Smurfit Westrock presents its latest innovation: EasySplit Bag-in-Box®, a pioneering design specifically developed to meet the requirements of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR).
The PPWR (EU Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste) will require that all packaging has at least 80% recyclability. For Bag-in-Box® products, the box and bag must be easily separated for further recycling. If the box and bag are separated correctly, each component can be recycled in its corresponding stream, which puts its overall recyclability rate at more than 90%. If the components are not separated correctly, the entire packaging will be assessed against the recycling stream of the majority material – i.e. cardboard – where the bag cannot be recycled. In this case, the recyclability rate will not exceed 75% and could be even lower, if the harmful plastic bag is considered in the paper recycling process.
To meet this challenge, Smurfit Westrock has developed and patented the EasySplit Bag-in-Box® design. This design allows the box and bag to be separated much more easily, improving recyclability and ensuring compliance with the regulation.
In the words of Massimiliano BianchiSmurfit Westrock Bag-in-Box CEO: “The European Commission will decide on the methodology within the next three years, so we need to act quickly and come up with a viable solution. With EasySplit Bag-in-Box®, Smurfit Westrock is leading the way in providing solutions to prepare the packaging industry for future regulations. “While raising awareness among consumers and stakeholders about the importance of adopting good recycling practices, Smurfit Westrock continues to promote positive change and demonstrate its commitment to the environment.”
