Free tool

PPWR Packaging Recyclability Grade Checker

Select your packaging materials and get an instant A–E recyclability grade — based on EU PPWR Annex II design-for-recycling criteria.

Details: Verpackung Recyclingfähigkeit / PPWR Klasse

Recyclingfähigkeit (Recyclability): Under EU PPWR Annex II, each packaging format receives a design-for-recycling grade from A (highest) to E (not recyclable in current infrastructure).

PPWR Klasse (PPWR Grade): The grade that determines eco-modulation bonuses and penalties on packaging eco-fees paid to national PROs (e.g. LUCID in Germany, Citeo in France).

Verpackungsregister (Packaging Register): The official EPR registration database. In Germany, this is the LUCID register operated by Stiftung EAR. Producers must register before placing packaging on the market.

Ökologische Modulation (Eco-modulation): The mechanism by which eco-fees are adjusted based on recyclability grade — lower grades pay higher rates; A/B grade packaging earns fee discounts.

Kreislaufwirtschaft (Circular economy): The EU policy framework underpinning PPWR, which requires packaging to be designed for reuse or recycling by 2030.

Step 1: Choose your packaging

Start from a preset or build a custom material mix.

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Frequently asked questions

How does PPWR define packaging recyclability?
PPWR (Regulation EU 2025/40) legally defines only recyclability grades A, B and C, with anything below grade C treated as non-recyclable. To give you a finer picture, this tool grades packaging A–E using the Annex II design-for-recycling criteria: grades A/B are considered recyclable; C is conditionally recyclable; D (limited recyclability) and E (not recyclable in current infrastructure) both fall below the legal threshold. The grade depends on material type, separability of multi-material combinations, presence of hazardous additives, and other factors.
Is this an official certified grade?
No. This tool provides an indicative assessment to help you understand PPWR requirements. It does not replace a certified recyclability assessment from an accredited body, which is required for official compliance.
Why do composite materials (PET+ALU) grade so low?
PPWR specifically targets multi-layer packaging that cannot be processed by existing recycling infrastructure. Non-separable PET+aluminium laminate pouches cannot be effectively recycled in most EU sorting and recycling systems. The solution is to switch to separable mono-material alternatives.
Does the recyclability grade affect eco-fees?
Yes. PPWR and national PROs (e.g. LUCID in Germany) are moving towards "eco-modulation" where packaging with lower recyclability grades pays higher eco-fees, while A/B grade packaging receives fee discounts.

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