Navigating Paper & Board’s changing regulations – what printers need to know for more sustainable packaging designs in 2025
2025 brings some major changes to regulations that will impact Paper & Board printers and converters worldwide. Staying ahead of these developments will be essential for maintaining compliance, forging ahead on sustainability, and securing a competitive edge.
At Flint Group, we can support our customers in the the Paper & Board sector in adapting to upcoming changes. Using our experience, we’ve put together this explanation of key regulatory changes related to sustainability matters in 2025, exploring how they will impact the industry and how businesses can adapt to stay ahead of the curve.
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
One of the most prominent regulatory changes affecting the packaging industry is the introduction of the EU PPWR. Effective from February 2025, this regulation introduces stricter recycling and related labelling requirements designed to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and harmonise packaging rules across the EU. These rules aim to enhance sustainability by reducing waste and promoting circularity.
Under this regulation, all packaging – including Paper & Board – must be designed for recycling by 1 January 2030, with recycling at scale mandatory by 2035. Materials used must be compatible with existing recycling systems. The PPWR also mandates minimising the weight and volume of packaging to avoid unnecessary material use, which will include a maximum empty space ratio of 40%.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
In the UK, EPR regulations now hold packaging producers accountable for household packaging’s entire lifecycle. This responsibility includes assessing recyclability and covering disposal costs. Businesses were given a deadline of April 2025 for reporting data for the second half of 2024, and accurate reporting is essential to avoid potential fees or other penalties.
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) now includes paper under its ‘wood’ category, meaning that when it comes into force at the end of the year, packaging producers using paper will be subject to new requirements. Paper packaging manufacturers using virgin fibres must complete due diligence statements to ensure their materials are not linked to deforestation, as well as verifying supplier systems. Fully recycled paper is exempt from these obligations, but mixed-fibre products require compliance for the virgin fibre portion.
Implications for printers and converters
These regulations could require packaging professionals to make some significant operational and design changes. In material sourcing, manufacturers will have to prioritise recycled paper for Food Contact Materials (FCM) or responsibly sourced virgin fibres to meet EUDR requirements. Designs must be aligned with recyclability standards under PPWR, and accurate reporting of material usage and recyclability will be required under EPR schemes. Non-compliance could risk penalties, reputational damage, and loss of market access.
Preparing for these changes will require proactive measures:
- Audit supply chains for cellulosic substrates
- Implement data tracking mechanisms for EPR reporting
Flint Group supports compliance
With a changing regulatory landscape, working closely with material suppliers, brand owners, and policymakers can help printers and converters to meet recyclability standards and implement new measures effectively. With decades of experience serving the print industry and established partnerships with key organisations like 4EverGreen and the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), partners like Flint Group are well positioned to support customers as they navigate these regulations.
Additionally, at Flint Group we are proud to offer an industry-leading range of Paper & Board inks designed to improve sustainability. Inks under the AQUACode brand portfolio offer a water-based solution optimised for Paper & Board print applications. Their chemistry, designed with the environment in mind, makes our AQUACode range of products ideal for supporting a circular packaging economy.
Flint Group stands ready as a reliable partner to support customers through this transformative period. By leveraging our expertise and Paper & Board solutions, businesses can more confidently navigate incoming regulatory changes, enabling them to meet emerging demands and achieve their sustainability objectives in 2025 and beyond.
Connect with Flint Group today to ensure your Paper & Board solutions meet 2025’s evolving regulatory demands – sustainably and confidently. Reach out to our team at paper.board@flintgrp.com