The Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) Plastic Waste Coalition has completed its 2024 review of the Golden Design Rules (GDRs) for plastic packaging, to ensure that they ‘remain relevant and fully aligned with the latest legislation and industry guidance’.
The Coalition, which encompasses leading retailers and consumer goods firms around the world, made five minor updates to its GDR guidance.
These have been included in a newly updated online version of the Golden Design Rules Factpack.
‘Rigourous assessment process’
According to a statement by the CGF, the review process has confirmed that the GDRs ‘remain relevant and fully aligned with the latest legislation and industry guidance. The assessment process was rigorous, incorporating evaluations of key regulations, expert interviews, internal analyses, and member working sessions.’
Legislation continues to evolve – in Europe, for example, clarity is still needed on some of the definitions outlined in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). As a result, the next review of the Golden Design Rules is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, or sooner if required.
Golden Design Rules
The Golden Design Rules were first introduced in 2020, with a focus on optimising PET bottle recycling and eliminating problematic materials like carbon black, PVC, and EPS. The rules also target business-to-business plastic packaging, promoting the removal of unnecessary materials that do not reach consumers, and emphasise clear, accurate on-pack recycling instructions.
Following the addition of new member CJ CheilJedang in August of this year, the full list of Plastic Waste Coalition members includes Aldi Süd, Amcor, Barilla, Beiersdorf, Beijing Hualian Group, Bel Group, Carrefour, CJ CheilJedang, The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Danone, DFI, Essity, FairPrice, Ferrero, Grupo AlEn, Grupo Bimbo, Haleon, Henkel, ICA Gruppen, Jerónimo Martins, Kenvue, Kao Corporation, The Kraft Heinz Company, Land O’Lakes, L’Oréal, Loblaw Companies Limited, Mars International, McCain Foods, Merck Animal Health, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Proctor & Gamble, Reckitt, Refresco, Rewe Group, SC Johnson, SIG Combibloc Group, Smufitkappa, TetraPak, Unilever and Walmart. Read more here.
