PPWR will introduce strict recyclability criteria, requiring packaging to be designed so that materials can
be effectively collected, sorted and recycled. This includes mandatory design for recycling guidelines and
recyclability performance grades that will influence market access. Testing procedures will also become
harmonised at EU level, ensuring consistency and reliability across Member States. Companies will need to demonstrate recyclability compliance, which will not only increase transparency but also drive innovation in packaging design and material choice.

FEFCO has prepared a publication that provides an overview of the different recycling methods of corrugated board packaging. Based on technical and operational studies, the aim is to demonstrate that corrugated cardboard packaging can be recycled by existing recycling schemes and by design. This document should be linked to the FEFCO design for recycling guidelines.

This document is currently version 1.1 (October 2025), and is based on external studies requested by FEFCO:

• Sorting performance of corrugated packaging in Europe – RecycleMe (2025)
• Test report RAP-20251143 for FEFCO – Celabor (2025)
• Test of recyclability No 25.0225 for FEFCO – CTP (2025)
• CEPI-report_PMV-25-099 for FEFCO – TU Darmstadt (2025)

The publication is available here: FACTSHEET ON RECYCLABILITY CORRUGATED CARDBOARD PACKAGING

Delegates from across Europe and beyond exchanged views on how the sector can strengthen its competitiveness while supporting the EU’s climate and circular economy goals. From energy costs and trade distortions to new digital frontiers, speakers highlighted how innovation and collaboration will drive the development of a new generation of corrugated packaging. Among the approximately 1,171 representatives of the corrugated cardboard industry and its suppliers were also representatives of member companies of the Corrugated Board Section and the SPP office. The exhibition area featured a record 185 stands and 120 exhibitors from 35 countries, presenting machinery, digital tools, and sustainable solutions across the entire value chain.

The three-day program discussed the sector’s response to changing market requirements, regulations, and pressure for sustainability. Sessions covered EU legislation, including the recently adopted Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as well as the circular economy, digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and mergers and acquisitions. The event also featured the first-ever high-level panel of CEOs on mergers and acquisitions, where business leaders discussed the changing global landscape in the industry. Particular emphasis was placed on the success of the corrugated cardboard industry under the PPWR, recognition of its sustainable nature, and securing an exemption for cardboard in 2025; new results from the FEFCO 2025 life cycle assessment, confirming the role of corrugated cardboard as an environmentally friendly and low-carbon solution; presentations on artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and energy monitoring systems, highlighting how data-driven efficiency supports profitability and climate goals.

FEFCO Director General Eleni Despotou said the 2025 Technical Seminar captured the spirit of renewal and collaboration that has defined the industry over four decades. “This milestone edition reflects how far our industry has come as we embrace innovation and sustainability,” she said. “Corrugated packaging is circular by nature, built on renewable materials and innovation. As the world changes, our sector continues to deliver sustainable, competitive solutions for Europe’s economy.”

FEFCO President Nina Iversen added: “This Technical Seminar shows the sector’s commitment to innovation and excellence. From regulation to recycling, energy to AI, our members are leading the way in making packaging smarter, stronger and more sustainable.”

_{Based on our own information and information provided by FEFCO.}

_{Photos: J. Turski and A. Werner, SPP}

This year’s edition brought together representatives of industry, science, administration, and trade organizations, who discussed the most important challenges and directions for the sector’s development. The conference program included four main thematic sessions:

• Responsible industry – including extended producer responsibility, regulations for energy-intensive industries, circularity, and waste collection efficiency.
• Environmental and legislative challenges – ESG, CCUS, FSC certification, and legislation on food contact materials.
• Technology and process optimization – digital services, innovative chemical and technical solutions, closed water cycles, automation.
• Corrugated cardboard – challenges and opportunities – European legislation, hybrid papers, CO₂ emission reduction, modern production systems.

For the first time, the PROGRESS conference was accompanied by a panel discussion focusing on staff training issues.

We would like to thank all participants, speakers, exhibitors, and partners for their active participation, inspiring presentations, and constructive discussions. Your commitment shows that the paper industry has strong foundations and ambitious plans for the future.

See you at the next edition of PROGRESS!

_{Photos: I. Kawiorska}

STF members attending the meeting listened attentively to the information conveyed by FEFCO’s director general, who, summarizing her speech, encouraged cooperation and action, because together we can do more.

_{Photos: M. Jastrzębski, SPP}

Jurek Owsiak, CEO of the WOŚP Foundation, emphasized: “We are very pleased that once again, together with Stora Enso, we can present our mega unique piggy banks. They are ultra-colorful and safe, accompany our volunteers around the world, and can also be found in two friendly store chains – they are filling up for a good cause!”

Tomasz Zebrowski, CEO of Stora Enso Poland SA, also expressed his joy: “We are extremely honored to be a part of this wonderful project that puts the welfare of people and our planet first. Together with WOŚP, we have been changing the reality around us for the better for 27 years now.”

In total, over the 27 years of cooperation between the WOŚP Foundation and Stora Enso, that’s a total of 3.8 million piggy banks produced with attention to detail.

The 33rd WOŚP Finale will be held on January 26, 2025, and will focus on pediatric oncology and hematology

Donors will be able to support the campaign through electronic channels as early as December, while the traditional street collection with cardboard piggy banks will take place on the last Sunday of January. A total of 1,686 Staffs will join the 33rd WOŚP Finale, including 93 located outside Poland.

_{Photos: Krupek}

The goal of the seminar was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify, quantify and account greenhouse gas emissions in their organizations and plan actions to reduce these emissions in achieving climate neutrality.

_{Photos: A. Werner, SPP}

The campaign highlights that corrugated cardboard combines efficiency and circularity. It keeps valuable materials in the loop through recycling, enabling the Green Deal. It underpins the supply chain by protecting billions of journeys around Europe each year.

The Circular Economy is business as usual for the Corrugated Packaging Industry. After all, today’s corrugated packaging is perfectly circular: it’s 100% recyclable, bio-based and biodegradable. In fact, corrugated packaging is one of the most recycled paper products in practice today, with a well-established market for secondary raw materials. Efficient recycling processes allow fibres to be reused for new packaging. Recycled paper provides 88% of the raw material for new corrugated boxes – ensuring the continuous life of the fibres while making a valuable contribution to our economy.

More: WHO ELSE?

• “New Polish industry” – panelist Daniel Rebane, management board of MM Kwidzyn, SPP supporting company – Paper Section;
• “Reduction – recycling – responsibility” – panelist Katarzyna Kala-Kowalska, CEO of DS Smith Polska, SPP supporting company – Corrugated Board Section;
• “Industry in the face of the challenges of the energy transition”. – panelist Henryk Kaliś, CEO of IEPiOE / chairman. Forum of Electricity and Gas Consumers – among others, SPP is affiliated in the structure of FOEEiG, along with other key organizations of energy-intensive industries.

The presence of representatives of the paper industry in Katowice, provided an excellent opportunity for behind-the-scenes discussions with numerous participants in the debates. Importantly, it provided opportunities to hear directly from the central government’s plans for launching new strategies and support instruments for realizing a sustainable development model and maintaining the competitiveness of Poland’s economy.

_{Photos: J. Turski, SPP}

Each year, organizers encourage countries to undertake activities such as planting trees, organizing contests, exhibitions and other related initiatives at local, national and international levels.

Wood satisfies many human needs. It can be used for a variety of purposes, having less impact on the environment than many alternative materials. It can be used many times and then – recycled. In this way, its material footprint is reduced. Forests are used in construction, energy, flooring, furniture, boards, paper and packaging, tools, musical instruments, sports equipment, toys or office supplies, among others.

The origin, method of harvesting and physical properties of wood make it a natural and friendly material that we use on such a large scale. It is an essential part of today’s fashionable “eco” lifestyle, in harmony with nature and in good health. In the face of climate change, it is also important to note that it is not only living trees that bind significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Wood products are also a great storehouse of C0₂.

As mentioned above, wood is, among other things, a raw material for paper and packaging. However, it should be emphasized that the raw material sourced by our industry comes mainly from sanitary and maintenance cuts. The paper industry makes every effort to contribute to responsible, sustainable forest management, which should ensure that forests, including timber harvesting, are used in such a way that their resources are not diminished while preserving biodiversity. Harvested fibers are used to make paper, cardboard and packaging – but when these products are returned to circulation after use by the consumer (a very important issue of proper selective waste collection!) they are recycled – interestingly and extremely important for the environment (and sustainable forest management at that), they can be recycled more than 25 times without losing their integrity. This means that valuable raw materials are preserved and returned to circulation – perfectly reflecting the spirit of the circular economy.