EU Packaging Rules Push Industry Toward Glue‑Free, Recyclable Containers

A new European Union regulation on packaging and packaging waste, which came into force in August, requires all containers to be at least 70% recyclable by 2030 and 80% by 2038. The rule also bans non‑recyclable adhesive residues on paper‑based packages, prompting manufacturers to develop glue‑free sealing methods.

In Germany, the Fraunhofer Institute launched the PAPURE project, testing laser‑heat sealing that eliminates glue, while market analysts forecast the adhesive‑free segment to reach US$285 million by 2036. Spanish cosmetics packager Faca Packaging announced monomaterial PET bottles and refillable dispensers designed for full recyclability and reuse, meeting the PPWR requirements and supporting its ISO 14001 environmental certification and renewable‑energy production.