Switzerland’s new Packaging Ordinance marks a significant shift in how packaging will be designed, managed, and recycled in the coming years. While the regulation introduces mandatory recycling targets and broader packaging requirements, it also encourages businesses to rethink their packaging strategies to support a more circular economy.
Although the ordinance will come into force in early 2027, businesses should begin preparing now. Reviewing packaging materials, strengthening supplier collaboration, and improving compliance processes today can help organisations adapt more efficiently as the new requirements become applicable.
New Expectations for Packaging Design
One of the key objectives of the new Packaging Ordinance is to encourage packaging that is easier to recycle and uses resources more efficiently. Businesses are expected to minimise unnecessary packaging, improve material selection, and increase the use of recycled materials wherever possible.
These measures are designed to reduce packaging waste while supporting Switzerland’s long-term sustainability goals. As customer expectations and regulatory requirements continue to evolve, businesses that prioritise circular packaging design can also improve operational efficiency and strengthen their environmental commitments.
Packaging design is no longer focused solely on protecting products. It is increasingly becoming an important part of meeting regulatory expectations and supporting a circular economy.
Recycling Becomes a Shared Responsibility
The ordinance introduces mandatory recycling targets, including a minimum recycling rate of 55% for single-use plastic packaging and 70% for beverage cartons by 2032. To support these objectives, businesses involved in placing single-use plastic packaging on the Swiss market will also be expected to contribute to separate collection systems that improve recycling performance.
Rather than treating recycling as an activity that begins after products are discarded, the regulation encourages businesses to consider recyclability at the packaging design stage. This creates opportunities to improve material recovery while reducing packaging waste across the value chain.
Strengthening Packaging Compliance
To prepare for Switzerland’s new Packaging Ordinance, businesses should focus on strengthening their compliance processes across the packaging lifecycle. Key areas to review include:
- Evaluate packaging materials to ensure they support recyclability and align with circular economy objectives.
- Review supplier documentation to verify material composition, recycled content, and other compliance-related information.
- Improve packaging data management by maintaining accurate and accessible records to support reporting and regulatory requirements.
- Strengthen internal compliance processes to monitor packaging performance and adapt to evolving regulations.
- Monitor regulatory developments across Switzerland and Europe to maintain consistent compliance strategies across multiple markets.
Taking these steps early can help businesses reduce compliance risks, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for future packaging regulations.
Turning Regulatory Change into a Long-Term Packaging Strategy
Switzerland’s new Packaging Ordinance reflects broader regulatory trends that are shaping the future of packaging across Europe. Similar to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the ordinance promotes circular economy principles by encouraging recyclable packaging, improved resource efficiency, and greater producer responsibility.
Businesses should use this opportunity to evaluate their packaging portfolios, identify opportunities to improve recyclability, and strengthen packaging data management. Investing in better packaging design and compliance processes today can help reduce future operational challenges while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Looking Ahead
The new Packaging Ordinance demonstrates that packaging regulations are increasingly focusing on the entire lifecycle of packaging rather than waste management alone. Businesses that take a proactive approach to packaging design, recycling, and compliance will be better positioned to meet evolving regulatory expectations and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.
At PackIntelX, we help businesses stay ahead of evolving packaging regulations through regulatory intelligence, ppwr workshops, consulting services, digital compliance solutions, and packaging data management. Our expertise enables organisations to strengthen compliance processes and prepare confidently for the future of sustainable packaging.
Stay tuned with PackIntelX for the latest updates on packaging regulations, compliance trends, and industry developments. Looking for expert guidance or digital solutions to support your compliance goals? Get in touch with our team today.
