The European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) has launched a two-month industry consultation to gather feedback on its newly developed Design for Circularity (DfC) guidelines for PET bottles. The initiative, which runs until February 15, 2026, aims to engage stakeholders across the PET value chain in refining the draft framework before its finalisation.
The consultation follows EPBP’s release of the Circularity Protocol and the Quick Test–AIT.Circularity, an accelerated impact test. Together, these tools aim to support the sector’s move toward multi-loop recycling and closed-loop PET systems in line with evolving European Union policy.
The DfC guidelines mark a shift from the existing Design for Recycling (DfR) framework. While DfR focuses on producing high-quality recyclate from single-use PET bottles, the new DfC model is intended to maintain material quality and functionality over multiple recycling cycles.
“The move from DfR to DfC represents a structural change in how packaging is designed and assessed,” EPBP stated. “Circularity must now be evaluated over repeated life cycles rather than a single recycling loop.”
The upcoming Petcore Europe Annual Conference, scheduled for February 4–5, 2026, will present the transition from DfR to DfC. EPBP said the consultation is intended to ensure that the DfC guidelines are practical, scientifically sound, and compatible with operational realities.
Participants including PET producers, converters, brand owners, recyclers, and technology providers are encouraged to review and comment on the draft via EPBP’s online portal.
As a liaison to the CEN Technical Committee, EPBP will also share consultation outcomes with CEN to support European standardisation efforts.
This consultation builds on earlier work, including the Circularity Test Protocol, introduced to help the industry meet upcoming EU targets for minimum recycled PET content and adapt to stricter circularity requirements.