Don't miss any news?
Sign up for our newsletter now
PVC packaging tape in the context of the PPWR: Classification for recycling-friendly packaging solutions
As of June 2026
With the new EU Packaging Regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), places greater emphasis on the recyclability of packaging.
The goal is to design packaging so that it uses as few resources as possible, is recyclable, and can be integrated into existing collection, sorting, and recycling systems.
In this context, the focus is not limited to the main components of packaging, such as cardboard, paper, plastic film, or filler material. Smaller packaging components—such as adhesive tapes, labels, closures, strapping, or coatings—can also affect the recyclability of a packaging system.
A commonly used product is Packing tape with a PVC backing.
PVC packaging tape is characterized by good tear resistance, ease of use, high adaptability, and reliable sealing properties. At the same time, in the context of the PPWR and the circular economy, the question is increasingly being raised as to how such packaging components should be evaluated in the recycling process.
Is PVC packing tape prohibited under the PPWR?
Based on current knowledge, PVC packing tape is not generally prohibited under the PPWR. The PPWR does not contain a general ban on PVC as a packaging material or packaging component.
However, this does not automatically mean that every PVC packaging tape can be classified as non-critical or fully PPWR-compliant in every application. The assessment depends in particular on the following factors:
- Material composition of the packaging tape
- Compliance with Substance Restrictions
- Type of Adhesive and Other Additives
- Use on the specific packaging material
- Impact on Sorting and Recycling
- Availability of Manufacturer and Supplier Certificates
- Evaluation of the Complete Packaging System
PVC packing tape can therefore generally be used, but its suitability should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific product and system.
Substance Requirements: PPWR, REACH, and POP
A key component of the PPWR is the requirements for substances in packaging and packaging components. The following topics are particularly relevant for packing tape:
- Heavy metals, particularly lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium
- Substances on the REACH Candidate List, known as SVHCs
- Persistent Organic Pollutants as defined in the POP Ordinance
- PFAS, if relevant or intentionally added
- Plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, primers, and adhesive components
PVC packaging tape typically consists of more than just the carrier film. It also contains adhesive, a primer (if applicable), dyes, stabilizers, and other additives. These components may be relevant for regulatory assessment.
To ensure a reliable assessment, technical data sheets and supplier declarations should therefore be available. A general statement regarding the material, such as „PVC,“ is generally not sufficient for a comprehensive evaluation.
Recycling and the Circular Economy
The PPWR aims to design packaging so that it can be collected, sorted, and recycled to a high standard. For packaging made of paper, cardboard, or corrugated cardboard, this means that additional components should interfere as little as possible with the fiber recycling process.
In practice, packing tape used on cardboard packaging is often disposed of along with the cardboard. During the recycling process, the cardboard is broken down and the paper fibers are recovered. Non-fibrous components such as plastic films, adhesive tapes, labels, or foreign materials must be separated as reliably as possible during this process.
PVC packaging tape can generally be present as a foreign material in such processes. Whether this is problematic depends on the quantity, processing, adhesive system, removability, and the specific recycling process. In many cases, adhesive tapes and other foreign materials are mechanically separated during paper recycling. Nevertheless, from the perspective of design for recycling, the simpler and more homogeneous a package’s composition is, the better it is generally suited for high-quality recycling loops.
Why PVC packing tape deserves special consideration
PVC packing tape is often used because of its technical properties. It is sturdy, easy to unroll, easy to print on, and suitable for many shipping and warehousing applications. At the same time, PVC is not always the preferred material choice for packaging recycling.
The main reasons for this are:
- PVC is a plastic that contains chlorine.
- PVC packing tape is a foreign material in cardboard packaging.
- Adhesives and additives can complicate the evaluation.
- The packaging tape itself is generally not recycled as part of the standard cardboard recycling process.
- Demonstrating PPWR compliance can be more complex than with simpler, fiber-based, or more easily integrable alternatives.
That does not mean that PVC packing tape is automatically unsuitable. It does mean, however, that companies should carefully evaluate and document its use.
Alternatives and Weighing the Options
There are alternatives to PVC packing tape for many applications. These include, in particular:
- PP packing tape
- Paper tape
- yarn-reinforced paper tape
- Adhesive tape solutions certified as recyclable
- Wet-adhesive tape for specific cardboard applications
However, the selection should not be based solely on the material. The decisive factor is always a comprehensive assessment that takes into account product protection, transport safety, material usage, recyclability, costs, processability, and availability.
A less durable packaging tape that leads to damage during transport is not automatically better from a sustainability perspective. Product protection remains an essential component of sustainable packaging solutions. The goal should therefore not be to replace a material across the board, but rather to find the technically and environmentally appropriate solution for each specific application.
Practical Recommendations for Businesses
Companies that use PVC packaging tape should review the following steps as part of their PPWR preparations:
- Add an item
What types of packing tape are used? On what types of packaging? In what quantities? - Obtain material data
Technical data sheets, material specifications, and regulatory declarations should be requested from the supplier. - Check Material Conformity
Of particular relevance are PPWR substance restrictions, REACH/SVHC, the POP Regulation, and, where applicable, PFAS information. - Assess the impact of recycling
It should be determined whether the packing tape could interfere with the sorting or recycling of the primary packaging. - Explore alternatives
For new packaging concepts or large quantities, it may be helpful to compare them with other adhesive tapes. - Create Documentation
For internal PPWR databases, it is recommended to maintain item-specific documentation that includes material, weight, area of application, supporting documentation, and evaluation.
Conclusion
As things stand, PVC packaging tape is not generally prohibited under the PPWR. Use in compliance with the PPWR may be possible if the material requirements are met and the packaging tape does not unduly impair recyclability within the specific packaging system.
At the same time, PVC packing tape must be considered separately within the context of the circular economy. In the case of cardboard packaging in particular, it is a foreign material that must be separated during the recycling process, and its own material recovery is not a priority in standard paper recycling.
Companies are therefore advised to take a practical, well-documented approach: identify existing applications, obtain supplier documentation, assess the impact of recycling, and evaluate suitable alternatives when considering new packaging solutions.
The best solution is not necessarily to avoid a particular material across the board, but rather to use packaging that ensures product protection, meets regulatory requirements, and can be integrated as effectively as possible into functioning recycling systems.
Do you need advice on PPWR? Our PRODINGER team is happy to assist you. Please contact us:
