The European Union aims for climate neutrality by 2050 and has proposed the Packaging and Packing Waste Regulation (PPWR) to promote a circular economy, focusing on reducing packaging waste. In this context, a comprehensive sustainability assessment for liquid dairy product packaging, including beverage cartons, bottles and to-go cups, in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) was conducted. The aim was to consider various ecological aspects of environmental impacts and circularity. As the aspect of recyclability is a core aspect in the PPWR, the calculation was of central interest in this project. Here, major differences in the waste management infrastructure between countries could be identified. The majority of assessed packaging falls below the PPWR’s 70% recyclability requirement, with Switzerland showing even lower recyclability due to poor packaging collection and recycling infrastructure. Significant discrepancies in packaging efficiency exist, indicating unnecessary resource consumption, especially in the case of to-go cups. Additionally, the carbon footprint of packaging materials can vary up to ten times within certain product categories, negatively impacting the environment. Good results were identified for the use of certified renewable resources. Overall, the results of the assessment demonstrate several areas for improvement in light of forthcoming regulatory requirements, which must be met in Germany and Austria.

The adoption of the PPWR by the Council of the European Union (EU/2025/40) in 2025 intensifies the regulatory pressure on packaging manufacturers and food producers. This necessitates their adaptation of packaging to the new standards and selection of materials by various sustainability criteria and minimum standards. The legal text places particular emphasis on recyclability and the carbon footprint. The dairy industry holds significant economic importance in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland); this study therefore analyzed and compared the recyclability and carbon footprint of selected product categories and diverse packaging options for butter, yogurt, spreads, curd cheese, and cottage cheese. This study found large differences within the product categories, and also between the assessed countries, due to differing waste management systems (collection, sorting, and recycling) and waste streams. A key finding is the substantial discrepancy in glass packaging, which significantly exceeds the emission values of other packaging systems. In terms of recyclability, glass packaging performs well due to the effectiveness of the recycling systems regarding the future effective PPWR. However, significant variations in recyclability were observed between Germany and Austria for tray and cup materials made of PP and PS. Notably, there is a preference for packaging systems without a cardboard sleeve over those with one. This study provides critical insights into the environmental performance of packaging materials in the dairy sector. It highlights the challenges posed by regulatory changes and the urgent need for region-specific strategies. By identifying key areas for improvement in packaging design and waste management, this work lays the foundation for achieving compliance with the PPWR and advancing the transition toward a circular economy in the DACH region.

The rapid expansion of the cosmetic products market, growing consumer eco-consciousness, and stricter packaging regulations, such as the PPWR, present significant challenges for the cosmetic industry. To assess the sustainability of cosmetic packaging, a benchmarking study was conducted across various product categories available in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) using a set of selected indicators. The findings highlight an urgent need for action to ensure compliance with future PPWR requirements. While glass and aluminum packaging demonstrated high recyclability, plastic tubes often failed to meet the 70% recyclability target due to incompatible material combinations. Key barriers to recyclability included material incompatibility, metallization, and excessive colorization. Additionally, the use of recycled content in plastic and paper-based packaging was generally low, with only a few samples containing secondary materials. Other critical issues included packaging efficiency, the widespread use of secondary packaging, and use of uncertified renewable materials. Addressing these challenges will require industry-wide efforts to enhance material compatibility, increase recycled content, and optimize packaging design for greater sustainability.