Practical solutions
for evolving regulations

Sustainability

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, or PPWR, is changing the course of packaging in Europe. We support this shift with our paper-based tapes and solutions with increased recycled content. Explore the options available today and how they connect to the transformation driven by the PPWR.

A wave of change and many decisions to make

For packaging teams, the question is no longer whether change is coming. It is which solutions can support the transition today. The PPWR has applied in parts since August 12, 2026. It introduces harmonized rules across the packaging life cycle, with requirements being phased in until 2030 and beyond. For companies placing packaging or packaged goods on the EU market, our adhesive tapes with verified bio-based, increased recycled content, or recyclability attributes can become practical building blocks to manage this change.

The PPWR brings a shared European direction, but it also creates very practical questions. Which packaging fall within scope? What information must be available? How should substances of concern be addressed? How will recyclability be assessed as future methodologies are finalized? And which material choices can support the transition without compromising packaging performance?

These questions cut across businesses and functions. The best response is not to wait for every detail to be settled. It is to build a structured path forward, supported by transparent information and fact-based choices.

1. Build a clear view of your packaging system 

Start by mapping the packaging you place on the EU market, including the components and materials used. It should be clear where adhesive tapes become part of your packaging system.

2. Strengthen documentation and supplier dialogue 

Today’s decisions depend on more than product performance. In the future, information on material composition, recycled or bio-based content, substances of concern, or recyclability assessments will be required by all of us.

3. Evaluate current packaging choices against the future 

PPWR sets a long-term direction toward less packaging waste, improved recyclability, and greater use of secondary raw materials. That creates an opportunity to review where paper-based solutions, designs that support paper recycling streams, or products with increased recycled content can contribute to your packaging goals and make your future life easier.

Practical tape choices that support the packaging shift

We enter this transformation with established packaging tape solutions with more sustainable attributes. While not all regulatory details of the PPWR are settled, our available adhesive solutions already support customers as they prepare for the impact. But needless to say: We will evolve and develop our solutions further.

Get to know our paper-based carton sealing solutions

Image showcasing 100% as a cut-out in which a carton sealing tape is represented — 100% paper-based adhesive tape solutions for reliable carton sealing

For businesses looking to reduce the use of filmic packaging components or support fiber-based packaging concepts, paper-based carton-sealing tapes provide a practical starting point. The right choice depends on the required performance, the complete packaging structure, the weight and the recycling stream in the target market.

roll of brown tesa adhesive tape with partially unrolled strip on white background, studio setting (This text has been generated by AI)

01tesa® 60408: Bio-based paper packaging tape

tesa® 60408 combines a paper backing made with paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources with a natural rubber adhesive. This adds up to 92% bio-based carbon content in the total product (certified by DIN CERTCO (opens in a new window or tab)). It is recycling-friendly according to INGEDE Method 12 and is produced using a solvent-free process. These characteristics support solutions that consider recyclability.

brown adhesive tape roll with tesa branding on the inner core, isolated on white background (This text has been generated by AI)

02tesa® 4513: Superior paper packaging tape

tesa® 4513 uses 100% paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources in its backing and can be disposed within the paper waste stream as certified by INGEDE Method 12 score of 100/100. Its paper-based construction and assessed recycling performance support customers evaluating carton-sealing choices for fiber-based packaging concepts.

03tesa® 4713: Standard paper packaging tape

tesa® 4713 uses 100% paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources in its backing and can be disposed within the paper waste stream as certified by INGEDE Method 12. It provides a paper-based alternative that supports reduced plastic use and is a practical option when moving selected carton-sealing applications toward paper-based packaging components

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04tesa® 4313 PV12: Premium paper packaging tape

tesa® 4313 PV12 offers a printable solution for better branding and advertising purposes. The backing consists of paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources and is also recycling-friendly according to INGEDE Method 12. It adds a premium paper-based option to the portfolio for customers who also want to showcase their brand on a more sustainable solution, while addressing better recyclable options.

05tesa® 60013: Self-adhesive reinforced paper tape

tesa^® 60013 is the best choice for heavy duty applications up to 25kg. It uses 100% paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources in its backing and can be disposed within the paper waste stream as certified by INGEDE Method 12. It provides a paper-based alternative that supports reduced plastic use also in heavy-duty applications.

INGEDE Method 12

INGEDE Method 12 is a test method of the International Association of the Deinking Industry for the recyclability of printed products and an established standard available to determine the recycling behavior of PSAs (e.g. labels and stickers). The main goal of INGEDE activities/methods is to safeguard and improve paper/cardboard recyclability.
The INGEDE Method 12 provides an assessment about the removability of adhesive applications during the paper recycling process. During the paper recycling process, adhesive applications disintegrate during pulping to stickies (also known as adhesive residues). The more adhesive residues are collected, the better for the paper recycling process. This method provides a removability score between -20 and 100 points depending on how good the adhesive residues can be removed. More information (opens in a new window or tab)

Relying on filmics in carton sealing – but with more recycled content

Image showing a 55% as a cut-out in which a filmic-based carton sealing tape is rolled off a dispenser onto a carton — Minimum of 55% total recycled content in our more sustainable filmic adhesive solutions for carton sealing

Paper is not the right choice for every packaging line or performance requirement. Where a filmic carton-sealing tape is needed, solutions with increased recycled content are the future.

Clear adhesive tape roll with red and white tesa branding on the inner core, shown against a white background for product display. (This text has been generated by AI)

01tesa® 60416: Silent recycled packaging tape

tesa® 60416 contains 55% total recycled content, including a backing made with 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET. It combines a recycled-content film with a recycling-friendly adhesive and a solvent-free production process. This makes it a practical option for customers looking to increase recycled content in a filmic sealing solution.

Two large rolls of tesa adhesive tape, one brown and one clear, displayed on a white background for packaging use. (This text has been generated by AI)

02tesa® 60418: Thin recycled PET packaging tape

tesa® 60418 contains 60% total recycled content, with 85% post-consumer recycled PET in the backing. Its thin construction provides another filmic option for customers seeking higher recycled content and easy unwinding.

Designs for seamless opening and closure: Our paper-based design tapes

Image depicting a 6 as a cut-out in which a carton is ripped open and a spool of tape is seen in the background — 6 technically recycable solutions for seamless opening, closure and reinforcement according to Cepi recyclability laboratory test method

Opening and closing features can influence whether fiber-based packaging can remain within the paper recycling stream. Paper-based design tapes support mono-material packaging concepts and can replace filmic opening components in suitable applications.

01tesa® 51334 and tesa® 51344: Paper-based tear tape

tesa® 51334 uses a paper backing with paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources and solvent-free coating technology. It is technically recyclable according to the CEPI / 4evergreen protocol, supports mono-material packaging concepts, and can be disposed of together with paper packaging. These attributes support customers evaluating opening solutions for fiber-based packaging.

roll of white tesa strapping tape with a partially peeled end, isolated on a white background (This text has been generated by AI)

02tesa® 61346: Double-sided paper-based closing tape with fingerlift

Our paper-based closing tape tesa® 61346 enables secure closing of cardboard boxes or mailer bags and upon disposal, while the tape can be recycled along with the box material as certified by CEPI. The backing itself is of paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources and the coating process is solvent-free.

03tesa® 51345: Paper-based reinforcement tape

tesa® 51345 is a good option for lightweight and thinner flute packaging to reinforce critical stress areas like side hole handles, flap handles, and top hole handles. Its backing consists of paper from well-managed forests and other controlled sources and is also technically recyclable according to CEPI.

Transport securing: a paper-based alternative for filmic strapping

Image depticing >75% as a cut-out in which a printer is placed and a hand places a piece of strapping tape around it, so it is secured for transport — >75% bio-based content calculated by weight in our strapping tape thanks to its paper-based backing and share of natural rubber in the adhesive

Transport securing is another area where customers can assess a shift from conventional film-based materials toward solutions with renewable content and tested recyclability attributes.

roll of brown tesa adhesive tape standing upright on white background with green and silver globe icon nearby (This text has been generated by AI)

01tesa® 64295: Recyclable paper transport securing tape

tesa® 64295 is a paper-based strapping tape with more than 75% bio-based content by weight thanks to its paper-based backing and the share of natural rubber in the adhesive. It is also 71.7% recyclable according to PTS-RH 021:2012. For suitable applications, it offers customers a way to consider paper as a material base and recyclability in transport securing.

Contact us now

Our adhesive tapes show what is possible today. We are challenging our concepts continuously and develop further and enhance our solutions. Together, we're ready for what's next. For questions, please reach out to us.

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More information about the PPWR and its scope and future evolution

More information

Packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR): The EU packaging revolution?

Last updated on Sep 3, 2026

Practical solutions for evolving regulations