{"id":116021,"date":"2026-05-12T04:24:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T04:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/?post_type=vimeo-video&p=116021"},"modified":"2026-05-12T06:45:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T04:45:41","slug":"recyclability-is-a-must-have-johannes-bergmair-wpo-interpack-2026","status":"publish","type":"vimeo-video","link":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/vimeo-video\/recyclability-is-must-have-johannes-bergmair-wpo-interpack-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Recyclability is a Must-have: Johannes Bergmair, WPO | interpack 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

At interpack 2026, Dr. Johannes Bergmair, General Secretary of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), draws a notable conclusion: what counted as innovation just a few years ago has become a basic requirement. Recyclability is shifting from a unique selling point to a minimum standard.<\/p>\n

From innovation to industry standard<\/h3>\n

The partnership between interpack and WPO, formalised in 2024, is already bearing fruit. \u201cIt\u2019s simply natural that we work together. interpack is the one global trade fair, the meeting point for packaging technology worldwide,\u201d Bergmair explains. A core project is the Safe Food Initiative, which raises awareness of packaging as a solution to food waste rather than a contributor to it.<\/p>\n

The World Global Packaging Awards 2026 honoured 234 winners from 36 countries \u2014 and the submissions reveal a clear shift. \u201cRecyclability is no longer a standout feature, but a must-have,\u201d Bergmair observes. Companies now mention recyclability almost as a given and put the spotlight on additional innovations such as recycled content or specific functional improvements.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

An industry battling its own image<\/h3>\n

Despite enormous innovation power, the packaging industry continues to struggle with its public perception. \u201cGo out on the street and ask people about packaging \u2014 they say: oh, that\u2019s waste, that\u2019s bad,\u201d Bergmair describes. What the public tends to overlook is the technological progress: \u201cIf you had asked me five years ago whether we would ever have recyclable laminate structures for coffee packaging, I would have said no. But they\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) adds another layer of pressure. \u201cIf I want to design a packaging system for 2030 or 2031, I need to fix it now. But the guidelines on recyclability won\u2019t be published until 2028 or 2029,\u201d Bergmair points out. Companies are forced to commit to designs while the rulebook is still being written.<\/p>