or shrink film
Single-use plastic packaging for pre-packed fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg
Exceptions may apply, for example where products need to be kept separate, such as organic and non-organic products.

This means that for certain ATS applications – especially films used for fresh produce or specific retail multipacks – the key question in future will not only be whether the packaging is recyclable. It will also be crucial to determine whether plastic packaging will still be permitted at all from 2030.

For this reason, it is becoming increasingly important not only to ask, “Is the packaging recyclable?”, but also to have a genuine alternative to plastic.

Our TruePaper banding material is ideally suited for this, as it is paper-based and recyclable at the same time.

News and applications relating to sustainability

How can we support you?

What are your sustainability goals? Would you like to minimise your carbon footprint? Or reduce the amount of waste you generate? Have you set yourself the goal of using only packaging materials that are 100% recyclable?

Get in touch with us and let’s find the best solution together.

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