Packaging is an integral part of our lives. It protects products, provides information, and facilitates handling. However, its quantity is constantly growing, posing a burden on the environment. The European Union is therefore introducing a new regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), which aims to transition to sustainability in the packaging industry.
What changes does PPWR bring?
The new PPWR regulation addresses the growing problem of packaging waste. The main goals include waste prevention, ensuring the recyclability of packaging placed on the EU market, promoting reusable packaging, and setting targets for the minimum share of recycled content in new plastic packaging. The regulation also introduces bans on certain single-use plastic packaging (e.g., miniature hotel cosmetics) and pushes for minimizing empty space in packaging.
For companies, this means rethinking their product design, materials used, and packaging strategy. The regulation entered into force on February 11, 2025; companies will have to comply with this regulation from August 12, 2026.
Mycelium packaging as a possible solution
Can natural packaging be a solution? MYCO company, led by David Šohaj Minařík, focuses on the development and production of natural and biodegradable materials from fungal mycelium and organic waste materials such as sawdust. This approach and potential solution align with many of the PPWR principles.
The story of David Šohaj Minařík, originally a trained painter who found his way to biotechnologies through personal challenges and an interest in science and nature, is an example of innovative thinking crucial for fulfilling the European Union’s goals. His effort to create something useful led to experimenting with mycelium, which has the potential to become a new standard not only in the packaging industry.
How Myco can meet PPWR requirements
The approach of MYCO company and the properties of their material offer several solutions to meet the new requirements of the European PPWR directive.
One of the most significant properties of MYCO material is its ability to directly replace some plastic packaging, such as expanded polystyrene. Precisely preventing the creation of plastic waste is one of the European Union’s goals.
No less important is the biodegradability and compostability of MYCO material. The material is designed to decompose in natural conditions without harmful microplastics. In combination with the use of waste materials such as sawdust or hemp shives, the principles of the circular economy are also met.
All of this is supported by innovative production technology. Thanks to its own process, which includes sterilization and material molding, MYCO can offer its solutions in industrial volumes. This, along with a competitive price, is crucial for the adoption of this sustainable material.
Directive as a reason for innovation
The new European PPWR directive introduces restrictions into the world of packaging. It places demands not only on packaging manufacturers but also on the users themselves. On the other hand, this directive opens doors for new solutions, such as those from MYCO. “For us at MYCO, PPWR confirms that the direction we embarked on years ago is the right one,” says David Šohaj Minařík.
MYCO is a Czech company focused on material innovation, developing natural, biodegradable materials from fungal mycelium and organic waste. Thanks to its unique technology, it offers sustainable solutions replacing plastics, especially in the packaging sector, with the aim of minimizing environmental impact.