What is the 20 PAP symbol?
The 20 PAP recycling icon is one of the most important symbols in the world of sustainable packaging and specifically represents the Corrugated cardboard . This symbol is part of a coding system established by the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC, which seeks to clearly identify the materials used in packaging to facilitate proper sorting and recycling.
The symbol is composed of three main elements:
- The Möbius triangle (three arrows forming a triangle)
- The number "20" in the center of the triangle
- The letters "PAP" below the triangle
This code is part of a larger family of PAP symbols that includes:
- PAP 20 : Corrugated cardboard (packaging boxes, packaging for heavy goods)
- PAP 21 : Non-corrugated cardboard (cereal boxes, gift packaging)
- PAP 22 : Paper (paper bags, wrapping paper, office paper)
Current importance of the 20 PAP symbol on packaging
The 20 PAP symbol plays a fundamental role in today's packaging industry for several reasons:
Clear identification for recycling
The symbol allows consumers to quickly identify that they are dealing with a product made from corrugated cardboard, facilitating proper sorting for recycling. This is essential to maintaining the quality of recycled materials, as improper mixing of materials can negatively impact the recycling process.
Regulatory compliance
Although EU Directive 94/62/EC establishes that the use of these symbols is voluntary, some member countries, such as Italy and Bulgaria, have decided to make this coding mandatory. This means that companies exporting to these countries must include the 20 PAP symbol on their corrugated cardboard packaging.
Commercial value and consumer preference
Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of recycling and sustainability. The presence of the 20 PAP symbol on packaging communicates a company's commitment to sustainable practices, which can positively influence purchasing decisions.
As a study by GWP Packaging highlights: "Although not always mandatory, using PAP 20 logos on your packaging is generally worthwhile. Most consumers and businesses now prefer to purchase sustainable packaging and products."
Responsibility in the supply chain
Responsibility for the correct use of recycling symbols rests with the distributor of the goods. By using the 20 PAP symbol, companies declare that their packaging meets the mandatory essential requirements of the Packaging Directive, even in regions where its use is voluntary.
The future of the 20 PAP symbol according to new European legislation
The landscape of recycling symbols, including the 20 PAP, is undergoing significant changes with the entry into force of the new European Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR), which replaces the current Directive 94/62/EC.
The PPWR Regulation and its impact
Regulation (EU) 2025/40, known as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), came into force on February 11, 2025, and represents a fundamental change in packaging regulation in the European Union. Unlike the previous directive, the PPWR is directly applicable in all Member States, ensuring uniform implementation.
This new regulation sets more ambitious and concrete goals for reducing packaging waste, improving recyclability, and transitioning toward a circular economy.
New harmonized labeling system
A crucial change that will directly affect the 20 PAP symbol is the establishment of a harmonized labeling system for all packaging in the EU. According to Article 12 of the PPWR:
"From August 12, 2028, packaging must be clearly labeled with a harmonized label to inform consumers about recyclability and proper disposal."
This means that the current system of symbols, including the 20 PAP, will evolve into a unified system across the EU, with clear and easy-to-understand pictograms, often accompanied by QR codes to provide additional recycling information.
Recyclability classification system
The PPWR introduces a classification system for the recyclability of packaging, dividing it into three performance levels: A, B, and C.
- From 2030, packaging with a recyclability level of less than 70% (level C) will not be considered recyclable and may not be sold.
- Starting in 2038, this ban will be extended to packaging with a recyclability level of less than 80%.
This system will affect how corrugated cardboard packaging is labeled, and will potentially modify or complement the current 20 PAP symbol.
Eco-modulated rates
An important aspect of the PPWR is the implementation of eco-modulated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) tariffs. These tariffs will vary based on the recyclability of the packaging, providing financial incentives for companies to design more sustainable and recyclable packaging.
As FKUR explains: "The PPWR sets the conditions for an ecologically-based adaptation of disposal fees. In the future, packaging that is easier and more efficient to recycle should have lower disposal fees than less recyclable alternatives."
Recycling and reuse goals
The PPWR sets ambitious recycling targets for all packaging materials. For paper and cardboard, the goal is to achieve a 90% recycling rate by 2030, reinforcing the importance of correctly identifying these materials.
In addition, it introduces mandatory reuse targets for certain types of packaging, which could lead to the need for additional labels to complement the current 20 PAP symbol.
Recommendations for adapting to changes
For companies using corrugated cardboard packaging identified with the 20 PAP symbol, it is important to prepare for the changes introduced by the PPWR:
1. Review of current designs
It's essential to review current packaging designs to ensure their recyclability according to the new criteria. Corrugated cardboard (20 PAP) generally has good recyclability rates, but it's important to verify that the entire packaging design facilitates this process.
2. Planning for the new labeling system
Although the new harmonized labeling system won't be mandatory until 2028, it's a good idea to start planning for the transition. This may involve:
- Reserve space in designs for new labels
- Prepare the infrastructure to implement QR codes on packaging
- Consider how to integrate new recyclability classification information
3. Monitoring of secondary legislation
The European Commission will publish delegated acts and specific guidelines on the new labeling system and recyclability criteria. It is important to stay informed about these developments to ensure regulatory compliance.
4. Proactive communication
While the transition is underway, it's a good idea to use customer communications to explain the meaning of the 20 PAP symbol and how it contributes to effective packaging recycling.
Considerations
The 20 PAP symbol has been instrumental in identifying corrugated cardboard and facilitating its recycling throughout Europe. However, with the entry into force of the new PPWR Regulation, we are witnessing a significant evolution in the way packaging will be labeled for recycling.
This change should not be seen as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to improve communication about packaging recyclability and move toward a more circular economy. Corrugated cardboard, currently represented by the 20 PAP symbol, will continue to be one of the most sustainable and recyclable packaging materials, but its identification will evolve toward a more harmonized and understandable system for consumers across the EU.
Companies that proactively adapt to these changes will not only ensure regulatory compliance but will also stand out in a market where sustainability is increasingly valued by consumers.
