Circular Packaging by 2030: What Does it Take to Make it a Reality?

What will packaging look like in 2030? A recent Forum Ökologisch Verpacken (FÖV) and CSCP workshop explored how business, politics, and consumers can drive the shift to true circularity in packaging. The message was clear: only together can we turn packaging from waste into a resource—and vision into reality.

When it comes to sustainability, one topic always makes the list: packaging. Even though it often has a smaller carbon footprint than the products it protects, packaging plays a major role in climate protection—and it’s under growing scrutiny from both policy and consumers.

Companies today face a balancing act: how to reach environmental goals, stay economically competitive, and meet strict regulations—all while keeping customers happy? One concept is leading the way: the circular economy. Here, packaging is never a waste—it’s either serving its purpose or becoming a valuable material for something new. But how can we mainstream circular economy so that it becomes the new normal?

In spring 2025, experts from business, politics, and the academia gathered at a workshop hosted by the FÖV and the CSCP to explore what sustainable packaging might look like across Europe by 2030.

The workshop took on challenging questions: Will we get stuck in transition? Can bold innovators lead the way? And what must change to make circular packaging the norm?

The common answer: collaboration! Across borders, industries, and sectors.

The consensus among participants was that shared goals and strong partnerships are essential. Clear, accessible data on environmental impacts and circular practices is also needed, alongside smart, evidence-based political decisions. Calls were made for fewer bureaucratic hurdles, more tax incentives, and even new platforms for public participation—such as citizen and ethics councils to address deeper questions of climate justice.

“A functioning circular economy only works when everyone across the value chain joins forces,” emphasised CSCP Executive Director, Michael Kuhndt. “It’s not about isolated solutions—it’s a system-wide shift.”

And consumers? Their role is critical. Without public support for sustainable packaging and proper recycling behaviour, progress will stall. Retailers, as the link between producers and shoppers, hold unique power—and responsibility. If they embrace their leadership role, the transition to a circular packaging economy could accelerate significantly by 2030.

The road ahead is challenging—but with collective action from frontrunner companies, coherent regulators, and engaged consumers, the shift is within reach.

As a result of the visioning process and workshop a report has been compiled, including fields of action and derived measures. These are meant to form a starting point for specific initiatives and pilot projects. A Digital Product Passport (DPP) for packaging is particularly promising, as it brings together the suggested measures on dialogue and cooperation as a connecting element of complex value creation processes and networks.

Please download the report here.

Would you like to engage with us on circular packaging? Reach out to Stephan Schaller!