New European study finds consumers are actively separating Bag-in-Box packaging for recycling

Research across four countries reveals separation rates as high as 97%, highlighting consumer readiness for circular packaging systems

Consumers across Europe are actively separating Bag-in-Box packaging components for recycling, according to a new study conducted in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden by Smurfit Westrock Bag-in-Box. The findings suggest that consumers are already adopting key behaviours needed to support more circular packaging systems.

The study examined whether consumers separate the plastic bag from the cardboard box after use, an important step in ensuring that packaging materials can be directed into the most appropriate recycling streams. Across all four countries, the majority of consumers follow proper recycling practices by separating the different packaging components before disposal.

The findings come as Europe prepares for the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which is expected to place increased focus on packaging recyclability, resource efficiency and circularity. The results suggest consumers are increasingly willing to engage with recycling systems when packaging is designed to be intuitive and easy to sort.

The research also points to significant differences between countries, reflecting variations in waste collection systems, recycling policies, consumer education and local sorting guidance. These factors are likely to play an important role in determining how effectively packaging materials are recovered and recycled.

"Understanding how consumers interact with packaging after use is essential," said Massimiliano Bianchi, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Bag-in-Box. "The study confirms that Bag-in-Box users are generally adopting the right recycling habits, while also showing where additional education and communication can further improve performance."

The study's findings highlight the increasingly important role consumers play in helping to improve packaging circularity and suggest that clear recycling guidance, combined with packaging designed for easy sorting, can support higher recovery rates across Europe.

More Information

This video provides a deeper look at study’s findings, the differences observed between countries and information on how local recycling policies, consumer education initiatives and ongoing packaging innovations can help improve separation rates even further.