Regulatory changes for Europe’s packaging industry
July 22, 2024
“For the first time in an environmental law, the EU is setting targets to reduce packaging, regardless of the material used. We now call on all industrial sectors, EU countries and consumers to play their part in the fight against excess packaging,” shared Frédérique Ries, European Parliament Rapporteur.
This landmark initiative aims to tackle the growing problem of packaging waste, which has significant repercussions for the environment. With nearly 190 kilograms of packaging waste generated per person annually in Europe, the urgency of addressing this issue has never been clearer.
In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, the European Parliament adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in April 2024, a groundbreaking regulation aimed at curbing the surge in packaging waste across the continent.
These regulations dictate what packaging can be sold in the EU, set waste management and prevention measures and require packaging to be reusable or recoverable. Recent updates include sustainable measures for plastic bags, increased recycling targets and mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Below is a snapshot of some of the highlights of the PPWR:
Global decrease in packaging waste: A cornerstone of the new directive is its aggressive reduction targets, including goals to decrease packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040.
Minimum recycled content: The PPWR mandates minimum recycled content in packaging. For example, single-use plastic bottles must contain 30% recycled content by 2030 and 65% by 2040.
Packaging-free products: To cut unnecessary waste, the PPWR also bans plastic packaging for certain uses, such as fruit and vegetables.
Ban on single-serve: Certain single-use plastic packaging types will be banned by 2030, including those used for fresh fruits and vegetables, takeaway food and beverages, and individual portions (like condiments).
Supporting reusable packaging: Final distributors of food and beverages will be required to offer customers the option to bring their own containers. Additionally, they aim for 10% of products to be offered in reusable packaging by 2030.
Eco-design requirements: All packaging (except for very lightweight wood, cork, textile, rubber, ceramic, porcelain, and wax) will have to be designed for efficient recycling, meeting strict criteria.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR): Under the new regulations, producers will be held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their packaging. This includes financial contributions for packaging collection and recycling initiatives, encouraging manufacturers to design products with less waste and more sustainability in mind.
Transparent reporting measures: Companies will be required to report the recyclability and sustainability of their packaging regularly, ensuring transparency and fostering a culture of accountability in waste management.
Consumer awareness campaigns: The regulation also promotes educational initiatives aimed at consumers, helping them understand the importance of recycling and waste reduction and encouraging more sustainable purchasing habits.
This ambitious regulation is expected to have a profound impact not only on reducing packaging waste but also on fostering innovation in sustainable packaging solutions across industries. This reflects a growing recognition of the crucial role that effective packaging waste management plays in combatting climate change and protecting natural resources. By implementing these measures, the EU aims to pave the way for a circular economy where packaging materials are reused, recycled, and reintegrated into production cycles, thereby reducing reliance on finite resources.
The new EU regulations have significant implications for companies operating in the European market. In particular, companies will need to evaluate their current packaging materials, develop more sustainable alternatives that meet the new regulations, adapt product offerings to include reusable packaging options, communicate on their progress and collaborate with existing refill and reuse systems.
VIVACE is pleased to support clients with these and other circular economy regulations, including keeping up-to-date with specific regulations and implementation timelines. Please get in touch for more details!
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