---
title: Sustainable Packaging. Adapt Machines to New Materials
description: The EU PPWR regulation mandates recyclable packaging by 2030. For food SMEs, the challenge is adapting existing machines to new materials.
featured_image: https://e-novia.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ChatGPT-Image-16-lug-2026-14_19_11-1024x768.webp
date: 2026-07-09
modified: 2026-07-16
author: m.parma
url: https://e-novia.it/en/news/sustainable-packaging-retrofit-sensors-machines/
categories: [News]
tags: ["Food & beverage"]
---

# Sustainable Packaging. How to Adapt Existing Machines to New Materials

![Tecnico installa un modulo sensore retrofit su una linea di confezionamento in uno stabilimento alimentare italiano](https://e-novia.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ChatGPT-Image-16-lug-2026-14_19_11-1024x768.webp)

e-Novia Editorial Team

What does the PPWR regulation require for food packaging?

The PPWR (Regulation EU 2025/40) requires that by 2030, all packaging placed on the European market must be designed for effective recycling. Annex V bans specific single-use plastic formats, including collation shrink wrap for shelf grouping, single-dose HORECA sachets, and packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg. The regulation also sets minimum recycled content thresholds for plastics.

Why do sustainable films cause problems on existing packaging machines?

Sustainable materials have different physical properties from conventional plastic. The sealing window narrows, the coefficient of friction changes, and material stiffness affects package formation. These effects compound, making every material changeover a tuning process that requires time, specialist expertise, and line stoppages.

How does a sensor retrofit work on a packaging machine?

A retrofit adds sensors and intelligence to existing machines without replacing them. Critical process parameters are measured (film tension, sealing temperature, package quality), data is processed locally, and the operator or the machine receives guidance on how to adjust settings. Depending on the machine's architecture, the result can range from adaptive control to assisted recipes and continuous monitoring.