PPWR Copilot
EU Decision 97/129/EC Reference

EU Recycling Icons & Material Identification Codes

Complete reference guide to EU packaging material codes. Understand PAP, PET, HDPE, GL, ALU, and composite material codes required for PPWR compliance.

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What is Decision 97/129/EC?

Decision 97/129/EC defines the EU material identification system (e.g., PAP 21, PET 01). It is widely used for consistency across supply chains. At EU level it is an identification system, while on-pack marking requirements are set by national rules and/or customer requirements. PPWR introduces an EU harmonised label framework with details set via implementing acts.

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Material Identification

Numeric codes (1-99) identify the specific material type, enabling sorting facilities to process packaging correctly.

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Abbreviation System

Letter codes (PAP, PET, GL, etc.) provide quick visual identification of material families.

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EU-Wide Standard

Harmonized across all 27 EU member states, ensuring consistent recycling infrastructure.

Complete Material Code Reference

🧴 Plastics (Codes 1-19)

Code Abbreviation Material Common Uses
1 PET Polyethylene Terephthalate Beverage bottles, food containers
2 HDPE High-Density Polyethylene Milk jugs, detergent bottles, pipes
3 PVC Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes, window frames, flooring
4 LDPE Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic bags, squeeze bottles, films
5 PP Polypropylene Food containers, bottle caps, straws
6 PS Polystyrene Foam packaging, disposable cups
7 O (Other) Other plastics Multi-layer plastics, bioplastics

📦 Paper & Cardboard (Codes 20-39)

Code Abbreviation Material Common Uses
20 PAP Corrugated Cardboard Shipping boxes, protective packaging
21 PAP Non-Corrugated Cardboard Product boxes, cartons, folders
22 PAP Paper Labels, inserts, wrapping paper

🔩 Metals (Codes 40-49)

Code Abbreviation Material Common Uses
40 FE Steel Food cans, paint cans, aerosols
41 ALU Aluminum Beverage cans, foil, trays

🍾 Glass (Codes 70-79)

Code Abbreviation Material Common Uses
70 GL Clear/Colorless Glass Clear bottles, jars, containers
71 GL Green Glass Wine bottles, beer bottles
72 GL Brown Glass Beer bottles, medicine bottles
73 GL Dark Sort Glass Mixed dark colored glass
74 GL Light Sort Glass Mixed light colored glass

🔀 Composites (Codes 80-99) - Annex VII

Code Abbreviation Material Common Uses
81 C/PAP Paper + Plastic Coated paper cups, paper-plastic bags
82 C/PAP Paper + Aluminum Foil-lined paper, coffee bags
84 C/PAP Paper + Plastic + Aluminum Beverage cartons (Tetra Pak)
90 C/LDPE Plastic + Aluminum Chip bags, snack packaging
91 C/LDPE Plastic + Tinplate Composite cans, Pringles tubes
92 C/PP PP Composite Multi-layer PP packaging

Why Correct Material Codes Matter

Using the wrong material code can lead to compliance issues and recycling problems.

Correct Codes Enable:

  • ✓ Proper sorting at recycling facilities
  • ✓ Higher quality recycled materials
  • ✓ Compliance with PPWR Article 12
  • ✓ Market access across all EU countries

Incorrect Codes Cause:

  • ✗ Contamination of recycling streams
  • ✗ Regulatory fines and penalties
  • ✗ Product recalls and listing removals
  • ✗ Damage to brand reputation

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