4evergreen publishes updated Circularity by Design Guideline and Collection and Sorting Guidance to strengthen paper-based packaging under the new PPWR 

4evergreen just released new editions of the Circularity by Design Guideline and the Guidance on the Improved Collection and Sorting of Paper-Based Packaging for Recycling, providing a unified, practical roadmap for improving recyclability across the entire value chain.Based Packaging for Recycling 

Smarter packaging design for real world recycling 

The new Circularity by Design Guideline gives packaging producers, converters, and brands clearer, more consistent criteria to ensure their packaging performs effectively in real sorting and recycling environments. 
A new addition is the expanded Sorting Disruptors section; that will help designers avoid features that interfere with automated sorting systems or misdirect materials into the wrong stream. The guideline also updates terminology and compatibility thresholds to align with 2024 industry agreements, supporting greater coherence from design to recycling. 

Another update is planned for 2026, integrating new test results and evolving standardisation efforts to further strengthen evidence-based design recommendations.based design recommendations. 

Better collection and sorting for higher quality fibre recovery 

The enhanced Collection and Sorting of Paper-Based Packaging for Recycling reinforce best practices that enable high quality material flows into recycling. It continues to champion a two-stream household collection model – separating paper and board from lightweight packaging – to reduce contamination and improve overall recycling yields. 

This edition also expands on technological developments, including near infrared detection, AI-based sorting, and innovations that better capture composite packaging. The guidance aims to help municipalities and waste operators adapt to PPWR expectations with clearer, more harmonised processes. 

A combined framework for a circular future 

Together, the two updated documents offer a cohesive framework that links better design decisions with more efficient collection and sorting systems. This alignment helps safeguard fibre quality, improve recycling rates, and support Europe’s transition to a truly circular packaging economy. 

Both publications are now available on the 4evergreen website:  

Circularity by Design Guideline:  https://4evergreenforum.eu/about/circularity-by-design-guideline/ 

Collection and Sorting of Paper-Based Packaging for Recycling: https://4evergreenforum.eu/about/guidance-on-the-improved-collection-and-sorting/Based Packaging for Recycling