Recyclatanteil: The Complete Guide for Brands, Manufacturers, and Retailers

Recyclatanteil — the percentage of recycled material in a product or packaging — is rapidly becoming a strategic priority for brands, manufacturers, and retailers. What was once a sustainability talking point is now a regulatory requirement, a retailer demand, and a consumer expectation.

From EU packaging regulations to ESG reporting frameworks, companies are increasingly required to prove, document, and improve their recycled content. But increasing Recyclatanteil is not just about sourcing recycled materials. It involves procurement strategy, product design, compliance systems, supplier documentation, and credible communication.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Recyclatanteil — from definitions and legal requirements to calculation methods and real-world implementation.

What Is Recyclatanteil?

Recyclatanteil refers to the percentage of recycled material contained in a product or packaging component. It is typically expressed as a mass-based percentage.

For example, if a plastic bottle weighs 100 grams and contains 30 grams of recycled plastic, its Recyclatanteil is 30%.

However, not all recycled materials are treated equally. Two key distinctions are critical:

Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material comes from products used and discarded by consumers.
Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) material originates from manufacturing scrap and production waste.

Regulations and retailer specifications increasingly prioritize PCR because it directly supports circular economy goals by diverting waste from landfills and incineration.

The German Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) provides clear definitions of recycled materials and their classification under packaging law (verpackungsregister.org).

Why Recyclatanteil Is Strategically Important

Recyclatanteil matters for three main reasons: regulation, market pressure, and supply dynamics.

1. Regulatory Requirements (PPWR & EU Targets)

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces mandatory minimum recycled content targets for plastic packaging starting in 2030, with higher thresholds by 2040 (eur-lex.europa.eu).

Depending on packaging type, minimum recycled content levels may include:

• 30% for certain PET contact-sensitive packaging by 2030
• 10–35% for other plastic packaging categories
• Higher targets by 2040 (up to 65% in some cases)

These requirements make Recyclatanteil a compliance issue, not just a voluntary initiative.

2. Market and Retailer Expectations

Major retailers now require sustainability data at SKU level. ESG disclosures are becoming more granular, and recycled content is a key metric in procurement decisions.

Consumers also respond positively to verified recycled content claims — provided they are transparent and credible.

3. Limited Global Supply of Recycled Materials

Despite increased awareness, recycled materials still represent a small fraction of total production. According to global circular economy reports, recycled plastics accounted for roughly 9–10% of total plastic production in recent years (eurekalert.org).

As regulatory targets rise, competition for high-quality PCR will intensify. Early procurement strategy is critical.

Recyclatanteil vs. Recyclability: Not the Same Thing

A common mistake is focusing only on recycled content while ignoring recyclability.

Recyclatanteil measures input (how much recycled material is used).
Recyclability measures output (how well the product can be recycled at end-of-life).

Under PPWR, both criteria will matter. Packaging must be recyclable and meet minimum recycled content requirements.

Design decisions such as dark pigments, multilayer structures, incompatible adhesives, or composite materials may increase recycled content but reduce recyclability. A balanced strategy is essential.

How to Calculate Recyclatanteil Correctly

Accurate calculation is fundamental for compliance and credible marketing.

The most common method is weight-based calculation across components.

Step-by-Step Example

Imagine a packaging system with:

• Bottle body: 80g (30% PCR)
• Cap: 15g (0% recycled content)
• Label: 5g (50% recycled content)

First, calculate recycled mass per component:

Bottle: 80g × 30% = 24g
Cap: 15g × 0% = 0g
Label: 5g × 50% = 2.5g

Total recycled material = 26.5g
Total packaging weight = 100g

Overall Recyclatanteil = 26.5%

Consistency in system boundaries is crucial. If marketing claims refer only to the bottle body, that must be clearly stated.

PCR vs PIR: Why the Difference Matters

While both PCR and PIR are technically recycled materials, regulatory and brand expectations often differentiate between them.

PCR is generally prioritized because it:

• Closes the consumer waste loop
• Demonstrates circular economy implementation
• Supports regulatory compliance under PPWR

PIR can offer:

• Better material consistency
• Easier sourcing
• Lower contamination risk

Best practice is to define clearly whether your Recyclatanteil claim refers to:

• Total recycled content
• PCR-only
• PCR + PIR combined

Ambiguity increases compliance and greenwashing risks.

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

Recyclatanteil must be verifiable.

Auditors, retailers, and regulatory authorities typically require:

• Supplier declarations specifying PCR/PIR content
• Material specifications with recycled percentages
• Batch traceability systems
• Quality documentation (mechanical properties, contamination levels)
• Mass balance methodologies where applicable

For food-contact packaging, additional safety approvals may apply under EU regulations.

Failure to document recycled content properly can invalidate claims — even if the material is technically present.

Increasing Recyclatanteil: Practical Implementation Strategy

Improving Recyclatanteil requires a cross-functional approach.

1. Start With the Largest Component

Focus on the heaviest material element first (e.g., bottle body or housing shell). Small percentage increases there deliver the biggest impact.

2. Optimize Design for Recycled Material Integration

Recycled plastics may vary in:

• Color consistency
• Odor
• Mechanical strength
• Melt flow behavior

Design adjustments such as thicker walls, neutral colors, or matte finishes can improve integration.

3. Secure Long-Term Supply Contracts

As recycled material demand increases, volatility in pricing and availability is likely. Long-term supplier partnerships reduce risk.

4. Integrate Data Management Systems

Recyclatanteil is also a data governance issue. Ensure:

• Centralized sustainability databases
• Version-controlled product specifications
• Alignment between marketing and compliance teams

Real-World Scenario: FMCG Packaging Transition

A mid-sized beverage brand aims to reach 30% PCR content in PET bottles by 2030.

Initial challenges include:

• Yellowish tint in recycled PET
• Retailer concerns about shelf appearance
• Limited supplier capacity

Solutions implemented:

• Slight label redesign to incorporate subtle tint acceptance
• Multi-supplier sourcing strategy
• Consumer communication emphasizing circular impact

Result: Compliance alignment, reduced virgin plastic use, and improved ESG performance metrics.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Claiming “contains recycled material” without specifying percentage.

Failing to clarify whether the claim applies to the entire product or a specific component.

Not differentiating between PCR and PIR.

Increasing recycled content while unintentionally reducing recyclability.

Overlooking supply chain documentation.

FAQ: Recyclatanteil Explained

What is Recyclatanteil in simple terms?

Recyclatanteil is the percentage of recycled material used in a product or packaging, measured by weight.

Is Recyclatanteil legally required?

Under EU PPWR regulations, minimum recycled content levels will become mandatory for certain plastic packaging categories starting in 2030.

Does PIR count as recycled content?

Yes, but PCR is often prioritized in regulatory frameworks and sustainability strategies.

How can companies prove their Recyclatanteil?

Through supplier certifications, material specifications, traceability systems, and audited documentation.

Why is recycled plastic supply limited?

Recycling infrastructure, contamination issues, and limited processing capacity constrain the availability of high-quality PCR.

Conclusion: Turning Recyclatanteil Into a Competitive Advantage

Recyclatanteil is no longer just a sustainability metric — it is a regulatory, operational, and strategic KPI.

Companies that proactively redesign products, secure recycled material supply, implement traceability systems, and communicate transparently will not only meet upcoming PPWR requirements but also strengthen brand credibility.

By treating Recyclatanteil as a cross-functional priority rather than a marketing claim, brands and retailers can reduce virgin material dependence, enhance ESG performance, and future-proof their packaging strategy in an increasingly circular economy.