Environmental grading means that packaging is assessed on the basis of fixed design criteria and then placed in the red, yellow or green category (grading), depending on how well it meets the requirements of recyclability.
Only for +8,000kg
Only companies that put more than 8,000 kg of packaging on the market annually are required to environmentally grade their packaging data.
The purpose
Environmental modulation gives companies an economic incentive to choose packaging that is easier to recycle.
The 3 gradations
Green
Green packaging meets the design criteria for recyclability. It is rewarded financially and helps to promote circular and sustainable solutions.
Yellow
Yellow packaging meets certain criteria for recyclability, but not all. It is placed in an intermediate category with moderate fee loads.
Red
Red packaging meets one or more design criteria that make it difficult to recycle — or lacks documentation. It therefore incurs the highest costs.
Examples
What factors play into the design criteria?
Small details can have a big impact on whether the packaging is rated red, yellow or green. This applies both to the choice of materials, combinations and how they are put together.
Wine Bottle
The transparency of the glass can determine the category, just as the type of glue of the label (e.g., water-based vs. plastic-based) plays a role.
Cardboard packaging with print
For products such as coffee machines or vacuum cleaners, printing on the cardboard box can be crucial. Here, the type of ink, the amount of color and the surface treatment can affect the rating.
Wrapping for cold cuts
Some packages consist of one type of plastic and can be recycled relatively easily, while others are made of several different layers of plastic combined with, for example, foil or aluminum.
How do you grade packaging?
To determine whether the packaging is red, yellow or green, it is evaluated based on concrete design criteria that is described in Annex 14 to the packaging notice.
Here, each material subcategory is reviewed with precise requirements for what counts as green, yellow or red level.
Frequently Asked Questions for Environmental Modulation of Packaging
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about environmental modulation and packaging categorization.
Can you help us categorize our packaging?
Every company has different products and materials, which is why we cannot be experts in each individual packaging solution. We recommend contacting consultants who specialize in packaging materials and know about the requirements of the packaging ordinance.
What is environmental modulation?
Environmental modulation is a method in which packaging is assessed based on design criteria and placed in the red, yellow or green category, depending on how easily it can be recycled.
Who is covered by the environmental modulation rules?
Companies that put more than 8 tons of packaging on the market annually are required to report and categorize their packaging.
How do I find out which category my packaging belongs to?
You must find the material subcategory of your packaging in Annex 14 to the Packaging Ordinance. Here are the specific design criteria described for each material type.
What happens if I can't document the design criteria?
If you cannot prove that the packaging meets certain criteria, it will automatically be placed in the red category with higher fees. As a collective scheme, we are also obliged to carry out sample tests and report to the Environmental Protection Agency if we discover conditions that do not comply with the rules.
Still in doubt?
While we can't categorize your packaging, we can point you in the direction of the right experts.
