2026 Minimum Standard for Determining the Recyclability of Packaging: What Is Changing
In agreement with the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) has published the 2026 edition of the minimum standard for determining packaging design for recyclability. The underlying methodology remains unchanged, but various assessment criteria have been clarified and the material-specific appendices have been revised. For companies, the new minimum standard provides important guidance in view of the future requirements of the PPWR.
Recyclability is stated as a specific percentage
The minimum standard determines what proportion by weight of packaging is available as valuable material for recycling, taking actual sorting and recovery practices into account. The result is stated as a percentage. This means that the assessment does not consider only whether packaging could theoretically be recovered, but what proportion of the material is actually available for recycling in practice.
For the calculation, the available recyclable content is reduced by design-related losses of valuable material. The resulting figure is then expressed in relation to the total weight of the respective object of determination.
If packaging consists of several components, it must first be determined what constitutes the object of determination. Separable components that enter recycling separately are each assessed individually. Integrated components, by contrast, are assessed together with the main body of the packaging. The individual results for separately assessed components are not combined into a weighted overall result.
The most important changes in the 2026 minimum standard
The fundamental assessment logic remains unchanged. However, the 2026 edition clarifies existing requirements, adjusts terminology and revises various material-specific provisions.
New classification system for paper and cardboard packaging
The previously used general term “fibre-based packaging” has been discontinued. Instead, the minimum standard now distinguishes between three categories:
- Paper and cardboard packaging, excluding composite packaging
- Liquid packaging board
- Composite packaging predominantly made of paper and cardboard, excluding liquid packaging board
Under this classification system, the different packaging categories are presented separately in the material-specific appendices. The individual fibre components are now also shown directly in the relevant tables of the minimum standard. This is intended to facilitate practical application.
Definition of composite packaging aligned with the PPWR
As part of the revision, the definition of composite packaging was also aligned with the PPWR. The minimum standard therefore adopts the corresponding terminology of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
The precise assignment of packaging to a category remains decisive for the subsequent assessment. Companies should therefore check whether the new terminology changes the classification of their packaging.
Clarifications for coated and coloured glass
The assessment of certain glass packaging has also been clarified. For coated or coloured glass, translucency is no longer assessed solely on the basis of a degree of transmission. Instead, a technically defined glass sample is now used as a reference.
This change provides a more specific basis for classifying the relevant glass packaging within the minimum standard.
Packaging attributes added and differentiated
The material-specific appendices have been revised in several places. New packaging attributes have been added, while existing attributes have been differentiated in greater detail or combined where different variants lead to the same assessment result.
Companies should therefore not rely solely on an earlier assessment of their packaging. They should check whether the relevant materials, components and design parameters are described differently or more precisely in the 2026 edition.
Changed classification of certain coatings and adhesives
There are also changes relating to certain polymer dispersion coatings and hot-melt adhesive applications. These are no longer automatically classified as recycling incompatibilities. Instead, mandatory testing is required.
Importantly, the changed classification does not automatically result in a more favourable assessment. Without a successful test, the item cannot be taken into account positively when determining recyclability.
The zero-percent rule remains relevant
A central principle of the minimum standard remains unchanged: if a design parameter is classified as an incompatibility, the recyclability of the respective object of determination is 0 percent. This applies regardless of how small the proportion by weight of the incompatible component is.
An example provided by the ZSVR illustrates how significantly individual design elements can affect the result. In a PET trigger spray bottle that was examined, a label adhesive that was not washable results in recyclability of 0 percent. After switching to a suitable washable adhesive, the optimised example achieves 94.3 percent. The results relate exclusively to the packaging example shown and cannot be applied generally to other packaging.
The example demonstrates that even components with a comparatively low proportion by weight can be decisive for the assessment of the entire object of determination.
What does the minimum standard mean for the PPWR?
Under the PPWR, recyclability becomes a condition for placing packaging on the market. According to the ZSVR’s explanations, from 2030 companies may place on the market only packaging that is at least 70 percent recyclable.
The minimum standard also states recyclability as a percentage. Companies can therefore already assess where their packaging stands in relation to the European 70-percent threshold.
However, this classification does not yet constitute final proof of future PPWR compliance. The binding European calculation and assessment methodology will be laid down only in the delegated act under Article 6 PPWR, which is still pending.
According to the ZSVR’s assessment, packaging that performs well under the minimum standard is likely to be well positioned with regard to the expected European requirements. However, a final assessment will be possible only once the European requirements have been fully specified.
What should companies review now?
The 2026 minimum standard is intended to be used to assess packaging placed on the market in 2027. Companies should therefore familiarise themselves with the updated requirements at an early stage.
The following questions should be a particular focus:
- Has the packaging used been reassessed under the 2026 edition?
- Has the packaging been assigned to the correct packaging category?
- Which components together form one object of determination?
- Does the packaging contain materials, coatings, labels or adhesives that lead to losses of valuable material?
- Are there design parameters that are classified as incompatibilities?
- Are additional tests required for certain materials or design parameters?
- Where can recyclability be improved by changing the packaging design?
An early assessment creates transparency and shows which packaging may require optimisation.
Assess recyclability at an early stage
The 2026 minimum standard provides companies with an updated basis for determining the recyclability of packaging subject to system participation. At the same time, the assessment is becoming increasingly important due to the PPWR and future European requirements.
Noventiz supports companies in analysing their packaging portfolio, classifying the regulatory requirements of the PPWR and identifying potential action at an early stage.
Eco-Check workshop: clarity in just a few steps
Determine your role as manufacturer or producer and identify the specific action you need to take.
rotate – recyclability assessment
Using our recognised rotate test method, based on the minimum standard of the Central Agency Packaging Register currently in force and in accordance with the PPWR, we assess your packaging for recyclability.
Further reading and source:
ZSVR-Mindeststandard zur Recyclingfähigkeit von Verpackungen
Still questions about the new minimum standard?
Contact our project manager recyclability/rotate
- Peter El-Gazzar
- +49 221-800 158 420
- peter.el-gazzar@noventiz.de
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