Packaging decisions for sugar sticks and sachets now have a direct impact on both packaging costs and future PPWR readiness. As EPR schemes increasingly reward recyclable packaging, highly fiber-based solutions can offer financial benefits. In Belgium, for example, switching from conventional paper-PE laminates to a highly fiber-based structure may reduce EPR fees by up to 98%4.
At the same time, performance remains non-negotiable. That's why delfort developed 95/5 fiber-based packaging solutions for sugar sticks and sachets. With more than 95% paper content, they combine reliable product protection, high-speed machineability, and strong recyclability characteristics.*
*Recyclability results are based on testing of our paper structure. Application-specific factors, such as the size of the sugar sachet, may influence recycling outcomes in different countries.
Why sugar packaging needs a change
For many years, paper-PE laminates have been the standard choice for sugar sachets and sticks. While these structures provide reliable protection, increasing regulatory pressure is driving demand for packaging with higher fiber content and improved recyclability. This shift is reinforced by eco-modulated EPR schemes, where conventional paper-PE laminates may receive less favorable classifications than more recyclable alternatives.
Two major developments are shaping packaging decisions today:
- PPWR requirements
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) places great emphasis on recyclability and material efficiency, requiring all packaging to be recyclable by 2030. For companies supplying sugar portions to the HORECA sector, packaging choices made today can influence future compliance and market access. Single-use sugar sachets are only affected by the HORECA restrictions if they contain more than 5% non-paper content. With more than 95% paper content and less than 5% plastic by weight, our 95/5 sugar packaging solutions are not classified as composite packaging under the PPWR. This can help companies align their packaging portfolios with evolving regulatory requirements while improving recyclability.
- Eco-modulated EPR fees
Across Europe, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes increasingly link packaging fees to recyclability performance. In many eco-modulated EPR systems, packaging that performs better in recycling streams may qualify for lower fees, while structures with higher plastic content may be subject to higher fees, depending on national regulations and classification criteria.
How our recyclable sugar packaging solution can reduce EPR fees
Traditional paper-PE laminates often contain more than 20% polyethylene, which can negatively affect their classification in paper recycling systems. In contrast, our solutions
- thinbarrier® fit 47.3 gsm
- thinbarrier® fit natural 47.3 gsm
- thinseal 47.3 gsm
- thinseal natural 47.3 gsm
contain more than 95% paper content and have been tested for recyclability according to the CEPI method. This higher fiber content can help align sugar sticks and sachets with paper packaging categories that may benefit from more favorable EPR fee structures.
Based on current fee models and classifications, switching from conventional paper-PE laminates (40 g/m2 paper combined with 10 or 12 g/m2 PE) to selected delfort grades may result in significant EPR fee reductions:
- up to 70% lower EPR fees in Italy1,2
- up to 73% lower EPR fees in the United Kingdom3
- up to 98% lower EPR fees in Belgium4 (compared with composite structures that do not meet CEPI recyclability criteria)
1) https://www.conai.org/en/companies/services-for- managing-consortium-obligations-and-business- opportunities/epr-fee/modulated-epr-fee-for-paper- packaging - 15.09.2026
2) Guida all’adesione e all’applicazione del Contributo Ambientale, Conai, 2026
3) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/year -2-i llustrative-waste-disposal-fees-extended- producer- responsibility-for-packaging/year-2-I llustrative-waste- disposal-fees-extended- producer-responsibility-for- packaging – 15.09.2026
4) https://www.fostplus.be/en/members/packaging- epr-rates - 15.09.2026
Actual classifications and fees depend on market-specific regulations and individual pack designs. However, the trend is clear: as recyclability becomes more valuable, packaging designed for paper recycling streams may offer already today economic advantages.
For companies selling large volumes of sugar sticks and sachets, even small packaging improvements can translate into substantial cost savings over time.
This scientific and application-focused approach helps customers reduce uncertainty and accelerate innovation while ensuring final packaging performance.
Paper-based sugar packaging that delivers performance and recyclability
Companies no longer need to choose between product protection, performance, and recyclability as they can have all in one.
Key benefits ouf our 95/5 solutions:
- more than 95% paper content
- designed to support paper-based packaging requirements under PPWR
- lower EPR fees in markets with eco-modulated fee structures
- tested for recyclability according to the CEPI method (where collection and recycling infrastructure is available)
- available in white, natural or transparent appearance options
- exceptional print quality, particularly in rotogravure and flexographic printing
- good moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) to help maintain the free-flowing properties of sugar throughout its shelf life. For example, our thinbarrier® fit 47.3 g/m2 achieves an MVTR of 125 g/(m²·d), measured at 23°C and 85% relative humidity.
The result is a packaging solution that helps keep valuable materials in circulation while supporting business objectives.
How does PPWR affect sugar sticks and sugar sachets packaging?
Beyond EPR fees, the PPWR is creating another strong incentive to use high-paper-content packaging solutions.
From January 2030, PPWR will prohibit certain single-use plastic portion packs supplied for on-premises consumption in the HORECA sector, subject to specific exemptions, such as packaging is supplied together with takeaway ready-prepared food intended for immediate consumption. For companies supplying sugar sticks and sachets to cafés, restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice applications, material choices made today can therefore have a direct impact on future compliance.
According to the European Commission's 2026 interpretation guideline, paper-based packaging containing less than 5% plastic is not considered single-use plastic packaging under Annex V, points 1-4. As a result, packaging structures with very high paper content can help companies:
- reduce future regulatory risks
- support PPWR readiness
- align their packaging portfolios with evolving market expectations
Rather than waiting for regulations to take effect, businesses can start preparing for the transition while maintaining the performance standards required today.
Our 95/5 fiber-based solutions for sugar sticks and sachets are designed with exactly this goal in mind: combining high paper content, reliable packaging performance, and production efficiency to support the transition toward PPWR-ready packaging.
Proven on high speed-packaging lines
Excellent recyclability only creates value if packaging performs reliably in production.
One of our sugar packaging customers, Pinin Pero, was looking for a more recyclable alternative to its traditional paper-PE laminate structure. The objective was clear: move to a 95/5 fiber-based solution without compromising production speed or investing in new equipment.
The customer tested our thinbarrier® fit 47.3 g/m2 and thinbarrier® fit natural 47.3 g/m2 under standard production conditions for both white and brown sugar.
Results
- no machine modifications required
- no additional capital investment needed
- production speeds of 130 to 160 packs per minute
- lower sealing temperatures of approximately 140°C compared with 190-230°C for conventional structures
This enabled the customer to improve the recyclability performance of its sugar packaging without compromising production efficiency or requiring additional investment.
Are you also looking for a PPWR-ready alternative to conventional paper-PE laminates for sugar sticks and sachets?
FAQs
What is the difference between 95/5 fiber-based packaging and conventional paper-PE laminates?
For many sugar producers and packers, the challenge is not whether recyclability should improve, but how to improve it without compromising packaging performance. The comparison below highlights the key differences between conventional paper-PE laminates in this application and delfort’s 95/5 fiber-based solutions for sugar sticks and sachets.
How are the EPR fees calculated?
EPR fee structures vary by country, but they are typically influenced by several factors:
- packaging material type (for example, paper, plastic, or composite structures)
- packaging weight or volume
- recyclability performance
- sorting and collection efficiency
- coatings, barriers, laminations, or other packaging components
- country-specific regulations and classification rules
In eco-modulated EPR systems, packaging that is easier to collect, sort, and recycle is generally rewarded with lower fees. For example, plain paper packaging may receive more favorable classifications than structures containing higher levels of plastic or complex laminations.
As EPR schemes continue to evolve across Europe, packaging design is becoming an increasingly important factor in controlling packaging-related costs.
Does more than 95% paper content automatically mean a packaging structure is recyclable?
No. While high fiber content is an important factor, recyclability depends on additional criteria such as barrier chemistry, repulpability, and the ability of the packaging to be effectively processed within existing recycling systems.
delfort’s 95/5 fiber-based barrier papers for sugar sticks and sachets have been tested for recyclability according to the CEPI test method*. This helps manufacturers evaluate recyclability performance beyond paper content alone.
*where appropriate collection and recycling infrastructure is available.
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