Stay ahead of PPWR
16.10.2026
From dark to detectable
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been applicable across the EU since 12 August 2026. Packaging increasingly needs to be designed not only to be technically recyclable but also to work effectively within collection, sorting, and recycling systems to enable circularity.
This is the first in a series of PPWR advisories from Faerch.
For your packaging to be PPWR future-proof, colour is a good example of how a relatively small packaging change can improve compatibility with today's sorting systems.
Many sorting facilities use Near-Infrared (NIR) technology to identify different types of plastic and direct them into the correct recycling stream.
Conventional carbon black can in some cases prevent NIR technology from recognising packaging. And it is not necessarily only visibly black packaging that needs attention: some other dark colour formulations can also affect detection.
That means a tray can be made from a recyclable polymer, but its colour can still make it harder for sorting systems to identify and direct it to the right recycling stream.
Sorting belt at our recycling facility at Cirrec in the Netherlands
What can you do today?
You do not need to wait for the final Design for Recycling criteria to start preparing.
Reviewing the colours used across your packaging portfolio is one practical place to start:
- Can today's sorting technology detect your packaging?
- Are there dark colours in your portfolio that you should review?
- Could a change in colour or pigment improve sortability without compromising the appearance or performance you need?
How can Faerch support you?
For customers that need or prefer a dark appearance, there are different routes to consider:
- NIR-detectable black and dark colours, maintaining a dark appearance while supporting detection by NIR sorting technology.
- Carbon-black-free alternatives, offering different colour options designed with sortability in mind.
- Evolve by Faerch, combining recycled content with a distinctive appearance for brands open to moving away from a uniform dark colour.
